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Press Releases |
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Senate Commerce Committee Approves Seven Bills
Personal Information Protection, Enhanced 911 Capabilities Top Agenda |
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“Protecting Americans, be it from the threat of identity theft or during a time of emergency, remains a top priority.” said Chairman Inouye. “Our actions today would provide more steps in providing peace of mind to consumers about the theft of their personal information and to families trying to reach first responders in time of emergency,”
The Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007, S. 1178, requires businesses, organizations, and federal agencies to maintain and protect sensitive personal information. The Federal Trade Commission establishes standards for companies safeguarding such information and is responsible for enforcing the Act against businesses and organizations, other than those that are regulated by other federal agencies. Violators may be fined up to $11,000 per violation per day with no cap. The bill also obligates these businesses, organizations, and federal agencies to notify consumers in the event of a security breach that creates a reasonable risk of identity theft.
Under the bill, in the event of a breach, a consumer may place a security freeze on his or her consumer credit report, which blocks the release of any information from the consumer’s credit report without the explicit authorization of the consumer. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the display of social security numbers on employer, school or other identification cards, and state driver’s licenses. It also prohibits the sale, purchase, or solicitation of social security numbers, except for limited purposes such as fraud prevention and to pursue criminals.
“Daily errands, such as purchasing an item at a store, should not make Americans vulnerable to identity theft. Businesses must protect consumers’ information, and violators must be held responsible,” said Chairman Inouye. “The ID Theft Prevention bill provides the consumer a real defense from identity theft. Consumers will be awarded the long-awaited power to limit the use of their social security numbers and place a credit freeze on their accounts. ”
S. 428, the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2007 would grant IP-enabled voice providers the right of access to essential 911 components comparable to the rights of access granted to commercial mobile service providers. The bill also would clarify the right of states and localities to impose 911 fees on IP-enabled voice services providers to use for expanded 911, E911, or other public safety purpose. S. 428 would also direct the E911 Implementation Coordination Office to develop and report to Congress on a national plan for migrating to an IP-enabled emergency network within 270 days of the bill’s enactment.
“When it comes to public safety and services like E911, we must always strive to do better,” said Chairman Inouye. “When lives are on the line, first responders need location information that is as accurate as possible. The IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act would ensure that first responders receive accurate information, which would, without a doubt, save lives.”
Other approved items include the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007, the Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act, the Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2007, the Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act, an amendment to the Horse Protection Act, and several promotions within the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
All items were reported unanimously with the exception of the amendment to the Horse Protection Act, was reported 15 to 7.
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S. 294, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2007 (PRIIA), is a six-year, passenger rail reauthorization bill for fiscal years 2007 through 2012. The bill would authorize funding for Amtrak’s capital and operating needs to maintain current operations, upgrade equipment, and return the Northeast Corridor (NEC) to a state of good repair. Over the life of the bill, Amtrak’s operating subsidy would be reduced by 40 percent through cost cutting, restructuring, and reform, while capital funding to Amtrak and the States is increased. The bill also would create a new intercity passenger rail capital grant program for the States.
The Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act, S. 924, would direct the USCG to use a competitive process for selecting future contractors for its Deepwater Program. In addition, the bill would require the USCG to certify to Congress that proposed contractors meet objective criteria on feasibility, maturity of design, and costs. The bill would direct pending contractors to undergo analysis by an independent third party. It, however, would allow contractors in progress to complete their work. Additionally, under the bill, the USCG would provide information to Congress regarding the status of the Deepwater program, including a report on the 110’ patrol boat gaps, and information to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their continued monitoring of the Deepwater program.
S. 675, the Training for Realtime Writers Act of 2007, would authorize a new grant program within the Department of Commerce encouraging the training of closed captioners. The bill would authorize funding levels at $20 million per year for fiscal years 2008 through 2012. It also would create target grant awards for curriculum development, student recruitment, scholarships, training, distance learning, and job placement.
The Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act, S. 1142, would authorize the Secretary of Commerce to create a Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection (CELP) Program that protects threatened coastal areas that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or other value. States would submit proposals for the grants, which would be awarded based on demonstrated need for protection. Approved proposals could receive up to 75% of the cost for protection.
S. 311, would amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses, or the alike, to be slaughtered for human consumption.
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26th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Ocean Acidification, Nobel Laureates, CAFE Hearings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following hearings:
Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee hearing on the 2006 Nobel Laureates for Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at 4:00 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building;
Full Committee hearing on the Pending Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Legislation, fo...
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26th - |
America COMPETES Act Passes Senate
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the United States Senate passed S. 761, the America COMPETES Act, a bill to expand basic research and development, and promote math and science education. The Act includes a provision authored by Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), an original cosponsor of the bill, which would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a men...
