|
|
|
|
For Immediate Release
06/17/09
Contact: |
Jena Longo - Democratic Deputy Communications Director 202.224.7824
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman Rockefeller Introduces Bill To Protect Public Access To Key Information During Emergencies
Rockefeller Seeks To Prevent Future Scenarios Similar To Bayer CropScience’s Attempted Concealment Of Information About An Explosion Last Year in West Virginia |
|
Washington, D.C. – In an effort to ensure the public has access to key information during local industrial accidents or emergencies like the Bayer CropScience explosion in Institute, West Virginia last year, Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, introduced legislation that will clarify federal laws regarding the release of certain kinds of information.
“When an industrial emergency happens and threatens the lives of residents, workers and first responders, I absolutely believe the public has the right to receive important information about what it means for them and their health. Period.” Rockefeller said. “As former Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of the importance of protecting information for the purposes of protecting our national security. The SSI classification should only be used to protect our homeland - it should never be used to hide wrongdoing, avoid public embarrassment, or delay the release of information to communities that need it most.”
Rockefeller’s bill makes clear that the Sensitive Security Information (SSI) classification cannot be used to withhold information that is not explicitly covered in its statutes. SSI is used by the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) when it is determined that the release of certain information to the public would impact the security of transportation.
According to recent congressional testimony from representatives of the Bayer CropScience plant regarding last year’s explosion, the company sought to classify certain information as SSI to avoid having to publicly disclose and debate about a chemical they produce. Rockefeller’s legislation makes clear that a federal agency or private company subject to homeland security regulations cannot use the SSI classification to conceal misconduct, prevent embarrassment, or delay the release of information that the public has every right to know.
###
|
|
|
|
|
7th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Applauds the Senate's Confirmation of Nominees
- WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement today regarding the confirmation of:
Mr. Christopher P. Bertram, to be Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation
Ms. Patricia D. Cahill, to be a...
|
|
|
7th - |
Chairman Rockefeller on "Cash for Clunkers"
- WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement today regarding the Senate’s passage (60-37) of H.R. 3435, a bill making supplemental appropriations for FY2010 for the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Program (“Cash for Clunkers”).
“I a...
|
|
|
6th - |
Hearing Summary: Waste, Fraud and Abuse in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on Waste, Fraud and Abuse in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.
Witness List:
Mr. Alfred J. Longhi, Jr., former Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Lithium Power Technologies
Mr. Thomas J. Howard, Acting Inspector General, National Aeronautic...
|
|
|
|
|
6th - |
Hearing Summary - Aviation Safety: The Relationship Between Network and Regional Airlines
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a subcommittee hearing today on Aviation Safety: The Relationship Between Network Airlines and Regional Airlines.
Witness List:
Mr. Philip H. Trenary, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pinnacle Airlines Corp.
Mr. Peter Bowler, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Eagle Airlines...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5th - |
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:
S. 1078, the AmericaView Geospatial Imagery Mapping Program Act
S. 30, the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009
S. 251, the Safe Prisons Communications Act of 2009
S. 952, Harmful Algal Blooms and Hyp...
|
|
|
|
|
5th - |
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. Dennis F. Hightower, to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce
Mr. Robert S. Adler, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Ms. Anne M. Northup, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audio Clip | Video Clip
|
|
|
|
|
|
|