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Press Releases |
For Immediate Release
05/05/09
Contact: |
Jena Longo - Democratic Deputy Communications Director 202.224.7824
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Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Statement on Piracy Hearing
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I am excited about today’s hearing and regret that I cannot be in attendance. I would like to thank Senator Lautenberg for calling this critical hearing to examine Piracy on the High Seas today. We both believe it is our duty to protect American mariners, vessels and right of access to the shipping lanes around the Horn of Africa. The Commerce Committee will use today’s hearing to examine issues within its jurisdiction spanning the operations of the commercial maritime industry, the Coast Guard, and the safety and security of our merchant fleet and their crews.
I would also like to thank all of our witnesses for agreeing to testify today. I appreciate each of you taking the time to be here, and I’m honored to have two American heroes among us today. Joining us are the Master of the M/V Maersk Alabama, Captain Richard Phillips, and the vessel’s Chief Engineer, Mr. Michael Perry. These men have dedicated their lives to service at sea in support of our national and economic security. I want to personally thank you and your families for being with us and for the selfless service and countless sacrifices you make for our country.
As a maritime nation it is imperative that the United States and our trading partners maintain unimpeded access to the world’s shipping lanes. It is this access that enables us to move commerce, provide humanitarian assistance and, when necessary, fight and win wars. It is unacceptable for our ships, crews, and passengers to be threatened and put at risk in international waters by various groups of unsophisticated pirates from unstable nations. I will not sit by as men in speed boats abuse the most powerful and advanced Navy in the world. We have the ability and responsibility to end all piracy; specifically around the Horn of Africa and along the Coast of Somalia.
With the full force of the U.S. Navy alongside a coalition of nearly twenty other nations, we can take back these critical shipping lanes. It is of the upmost importance that we keep our U.S. mariners, passengers and vessels free from harm and free to move about international waters.
Arming the crew is not an option. Instead the U.S. military should provide the support and protection of our men and women at sea. And let us not forget there are still roughly 18 vessels and another 300 people still being held hostage in Somalia.
I realize the Maritime Industry has been facing this threat for several years now, especially as attacks began to escalate in the summer of 2008. Our maritime community took responsibility and worked together to share best practices for avoiding and disrupting pirate attacks.
Yet this is not enough. U.S. officials and international experts believe that addressing the threat of piracy will require strengthening regional security capabilities, improving intelligence gathering and sharing, and enhanced multilateral coordination, both at sea and on land.
The absence of a functioning government in Somalia and the ability to prosecute captured pirates are the greatest challenges to maritime security in the region. By all accounts, pirates will likely continue to find sanctuary in Somalia until basic governance and security conditions there change.
The international community has responded with multinational naval patrols, diplomatic efforts, and enhanced private security by members of the commercial shipping industry. I believe we must do more. As a nation we have a responsibility to take action and protect our citizens. And as history shows, without a forceful response pirates reign supreme in the high seas.
Today our witnesses will paint a fuller picture of what we’ve done so far and guide us on the road ahead. We will bear witness to the personal impact of piracy on our citizens at sea, and listen to their advice on what more needs to be done.
I look forward to hearing from all the witnesses.
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28th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Launches Investigation Into Deceptive Online “Mystery Charges”
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced a Senate Commerce Committee investigation into certain e-commerce marketing practices that generate thousands of mysterious monthly charges to consumer credit cards.
KEY BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• The source of these puzzling monthly fees ap...
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23rd - |
Senator Hutchison’s Statement on President’s Intent to Nominate Charles Bolden to Head NASA
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement on the President’s intent to nominate Charles Bolden to be the next NASA Administrator.
“I am delighted that the President intends to nominate retired Marine General and astronaut Charles Bolden to be th...
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22nd - |
Commerce Chairman Rockefeller: Chrysler Does Not Go Far Enough
- Washington, D.C. – Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement in response to Chrysler’s letter to Congress:
“While I am pleased to see that Chrysler is finally being responsive to the hundreds of local dealerships throughout America waiting for answers about their livelihood &n...
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21st - |
Senator Hutchison Fights to Delay Auto Dealership Closures Affecting 40,000 Employees
- U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Senate Floor
May 21, 2009
“…More and more of our Senators are learning what has happened to these dealerships that have been notified by Chrysler, that they have three weeks to completely dissolve a business that has been there, a part of a community for 20 years, 30 years, up to 90 years –a the oldest car dealer in Texas is 90 years ol...
