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| Press Releases |
For Immediate Release
12/13/07
| Contact: |
Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
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Stevens Pushes for Deployment of Broadband in Rural America
Asks FCC to Look Into Calling Card Practices |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens today called for increased deployment of broadband service to rural America during the Committee's oversight hearing of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Senator Stevens also urged FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to look into calling card practices that discriminate against Alaska.
Following is an excerpt of Senator Stevens’s opening statement:
“Deployment of broadband is an important priority. The (Federal Communications) Commission has indicated that steps to provide a more accurate picture of the marketplace will be taken, and it is my hope that these actions will be taken soon. Universal service is the most important element for the communications infrastructure our country needs in rural areas. I was glad to see that the joint board has outlined proposals for comprehensive reform. While Alaska is unique, it is not alone in needing universal service programs to deliver the benefits of broadband, telemedicine and distance learning. Universal service has a central role to play in the continued development of this country’s resources in rural America and any reform efforts should reflect this important role.”
During the question-and-answer portion of the hearing Senator Stevens asked the FCC to look into calling card practices. At least one major carrier is looking to discontinue service or charge a different rate for its calling cards in Alaska.
Sen. Stevens: We understand that we have a threat about discontinuing some of the national calling cards in our state. Now, I thought we worked it out so that we have a concept that the same rates would apply everywhere. Are you going to permit calling cards to be available only in 49 states?
Chairman Martin: No, and I think you’re absolutely right. Rate integration requirements in the law say that they have to be providing that to all 50 states.
Sen. Stevens: That’s what really started the whole thing back when Sen. Inouye and I co-sponsored that resolution about universal service, making certain we had ubiquitous service all over the country available to everyone, no matter where they were in terms of communication. Now, calling cards are a part of that. I hope you will stick to that and tell the companies if they issue those calling cards, they must issue them in all 50 states. And I would hope you would take action against anyone who doesn’t.
Chairman Martin: Yes sir. We’ll follow up with that because they are required to do that everywhere.
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| 19th - |
Senate Approves Nominees for DOC, STB, PHMSA, USCG, and NOAA
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved nominees reported from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for positions with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Surface Transportation Board, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Senate confirmed nominees include:
Mr. Todd Zinser, Nominated to be Inspecto...
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| 19th - |
Congress Approves Stevens Provision to Exempt Universal Service Fund from Antideficiency Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Congress today approved an important provision sponsored by Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to exempt the Universal Service Fund (USF) from the Antideficiancy Act (ADA) for another year. The provision was included as part of an omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2764) and would provide relief from...
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| 19th - |
Congress Approves Stevens Provision to Help Small Businesses in Rural America
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Congress today approved an important provision sponsored by Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to assist small businesses in rural America. The provision, which was part of an omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2764), prevents universal service support from being restricted to primary phone lines. ...
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| 19th - |
Congress Approves Measure to Expand Internet and Digital Access to Minority Schools and Colleges
- WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States Congress today approved a pilot program, cosponsored by Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), to expand Internet and digital technology access in minority serving educational institutions, including those serving Alaska Natives. The bipartisan program, based on S. 1650, was included in the omnibus appr...
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| 19th - |
Congress Approves Stevens-Inouye Provision on IUU Fishing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Congress today approved a provision authored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) that would create a list of fishing vessels and vessel owners engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The measure was included as part of a comprehensive omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2764). The provision would als...
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| 19th - |
Inouye Applauds Signing of Monumental Energy Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) today joined Senate and House colleagues at the Presidential signing ceremony for historic energy legislation.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 contains language originating from the “Ten-in-Ten” Fuel Economy Act which increases fleetwide average fuel economy by 10 miles per gal...
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| 19th - |
Stevens Praises Historic Fuel Economy Increase Signed into Law
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – President George W. Bush today signed into law a bipartisan measure sponsored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to increase fuel economy for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. This raises fuel economy standards for cars for the first time since 1975. The provision was included as part of H.R. 6, the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and En...
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| 18th - |
Commerce Committee Approves STB and Amtrak Nominees, USCG Promotions
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today unanimously approved nominees and promotions for positions within the Surface Transportation Board, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation Board of Directors (Amtrak), and the United States Coast Guard.
The Committee approved nominees include:
Mr. Francis Mulvey, Reappointment to be a Member ...
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| 17th - |
Senate Passes Stevens Legislation to Extend Do-Not-Call Registry
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate tonight approved legislation to extend and improve the Do-Not-Call registry by unanimous consent. The Do-Not-Call Registry Fee Extension Act of 2007 (S.781) and the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 (S. 2096) were both cosponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Similar legislation was approved by the House of...
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| 17th - |
FMCA, ATA, Teamsters among Witnesses for Truck Driver HOS Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Federal Truck Driver Hour-of-Service (HOS) Rules and Truck Safety. The witnesses are listed below.
The primary focus of the hearing will be on the Federal Motor Carrier...
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| 14th - |
Commerce Committee to Hear Testimony from STB, Amtrak, PHMSA Nominees
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee Nominations Hearing for Francis Mulvey, nominated for reappointment to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board; Denver Stutler, Jr., Nancy A. Naples, and Thomas C. Carper, nominated to be Members of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation Board of Directors (Amtrak); and Ca...
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| 14th - |
Coast Guard, NOAA, GAO among Witnesses for Oil Spills Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses for an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on Oil Spills from Non-tank Vessels: Threats, Risks, and Vulnerabilities. The witnesses are below.
In light of the recent spill in San Francisco Bay, this hearing will examine the oil spill threats, risk...
