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For Immediate Release
07/08/09
Contact: |
Jena Longo - Democratic Deputy Communications Director 202.224.7824
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Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Today's Nominees
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Washington, D.C.--Good Afternoon, I want to welcome everyone to our hearing on the five critical nominations of very talented public servants.
Each one of these talented individuals will be responsible for leading the way forward at very different agencies -- the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). But together, they represent a renewed commitment to keeping this nation prosperous and innovative, our communities safe and growing.
A few of my colleagues will make introductions, but I’d like to take a brief moment to welcome and introduce these incredible nominees.
Mr. Charles Bolden Jr., the President’s nominee for Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) comes to us after a distinguished 34-year career in the military. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 as the Commanding General of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing. Mr. Bolden is also an astronaut who has flown on four Space Shuttle missions – two as Shuttle pilot, and two as Shuttle Commander. He also has the unique distinction of flying with a member of the Commerce Committee, our very own Senator Bill Nelson – or as he was known on the Shuttle, “Payload Specialist Bill Nelson.”
Mr. Bolden is accompanied today by a very supportive – and large – group of family and friends. I am told that on his first Space Shuttle mission, numerous busloads of his family and friends made the trip to Cape Canaveral. It’s good to see so many of them here today as we consider his nomination.
Ms. Lori Garver, the President’s nominee for Deputy Administrator of NASA, brings over 20 years of experience in space and aeronautics. Ms. Garver was the lead civil space policy advisor for Obama for America, and she helped lead the Agency Review Team for NASA during the transition. Ms. Garver has previously served as NASA’s Associate Administrator of the Office of Policy and Plans and as a primary spokesperson for NASA.
Ms. Polly Trottenberg, the President’s nominee for Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy at the Department of Transportation, has devoted her career to transportation, including a long history in the Senate. She has worked for such esteemed members of the Senate as Senator Moynihan, Senator Schumer, and Senator Boxer. She currently serves as Executive Director of Building America's Future. With her extensive experience, I know she will be an asset to the Department.
Mr. Richard A. Lidinsky, the President’s nominee to be a Commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission, has dedicated more than 35 years to the international maritime industry serving in positions in both business and government. If confirmed, Mr. Lidinsky will be responsible for ensuring that U.S. international trade is open to all nations on fair and equitable terms, and protecting against unauthorized activity in the waterborne commerce of the United States.
Finally, I want to take a few moments to welcome back to the Committee a special friend of my home state of West Virginia - Ms. Deborah Hersman.
Ms. Hersman spent several years on this side of the dais and returns here for a second time as a nominee to serve on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). She has also been nominated to be the Chairman of the NTSB: a true testament to how well President Obama believes she has served in her current position.
I am proud to say that Ms. Hersman comes from some very good roots. Both of Debbie’s parents were born in Charleston West Virginia and raised in Spencer, West Virginia (Roane County). Her father, Walt Hersman, is here today and I think it’s safe to say he is one proud father. He was a test pilot and fighter pilot and retired as a Brigadier General in the Air Force. Although the Air Force had her family traveling all over the world while she was growing up, she always called West Virginia home.
After attending college at Virginia Tech, Ms. Hersman worked for then Congressman and now former Governor of West Virginia Bob Wise. After her time on the House side, Ms. Hersman joined us here at the Senate Commerce Committee for five years to lead the Committee’s Surface Transportation Subcommittee team, handling the economic and safety regulation of railroads, trucks, buses, pipelines, and hazardous materials transportation issue. In 2004, Ms. Hersman was nominated and confirmed by the Senate to serve as a member on the NTSB.
As a Board member, Ms. Hersman has led investigations into several major transportation tragedies. Most recently she has been working very hard to address the horrible accident that occurred right here on the Washington, D.C. Metro system. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who lost their loved ones in that accident.
I could go on and on about Ms. Hersman and how proud our state is of all her accomplishments. She is a remarkable leader and I am so very pleased that the Committee can consider her nomination here today.
To all of these remarkable nominees -- Mr. Bolden, Ms. Garver, Ms. Trottenberg, Mr. Lidinsky, and Ms. Hersman – thank you for joining us. It’s great to have you before the Committee and I look forward to your speedy confirmations so you can get right to work – there is much work to do.
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30th - |
Rockefeller, Boxer Applaud Funding for Rail Safety Grants
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV) lauded the Senate Appropriations Committee for fully funding a new railroad safety technology grant program, created by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
The committee passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which includes $50 million for the Railro...
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30th - |
Hearing Summary - Climate Services: Solutions from Commerce to Communities
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on Climate Services: Solutions from Commerce to Communities.
Witness List:
The Honorable Gary Locke, Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce
The Honorable John P. Holdren, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President
Key ...
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30th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Climate Services: Solutions from Commerce to Communities
- Our climate shapes every aspect of our lives. It determines where we build our roads and homes. It affects our health and it controls the amount of energy we need. Over one-third of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product is affected by weather and climate.
Climate change is happening—the scientists agree—we have observed rising temperatures and sea levels, reduced snow and ice...
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30th - |
Rockefeller Seeks Information on Health Care Co-ops
- WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released three letters seeking information regarding cooperative business arrangements, particularly in the health care arena. The letters were sent to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the National Cooperative Business Association, and the U.S. Department...
