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| Press Releases |
For Immediate Release
06/09/09
| Contact: |
Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
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Sen. Hutchison’s Statement on Texas Auto Dealership Closures
Sen. Hutchison: “Today is a sad day for 50 Texas small businesses and the communities they’ve served.” |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Texas senior Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement regarding the closure of 50 automotive dealerships in
Texas :
“Today is a sad day for 50
Texas small businesses and the communities they’ve served. Nationwide, Chrysler is unnecessarily forcing the closure of hundreds of auto dealerships who have acted in good faith to help get Chrysler and the American auto industry through the difficult straits in which they find themselves. In small and large towns across
Texas and the country, these dealerships have employed thousands, helped Americans buy their first car, and have been stewards of their community through sponsorships and community involvement. Working with the dealers, we’ve been able to bring attention to their predicament and while it is not a perfect solution, our fight has given the affected dealers some certainty and more options than simply the bankruptcy they were looking at three weeks ago. I will continue to work for the best possible solution for
Texas ’ dealers and families.”
-- END --
TIMELINE OF SENATOR HUTCHISON’S EFFORTS FOR AUTO DEALERS
May 13, 2009
Chrysler sent letter to dealers informing them of their termination.
May 21, 2009
Senator Hutchison offered amendment to emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill that stated, “No funds shall be expended from the Treasury to an auto manufacturer which has notified a dealership that it will be terminated without providing at least 60 days for that dealership to wind down its operations and sell its inventory.”
Senator Hutchison’s amendment acquired thirty-nine bipartisan co-sponsors.
At the close of debate, Senator Hutchison refused to yield back time, effectively holding up final vote of the Supplemental Appropriations Bill until Chrysler President and CEO William Press assured her that Chrysler was taking the appropriate measures to help automotive dealers across the country.
Ultimately, Mr. Press promised in this letter to work with rejected dealers to move inventory.
Senator Hutchison then announced on the U.S. Senate floor that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation intended to hold a hearing on GM and Chrysler’s termination of franchise agreements nationwide.
May 22, 2009
Senators Rockefeller and Hutchison, Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation respectively, sent Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli and GM CEO Fritz Henderson a letter informing them of their intent to hold a hearing focusing on their companies’ termination of franchise agreements and its impact on consumers and automotive dealers.
June 3, 2009
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held hearing on GM and Chrysler down sizing.
Senator Hutchison questioned Mr. Press about dealership closures at hearing.
Statement from Senator Hutchison on GM and Chrysler dealership closures
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| 30th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Calls for Further Investigation into Seafood Inspection Practices
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) sent a letter to the Acting Comptroller General of the United States calling for further investigation of government seafood inspection practices. This follows concern that there is fragmentation occurring among the federal agencies that have a role in seafood inspec...
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| 29th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Calls for Safe and Secure Disposal of Sensitive Consumer Information
- Washington, D.C. - Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) sent a letter to the Acting Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) calling for the safe and appropriate disposal of sensitive consumer information collected through Verified Identity Pass, Inc.’s (VIP) Clear program. This comes after ...
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| 26th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Statement on Nominees Confirmed
- 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 regarding the U.S. Senate’s vote to confirm Mr. Julius Genachowski to be Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Mr. Robert C. McDowell, confirmed to be Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and Mr. L...
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| 25th - |
Hutchison Statement on Confirmation of Larry Strickling to Lead NTIA
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today made the following statement after the Senate confirmed Larry Strickling to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
“I am pleased the Senate confirmed Larry Strickling as head of NTIA,” said Senat...
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| 25th - |
Hutchison Statement on Confirmation of FCC Nominees Genachowski and McDowell
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today congratulated the incoming Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Julius Genachowski, and Commissioner Robert McDowell, after both were confirmed by the United States Senate.
“I am pleased to see that we are two steps cl...
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| 25th - |
Senator Hutchison Voices Support for Republican FCC Nominee Meredith Attwell Baker
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement today in support of Meredith Attwell Baker, who was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as a Republican commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
“Meredith Baker will be a strong, in...