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| 14th - |
President Signs Stevens Bill to Allow Commercial Pilots to Fly until Age 65
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
– President George W. Bush late yesterday signed into law the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act (H.R. 4343). The U.S. Senate passed this legislation, which will have a dramatic impact on
Alaska
’s aviation industry, unanimously Wednesday night. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has led the efforts for this reform for more than a decade.
H.R. 4343 will all...
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| 13th - |
New Date Set for Truck Driver HOS Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a new date for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Federal Truck Driver Hour-of-Service (HOS) Rules and Truck Safety.
The primary focus of the hearing will be on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) int...
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| 13th - |
Senate Approves Stevens Provision to Increase Fuel Economy
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate today approved a bipartisan measure sponsored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to increase fuel economy for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020. This raises fuel economy standards for the first time since 1975. The provision was included as part of H.R. 6, the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency ...
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| 13th - |
Senate Approves Pool and Spa Safety Act as Part of Energy Package
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate today passed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (S. 1771) to prevent drowning and entrapment deaths and injuries in swimming pools and spas. The legislation was included as part of a comprehensive energy bill (H.R. 6) that was approved by a vote of 86 to 8. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, sponsored by Committee Vi...
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| 13th - |
current Press Release |
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| 13th - |
Inouye Applauds Senate Passage of Historic Fuel Economy Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) delivered the following statement today on the floor of the U.S. Senate just before passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
“Mr. President, I rise today in support of the Renewable Consumer and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. After months of constructive negotiations, we have successfull...
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| 13th - |
Inouye Introduces Bill to Correct Flawed FCC Forbearance Process
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) introduced legislation today that will prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting telecommunications companies regulatory forbearance by default.
Under the Communications Act of 1934, a telecommunications company may petition the FCC for forbearance from regulatory and statutory requireme...
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| 13th - |
Inouye Calls for Transparent Regulatory Process at FCC
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement today at a Federal Communications oversight hearing:
“It’s an exciting time for communications. We are seeing dramatic changes in the way we communicate, conduct business, educate, and entertain ourselves in this country. The future of communications holds tremendous pro...
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| 12th - |
Senate Approves Changes to Age 60 Rule
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation issued the following statement upon full Senate approval of a bill that raises airline pilot retirement age from 60 to 65.
“I am pleased the U.S. Senate recognized the need to raise the pilot retirement age to 65. Forcing our nation’s pilots t...
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| 12th - |
Congress Approves Stevens-Inouye Provision to Allow Commercial Pilots to Fly Past Age 60
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate today approved the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act (HR 4343) by unanimous consent. The bill would allow commercial airline pilots to fly until the age of 65 and is identical to a provision sponsored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Chairman Daniel Inouye (D...
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| 12th - |
Stevens Pushes for Updated National Runway Safety Plan
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update their National Runway Safety Plan. Last week the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended that the FAA take several steps to enhance safety in its report entitled “Aviation Runway and Ramp Safety.&rdquo...
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| 12th - |
Commerce Committee to Hear Testimony from FAA Administrator, DOT Assist. Secretary Nominees
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee Nominations Hearing for Robert A. Sturgell, nominated to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and Simon Charles Gros, nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Governmental Affairs at the Department of Transportation.
Nominations Hearing
Full Com...
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| 11th - |
Commerce Subcommittee to Examine Oil Spill Threats
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on Oil Spills from Non-tank Vessels: Threats, Risks, and Vulnerabilities.
In light of the recent spill in San Francisco Bay, this hearing will examine the oil spill threats, risks, and vulnerabilities posed by large non-...
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| 6th - |
Stevens Urges Passage of Decency Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today urged the Senate to consider the Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act (S. 1780) that he is cosponsoring along with Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The legislation was introduced by Senator John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and would require the Federal Communicati...
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| 5th - |
Senator Hutchison Named Ranking Member of Aviation Subcommittee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today was named the new Ranking Member of the Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee. Senator Hutchison will replace current Ranking Member Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.), who announced last week that he is resigning at the end of this year.
“Aviation is vital to our country and especially to my home state of ...
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| 4th - |
Inouye Leads Commerce Committee Approval of Climate Change and Ocean Acidification Legislation
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement upon Commerce Committee approval of three bills on climate change and ocean acidification from carbon emissions.
“Today as world leaders are meeting in Bali, Indonesia for the United Nations Framework Convention on C...
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| 4th - |
Inouye: Media Ownership Act Provides Transparency in FCC Proceedings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement upon Committee approval of S. 2332, the Media Ownership Act of 2007:
“Transparency in the FCC’s media ownership proceedings is not only fair, it is right. This bill encourages the FCC to provide a forum for meaningful discussion and brings us a step closer to balanced med...
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| 4th - |
Stevens Praises Senator Lott for Leadership on Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today praised Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) for his leadership on Commerce Committee issues in the Senate.
Senator Stevens made the following statement today:
“I would like to take a few moments of the Committee’s time to say ‘farewell’ to Senator Lott...
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| 4th - |
Committee Approves Measure to Deal With Increased Ocean Acidification
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved the “Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Management Act of 2007” (S.1581) which is cosponsored by Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Ocean acidification, which is caused by rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, could negatively alter marine ecosystems and...
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| 4th - |
Transportation Subcommittee to Examine Truck Driver Safety
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security hearing on Federal Truck Driver Hour-of-Service (HOS) Rules and Truck Safety.
The primary focus of the hearing will be on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) soon to be publ...
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