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21st - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks for NASA Budget Hearing
- Good afternoon, and welcome to our witness, Acting Administrator, Mr. Christopher Scolese. Thank you for taking the time to join us and participate in our discussion. I look forward to your testimony. I would also like to express my sincere regret for not being in attendance for this important hearing.
Our topic this afternoon is the fiscal year 2010 budget request of the National Aeronautics an...
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21st - |
Sen. Hutchison Offers Amendment to Give Auto Dealers Extra Time to Close Down Operations
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – To extend some relief to U.S. auto dealers impacted by Chrysler’s bankruptcy filing and falling sales, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison introduced an amendment that will give dealerships slated for closing on June 9 an extra 60 days to close down operations and sell remaining inventory.
Speaking on the floor of the U.S. Senate in support of her amendment, Sen. Hu...
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21st - |
Key Quotes from Imported Drywall Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance subcommittee hearing today on Health and Product Safety Issues Associated with Imported Drywall.
Witness List
The Honorable Mary Landrieu, United States Senator, Louisiana
Panel I
Ms. Lori Saltzman, Division Director, Office of Health Sciences
U....
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21st - |
Sen. Hutchison Offers Bill to Prohibit Tolling on Existing Federal Highways
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to renewed calls for tolling on Texas roads, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,
Texas ’ senior U.S. Senator and ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, on Thursday introduced a bill that would prohibit adding tolls to existing federal highways. Sen. Hutchison has consistently opposed efforts to impose tolls o...
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21st - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks for Imported Drywall Hearing
- I would like to welcome everyone here today, and express my regret for not being in attendance. I would also like to thank Senator Pryor for calling this hearing and investigating this disturbing issue.
A house is a substantial investment for any family. But even more than that, it is a place where people should feel safe, where dreams are made, and great memories secured forever.
For homeo...
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21st - |
Chairman Rockefeller Stands Up For Auto Dealers
- Washington, D.C. - Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after sending a letter to the Chief Executive Officers of Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corporation urging them to reconsider their decisions to terminate their franchise agreements.
“Small businesses need Congress to stand up for them, especially in these trying economic times,” said Rockefeller...
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20th - |
Commerce Committee Approves Senator Hutchison’s Weather Mitigation Research Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Committee, to establish a Weather Mitigation Research Program in the National Science Foundation. The bill, S. 601 – the Weather Mitigation Research and Development Policy Authorization Act of 2009, would...
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20th - |
NOAA Makes A Splash On Capitol Hill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and its Chairman, John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, celebrates “NOAA Knows Climate Day”, the third annual NOAA Day on Capitol Hill. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, oversees everything from climate monitoring, to daily weather forecasts, to severe storm warnings, fisheries manag...
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19th - |
Senator Hutchison Pushes FAA Nominee to Make NextGen Top Priority
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today told the nominee to head the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), J. Randolph Babbitt that NextGen should be a top priority.
“It is extremely important we get a strong and stable leadership team in place at the FAA. In the wake of recent a...
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19th - |
Key Quotes from the Nominations Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on nominations.
Nominations Include:
• Lawrence Strickling, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information – Designate, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
• Aneesh Chopra, to be Associate Director, Office of Sci...
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19th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks for Nominations Hearing
- I would like to welcome everyone here today, and express my regret for not being in attendance. I wish to congratulate all of the nominees standing before the Committee today. It is a true honor to be selected by the President for these incredibly important positions.
If confirmed, you will lead our country’s investment in communications networks, the advancement of science and technol...
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19th - |
Chairman Rockefeller’s Statement Supporting New Vehicle Emission Standards (CAFE)
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Obama today – for the first time in history – announced a new national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. The new standards, covering model years 2012-2016, and ultimately requiring an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016, are projected...
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14th - |
Chairmen Rockefeller and Dorgan Announce Hearings On Airline Safety
- (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – U.S. Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Senator Byron Dorgan Chairman of the Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee, today said they will hold hearings to investigate airline safety to address recent disclosures before the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) surrounding the crash of the Contine...
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14th - |
Chairmen Rockefeller and Lautenberg Introduce National Surface Transportation Policy Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller, IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, introduced The Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2009. This important legislation establishes a comprehensive and unifying mission for t...
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13th - |
Key Quotes from Reauthorization of the FAA Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today on the Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Perspectives of Aviation Stakeholders.