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25th - |
Committee Announces Rescheduled ATV Safety Hearing Date
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation announces the rescheduled date for the Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety Subcommittee Hearing on ATV Safety for Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
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25th - |
current Press Release |
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25th - |
Senate Passes “America COMPETES Act”
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate today passed the “America COMPETES Act” (S.761) by a vote of 88-8. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) along with Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Senator L...
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25th - |
Committee Passes VoIP/Public Safety Bill with Stevens Provisions
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today approved S. 428, the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, with several key provisions authored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. The measure would require Internet telephone companies to offer enhanced 911 services to all subscribers. This leg...
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25th - |
Stevens Commends Republican High Tech Task Force on Ambitious Agenda
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today commended the Senate Republican Task Force and its Chairman Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) on the panel’s ambitious legislative agenda for the 110th Congress. Sen. Stevens said he was especially pleased to see the agenda’s inclusion of Universal Service Fund (USF) reform and the permanent extension of the Internet tax moratorium, w...
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25th - |
Stevens and Inouye ID Theft Prevention Act Passes Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today passed S. 1178 the “Identity Theft Prevention Act.” Committee Vice Chairman Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) introduced the legislation and it is cosponsored by Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Senator Bill ...
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23rd - |
Chairman Inouye Encourages Passage of Innovation and Competitiveness Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) encourages the Senate to pass the America COMPETES Act, S. 761, which authorizes grants for the expansion and promotion of math, science, and technology research and development, as well as education programs from elementary through graduate school.
In a recent hearing on U.S. Competitiveness through Basic Research, Chairman Inouye not...
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23rd - |
Commerce Committee Announces U.S. Trade Relations with China Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science, and Transportation announces an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee Hearing on U.S. Trade Relations with for Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the
Russell
Senate
Office
Building
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23rd - |
Senator Stevens Urges Senate to Pass Competitiveness Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) made a statement on the Senate floor in support of the America COMPETES Act (S.761), which would increase American investment in basic research and improve the teaching of math, science, and engineering. Senator Stevens is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation. Below are excerpts from his statement:
Senator Stevens: I stro...
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20th - |
Stevens and Inouye Introduce Bill To Combat ID Theft
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), introduced legislation today to combat identify theft. The “Identity Theft Prevention Act,” (S.1178), cosponsored by Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), would strengthen ...
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20th - |
Chairman Inouye Introduces Identity Theft Prevention Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), along with Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Consumer Affairs, Insurance and Automotive Safety Subcommittee Chairman Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), and Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-Ore.) introduced the Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2007 earlier today, which authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect consume...
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19th - |
Rural Air Service Hearing Announced
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation announces an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee Hearing on Improving Air Service to Small and Rural Communities for Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
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19th - |
April 25 Executive Session Agenda Announced
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation announces the agenda for its Executive Session scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building. The agenda includes:
1. Nominations for Promotion in the United States Coast Guard, (PNs 386 and 423)
2. S.357, Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Ac...
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18th - |
Stevens Calls for Coast Guard Modernization
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today called for the modernization of the United States Coast Guard, including improvements to its Deepwater program. These comments were made during a Commerce Committee hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fiscal Year 2008 budget.
“I am concerned about...
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17th - |
Trade Subcommittee Schedules Halliburton, U.S. Business Ties to Iran Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation announces an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee Hearing on Halliburton and U.S. Business Ties to Iran for Monday, April 30, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building;
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17th - |
Statement of Senator Daniel K. Inouye on XM-Sirius and the Public Interest
- This morning the Committee considers issues related to the proposed merger of the two satellite radio operators in the United States, XM and Sirius.
While satellite radio is relatively new, it has grown rapidly. Today, XM and Sirius provide audio entertainment services to more than 13 million Americans. These subscribers listen to satellite radio primarily while drivi...
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16th - |
Commerce Announces Broadband and Competitiveness Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation announces a Full Committee Hearing on Communications, Broadband and Competitiveness: How Does the U.S. Measure Up? for Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
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12th - |
Statement of Senator Daniel K. Inouye
- The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program has been under development since 2001 and despite $99.4 million in appropriations from Congress, it is still languishing at the Department of Homeland Security.
In our last hearing on this subject almost one year ago, we heard testimony about severe cost-overruns, contract mismanagement, excessive person...
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11th - |
Commerce to Address Free Trade in Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation announces an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee Hearing titled Is "Free Trade" Working? for Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at 10 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
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10th - |
Stevens Calls for Improved E9-1-1 Services for Rural America
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today called for improved E9-1-1 services for rural America during a Commerce Committee hearing on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and the future of 9-1-1 services.
“Upgrades to our nation’s 9-1-1 network are critical, but we will fail if rural ...
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2nd - |
VoIP, XM Sirius Subjects of Upcoming Commerce Hearings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation announces the following two hearings:
Full Committee Hearing on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and the Future of 9-1-1 Services for Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building; and
Full Committee Hearing on XM Sirius for Tuesday, April 17, 2007, at 10:00 a...
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