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29th - |
Hearing Summary: Nominations Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on nominations.
Witness List:
Mr. Christopher P. Bertram, to be Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer at the United States Department of Transportation
Ms. Susan L. Kurland, to be Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International A...
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28th - |
Hearing Summary - Weathering the Storm: The Need for a National Hurricane Initiative
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on Weathering the Storm: The Need for a National Hurricane Initiative.
Witness List:
Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, Co-Chairman, Task Force on Hurricane Science and Engineering, National Science Board
Dr. Richard W. Spinrad, Assistant Administrator, Office of Oceanic an...
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27th - |
Nominees Confirmed
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate confirmed the following nominees by unanimous consent on July 24, 2009:
Ms. Mignon L. Clyburn, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Ms. Meredith Attwell Baker, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Ms. Deborah A.P. Hersman, to be Chairman and Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (N...
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24th - |
Rockefeller Calls for Audit of General Motors and Chrysler Terminations
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller has requested the Special Inspector General of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) review the methodology of the General Motors (GM) and Chrysler decisions to terminate more than 2,000 dealership franchises across the country.
“There is substantial confusion, even among dealers themselves, as to how GM and Chrysler selected dealersh...
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22nd - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Advertising Trends and Consumer Protection
- With this hearing, the committee continues to highlight the Federal Trade Commission’s role in protecting the American people, especially at a time of unprecedented economic crisis. Last week, we explored the increasing frequency and danger of economic fraud and financial scams during tough times.
Today, we will examine deceptive advertising and its power to undermine consumers’ c...
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22nd - |
Hearing Summary: Advertising Trends and Consumer Protection
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a subcommittee hearing today on Advertising Trends and Consumer Protection.
Witness List:
Mr. David Vladeck, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission
Ms. Sally Greenberg, Executive Director, National Consumers League
Dr. Urvashi Rangan, Director for Technical...
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21st - |
Rockefeller Applauds Senate Commerce Committee's Approval of FAA Reauthorization Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement today after legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was approved by the Commerce Committee:
“I am very pleased that this important legislation was quickly approved by the Committee and t...
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21st - |
Chairman Rockefeller Applauds Senate Commerce Committee's Extension of Critical Highway Programs
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, worked today to extend critical highway and vehicle safety programs authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to extend the Nation...
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21st - |
Executive Session Committee Legislation Summary
- Washington, D.C.—Today the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Executive Session and favorably reported out the following legislation and nominees:
Nomination of Polly Trottenberg, to be Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy of the United States Department of Transportation (PN 549)
Nomination of Deborah A.P. Hersman, to be Chairman and Memb...
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20th - |
Chairman Rockefeller on the 40th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing
- WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement today honoring the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing:
“Forty years ago, three brave NASA astronauts ventured into the unknown carrying an entire nation’s hopes and dreams with them. When Apollo 11 lan...
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17th - |
Rockefeller and Hutchison Press DOT on Antitrust Immunity Cases
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Committee, joined together and urged the Department of Transportation to exercise its long-held statutory authority and expertise to determine if applications for airline anti-trust immunity are in the publi...
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16th - |
Hearing Summary: Competition in the Health Care Marketplace
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a subcommittee hearing today on Competition in the Health Care Marketplace.
Witness List:
Mr. Richard A. Feinstein, Director, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission
Dr. Len M. Nichols, Director, Health Policy Program, New America Foundation
Mr. David Balto, Senior Fellow, Center For ...
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15th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Alarmed by Magnitude of Cyber Attacks
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent letters to 11 different federal departments and agencies asking for information regarding their cybersecurity preparedness and the effectiveness of their incident response capability.
Chairman Rockefeller and Senator Snowe recently introduced bipa...
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14th - |
Hearing Summary-The Economy and Fraud: Protecting Consumers During Downward Economic Times
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation continued the fight for American consumers and held a subcommittee hearing today on The Economy and Fraud: Protecting Consumers During Downward Economic Times.
Witness List:
The Honorable Chris Koster, Attorney General, State of Missouri
Mr. David Vladeck, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Fed...
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14th - |
Rockefeller, Hutchison, Dorgan, Demint Introduce Bipartisan Aviation Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Chairman of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee Byron Dorgan (D-ND), and Ranking Member of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee Jim DeMint (R-SC) joined together today to in...
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13th - |
Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Hutchison Statements on the Nomination of Chris Bertram
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison issued the following statements after Christopher P. Bertram was nominated to be Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“Mr. Bertram brings a ...
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10th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Adds Another Company to His Online "Mystery Charges" Investigation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced a Senate Commerce Committee investigation on May 27, 2009 into certain e-commerce marketing practices that generate thousands of mysterious monthly charges to consumer credit cards.
Today, Senator Rockefeller sent a letter to the President of Affini...
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9th - |
Hearing Summary: Nominations Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing yesterday on nominations.
Nominations Include:
Panel I
Mr. Charles F. Bolden, Jr., to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Ms. Lori Garver, to be Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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8th - |
Executive Session Committee Legislation Summary
- Washington, D.C.—Today the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Executive Session and favorably reported out the following legislation:
S. 588, Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009
S. 649, Radio Spectrum Inventory Act
S. 668, Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2009
S. 1194, Coast Guard Authorizati...
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8th - |
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