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| 24th - |
Hearing Summary: Consumer Choices and Transparency in the Health Insurance Industry
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing on Consumer Choices and Transparency in the Health Insurance Industry.
Witness List
Wendell Potter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Health Insurance Industry Insider
Nancy Metcalf, Senior Program Editor, Consumer Reports
Karen Pollitz, Research Professor, Georgetown Uni...
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| 24th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Consumer Choices and Transparency in the Health Insurance Industry
Washington, D.C. - Today’s hearing is about protecting consumers so I want to start by talking about a consumer.
Her name is Jill Faddis. Back in 2001, she and her husband were living in Seattle, Washington. They had health insurance coverage through the Aetna insurance company.
Their Aetna policy covered visits to doctors who were not part Aetna’s network. The policy promised the Faddises t...
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| 24th - |
SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE RELEASES INVESTIGATIVE STAFF REPORT
- Washington, D.C.—Today, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) announces the release of an investigative staff report, Underpayments to Consumers by the Health Insurance Industry.
Please see the staff report and supplemental documents below.
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| 23rd - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on "High-Speed Passenger Rail: How Fast Will It Get Here?"
Washington, D.C. - I’d like to start this hearing by honoring and remembering those who tragically perished in yesterday’s catastrophic Washington, DC metro accident.
Current press reports say 9 people lost their lives and many remain severely injured, in what is now the deadliest accident in the history of the Metrorail system.
This Committee takes its role in safety oversight extremely seri...
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| 23rd - |
Hutchison: High Speed Rail is Crucial to America’s Transportation Future
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today made the following statement during a Commerce Committee hearing on the future of high speed rail:
“These are truly exciting times for those of us who have long been advocates of passenger rail, and especially for those of us that have be...
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| 22nd - |
Chairman Rockefeller Statement on Travel Promotion Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked (on a 53-34 vote) a travel promotion bill from being considered in the Senate.
“At a time when Americans continue to endure the most significant economic downturn since the Great Depression, the...
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| 22nd - |
Chairman Rockefeller and Senator Boxer Request Rail Safety Funding
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Washington, D.C. – Today, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) wrote to a key Senate Committee and requested at least $50 million in funding for a new railroad safety technology grant program, created by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
This grant program provide...
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| 18th - |
Hearing Summary: Freight Transportation In America: Options For Improving The Nation’s Network
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held the following subcommittee hearing on Freight Transportation in America: Options for Improving the Nation’s Network.
Witness List
Mr. Richard Roper, Director, Planning Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Mr. Matt Rose, Commissioner, National Surface Transportation Policy a...
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| 18th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Statement on FCC Nominations
- WASHINGTON D.C. - Today the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee conducted an off the floor markup. Chairman Rockefeller issued the following statement on his vote on the FCC nominees:
“Julius Genachowski has my resounding support. He offers the public and private sector experience needed to reinvigorate the FCC and put consumers first. From the content that gets ...
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| 18th - |
Commerce Committee Approves Nominees
- WASHINGTON D.C. - Today the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee conducted an off the floor markup on the nominations of:
• Ms. Inez M. Tenenbaum: To be Chairman and Commissioner of the United States Consumer
Product Safety Commission
• Mr. Julius Genachowski: To be Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission
• M...
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| 17th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Applauds President Obama’s Financial Proposal
- Washington, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, applauded President Obama’s new financial regulation plan that will protect consumers by imposing stricter government oversight of the financial services system.
“In the Senate Commerce Committee, I held my very first hearing as Chairman on consumer p...
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| 17th - |
Hearing Summary: The Consumer Wireless Experience
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on The Consumer Wireless Experience.
Witness List:
Panel I
Mr. Mark Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, United States Government Accountability Office
Panel II
Mr. John E. Rooney, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Cellular Co...
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| 17th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on the Consumer Wireless Experience
Washington, D.C. - Throughout the last decade, consumers have grown to rely on the mobility, convenience, and safety that wireless service can provide.
Ten years ago, less than 100 million consumers had wireless phones. Today, the wireless industry counts more than 270 million American subscribers.
