WASHINGTON, DC – Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today made the following statement in reaction to reports about third party access to private cell phone records:

"Recent reports detailing the ease with which third parties can access private phone records are alarming. Congress must ensure that Americans’ phone records are protected and that there will be severe penalties for invading privacy," said Chairman Stevens.

"The Senate Commerce Committee will examine potential legislative solutions to this growing problem and assess the proper roles of the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission. Our Committee will hold a public hearing in the near future to investigate how to better protect phone records."