Witness List*
PANEL I
Mr. Chip Barclay, President, American Association of Airport Executives
Ms. Marion Blakey, President and...
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13th - |
Key Quotes from Tourism in Troubled Times Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee hearing titled Tourism in Troubled Times.
Witness List*
The Honorable Harry Reid, United States Senator, Nevada
Panel I
Ms. Mary Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services,
U.S. Department of Commerce
Panel II
...
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13th - |
Senator Hutchison Pleased with DOT’s Action to Cancel Slot Auctions for New York Area Airports
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement in response to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s announcement that the department was proposing to rescind plans for slot auctions at New York-area airports. Senator Hutchison joined se...
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13th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks for Reauthorization of the FAA Hearing
- I would like to welcome everyone here today, and express my regret for not being in attendance. I also want to thank Senator Dorgan for his tremendous leadership and I applaud him for holding this important subcommittee hearing.
I strongly believe that modernizing our nation’s archaic air traffic control system should be the FAA’s highest priority and I appreciate the many stak...
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13th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks for Tourism in Troubled Times Hearing
- I would like to welcome everyone here today, and express my regret for not being in attendance. I would like to thank Senator Klobuchar for calling this hearing and for her dedication to shining the light on an industry that must flourish if our economy is to recover from the current economic downturn.
I would like to thank our distinguished Majority Leader, Senator Harry Reid from Nevada for ...
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12th - |
Senator Hutchison Named to GOP High Tech Task Force
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
– Today, U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell named U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) to the Senate Republican High Tech Task Force for the 111th Congress.
“I’m proud to once again serve as a member of this Task Force,” stated Sen. Hutchison. “To get our nation through the current economic climate, we need to enact legislation that ...
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12th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Reminds Consumers Of The Digital Television Transition (DTV) On June 12, 2009
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – One month from today, our nation is scheduled to make the transition to digital television, or DTV, which will modernize our airwaves and free spectrum for public safety and innovative commercial use. On June 12th, full-power television stations across the country will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to digital signals. This will not affect consumers with cable or...
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7th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Applauds National Train Day Resolution
- Marking 140 years of connecting travelers from coast to coast, the U.S. Senate recognizes National Train Day and celebrated the importance of train travel throughout the country. Chairman Rockefeller co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution that supports the goals and ideals of National Train Day.
“As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I am a big believer in the role that our nation&rs...
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7th - |
Key Quotes from the Future of Journalism Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a subcommittee hearing on The Future of Journalism.
Witness List
The Honorable Benjamin Cardin, United States Senator, Maryland
Panel I
Ms. Marissa Mayer, Vice President, Search Products & User Experience, Google Inc.
Mr. Steve Coll, Former Managing Editor, Washington Post
Mr. David Simon, Author, TV ...
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6th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Statement on Future of Journalism Hearing
- For centuries, journalism has been a pillar of our democracy and a watchdog the public relies on. Newspapers and broadcasters have been a check on the excesses of government, business and individuals. When investigatory journalists have uncovered truths and scandals, their work has often brought people together, motivated the public to be guided by our better angels, and push for change. But mo...
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6th - |
Commerce Committee Broadens Investigation Into Allegations Of Fraud By NASA Contractors
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, broadened his committee’s investigation into fraudulent contracting at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) yesterday by sending information request letters to the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. The Committee sent thes...
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6th - |
Chairman Rockefeller’s Statement On New CPSC Posts
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement applauding President Obama’s announcement on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) expanded funding and leadership:
“Today’s announcement is good news for consumers. I applaud President Obama ...
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5th - |
Key Quotes from Piracy on the High Seas Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a subcommittee hearing today discussing Piracy on the High Seas. The Commerce Committee hearing examined issues within its jurisdiction spanning the operations of the commercial maritime industry, the Coast Guard, and the safety and security of our merchant fleet and their crews.
Witness List
Mr. Philip J. S...
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5th - |
current Press Release |
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4th - |
House and Senate Committees Request Full Review Of Bayer’s Continued Use Of Toxic Chemical
- WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today four House and Senate committee and subcommittee chairmen sent a letter to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board requesting an examination of whether Bayer CropScience’s continued use of the highly toxic chemical, methyl isocyanate (MIC), can be justified in light of ongoing health and safety risks to company employees, emergency first respond...
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