However, in light of this success, we have a serious responsibility to ask what the consequences are for an i...
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| 17th - |
Hutchison Statement on Consumer Wireless Experience
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement for the record during a Commerce Committee hearing on the consumer wireless experience.
“It is critically important that this Committee listen and be responsive to the concerns expressed by consumers. Lik...
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| 17th - |
Sen. Hutchison’s Opening Statement to NASA’s Human Space Flight Review Panel
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas’ senior Senator, Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Member of the Subcommittee on Science and Space, submitted the following remarks to the Human Space Flight Panel, a 10-member committee of former astronauts, aerospace executives, and academics commissioned to evaluate Am...
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| 17th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Introduces Bill To Protect Public Access To Key Information During Emergencies
- 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 certa...
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| 17th - |
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Create fair highway-funding formula; do not institute tolls as a double tax
- The Hill
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
June 17, 2009
Maintaining and improving our nation’s vast surface transportation network has become nearly as daunting as negotiating the gridlocked roads of many American cities at rush hour. Communities across Texas and throughout
have fast-growing populations, but face crumbling and overstressed highways and consistent funding shor...
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| 16th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks at the CPSC Nomination Hearing
Washington, D.C. - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the most important line of defense between consumers and dangerous products.
Families trust you to keep them safe. Parents look to you to help protect their children from dangerous products.
Unfortunately, the CPSC has suffered from years of budget cuts and poor leadership decisions that worked at cross-purposes with its mission.
That...
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| 16th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks at FCC Nominations Hearing
Washington, D.C. - Communications technology is at the pulsing center of our new economy.
For our nation to meet the challenges we face in education, health care, the environment, and to remain globally competitive, we will require top-notch communications infrastructure.
Because good communications policy will lay the foundation for these noble goals, we need real expertise at the Federal Communications...
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| 16th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Receives Requested Responses From GM and Chrysler
- Washington, D.C. – Members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee last week sent letters to the President of Chrysler and CEO of General Motors requesting responses on a number of issues regarding consumer, dealer and worker protections. The Committee received a response this week from both companies and Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the follow...
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| 16th - |
Hutchison Grills FCC Nominees on Fairness Doctrine, Improved Internet Access, and Broadcast Decency
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today questioned Julius Genachowski and Robert McDowell, nominees for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), on improved broadband Internet access, broadcast decency, and the Fairness Doctrine.
Senator Hutchison explained that when it comes to ...
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| 16th - |
Hearing and Witness List Advisory: The Consumer Wireless Experience
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing:
The Consumer Wireless Experience
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Hearing Start Time: 2:30 p.m.
Press Pre-Set Time: 1:45 p.m.
Location: Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building
This heari...
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| 16th - |
Senator Hutchison Calls for Committee Hearing to Fix New CPSC Law
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called for a hearing to address the unintended consequences associated with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, approved last year, during a nomination hearing for Inez M. Tenenbaum to be Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Co...
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| 15th - |
Sen. Hutchison: Chrysler Makes Additional Concessions for Auto Dealer Community
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to concerns raised at a June 3 Commerce Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas’ senior Senator, today received a letter from Chrysler President Jim Press outlining the company’s steps to protect auto dealers forced to close under Chrysler’s new business strategy.
“I have been exceedingly concerned about the impac...
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| 12th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Applauds President Obama’s Efforts To Improve The Blue Economy
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Chairman, John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, applauded President Obama’s signing of a memorandum today on the National Policy for Oceans, Coasts, and Great Lakes.
“The United States is on the cusp of creating a wave of new ‘blue’ jobs through ocean energy development, aquaculture, m...
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| 11th - |
Hearing Summary: Aviation Safety: FAA’s Role In The Oversight Of Air Carriers
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a subcommittee hearing yesterday on Aviation Safety: FAA’S Role in the Oversight of Air Carriers.
***The Committee will hold a second hearing on Aviation Safety:
The Role and Responsibility of Commercial Air Carriers and Employees on Wednesday, June 17, 2009***
Witness List:
The ...
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| 11th - |
Hearing Summary: FY 2010 NOAA Budget Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard subcommittee hearing today on the FY 2010 NOAA Budget.
Witness List:
The Honorable Jane Lubchenco, Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce
Key Quotes:
“NOAA is the pr...
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| 9th - |
Hearing Summary: The Blue Economy: The Role of the Oceans in Our Nation’s Economic Future
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a subcommittee hearing today on The Blue Economy: The Role of the Oceans in our Nation’s Economic Future.
Witness List:
Dr. Judith T. Kildow, Social Scientist, Director, National Oceans Economics Program, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Ms. Alexandra Coustea...
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| 9th - |
current Press Release |
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| 9th - |
Senator Hutchison Op-Ed: With DTV Deadline Looming, Not too Late to Prepare
- On January 1, 1954, Americans from coast to coast witnessed the first nationwide colorcast when the Tournament of Roses Parade was aired in vivid Technicolor. This broadcast marked the arrival of the color television, something Americans have now enjoyed for over half a century. Not since that undertaking have the
broadcasting industry and the federal government endeavored to roll out a technol...
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| 9th - |
Sen. Hutchison’s Statement on General Motors' New Chairman Ed Whitacre, Jr.
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX),
Texas
senior Senator and Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement regarding General Motor’s decision to select Ed Whitacre, Jr. as the company’s new chairman once it completes its bankruptcy reorganization:
“Ed Whitacre is a distinguished business leader. His su...
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| 9th - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Remarks for Blue Economy Hearing
- Our oceans and coasts are sources of great economic and environmental wealth for the nation. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. import and export freight is transported through seaports. Our 3.4 million square mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the largest in the world, covers an area greater than the entire United States.
The Blue Economy – jobs and economic opportunities that emerge from our...
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| 5th - |
Chairman Rockefeller Statement On The Transition To All Digital Programming
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman Jay Rockefeller today reminded Americans of the nation’s upcoming transition to digital television (DTV), and sent letters to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), urging them to help consumers before, during and after the convers...
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| 5th - |
Ride The Wave To Ocean Week On Capitol Hill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and its Chairman, John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, celebrates World Oceans Day and Capitol Hill Ocean Week beginning Monday, June 8th and running through Friday, June 12th, 2009. The goal of this years Ocean Week is to highlight the critical importance of improving the Blue Economy and increasing Blue Jobs.
...
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| 3rd - |
Chairman Rockefeller's Opening Statement on GM And Chrysler Dealership Hearing
- Three weeks ago, Chrysler announced that it was terminating 789 franchises nationwide. I spoke with Pete Lopez, an auto dealer in Spencer, West Virginia, present here today, who had just learned his contract was being terminated. He was devastated and filled with anxiety. In a flash – his work, his livelihood, and the economic security of his employees were in serious jeopardy. Compoundi...
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| 3rd - |
Senator Hutchison’s Statement on GM and Chrysler Dealership Closures
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, made the following statement today during a Commerce Committee hearing on the General Motors and Chrysler dealership closures.
Thank you Mr. Chairman. Would you allow me to ask every person in the audience who is a dealer to stand. We really wanted ...
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| 3rd - |
Key Quotes from Hearing On Chrysler/GM Bankruptcies
- Washington, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, held a hearing today on GM and Chrysler Dealership Closures: Protecting Dealers and Consumers.
Witness List:
Mr. Pete Lopez, President and CEO, Spencer Auto Group, Roane County, West Virginia
Mr. Russell Aubrey Whatley III, Owner/Dealer, Russell Whatley Motor ...
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| 1st - |
Commerce Committee Takes Lead On Railroad Legislation
- 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:
“I appreciate Senator Kohl’s willingness to withdraw the pending cloture motion and join the Commerce Committee’s broader efforts to reform surface transportation, improve rail competition and provide...
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| 1st - |
Chairman Rockefeller Holds Hearing On Chrysler/GM Bankruptcies
- Washington, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, has issued the following statement in response to the Chrysler and General Motors (GM) bankruptcies and subsequent restructuring:
“General Motors and Chrysler are important American manufacturers and it is my hope they will emerge stronger. However, my immedia...
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