Democratic News

Press Releases 02/17/2011
Commerce Expands Deposition Procedures as Part of Aggressive Oversight Role for 112th Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today held a business meeting to approve new expedited procedures to conduct witness depositions. Under the new rules, Chairman Rockefeller can now authorize committee staff to interview witnesses under oath during committee investigations. The new rules also give Republican Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison and her staff the right to participate in these depositions.
Press Releases 02/17/2011
Rockefeller and Hutchison Announce Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today announced the Subcommittee Chairmen and Ranking Members for the 112th Congress.
Press Releases 02/16/2011
Quotes from Today's Hearing on Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled, Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders.
Press Releases 02/16/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This fall marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Despite the passage of time, the horror and the deep sadness that marks that day has not faded from our national consciousness. And that’s appropriate, because these are wounds that even if they heal will always cause us pain.
Press Releases 02/15/2011
Rockefeller's Bill Gains Support of Every Major National Public Safety Organization
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Support for Chairman Rockefeller’s Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act (S. 28) continues to grow. The Chairman's proposal to allocate 10 megahertz of the 700 MHz spectrum known as the "D-block" to public safety officials for a nationwide, interoperable, wireless broadband network has been embraced by national and local public safety organizations.
Press Releases 02/11/2011
Rockefeller and Lautenberg Statement on Need for Increased Pipeline Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today released a joint statement about the need for increased pipeline safety oversight following two gas pipeline explosions this week: one in Allentown, Pa., that resulted in five deaths, and another in Columbiana County, Ohio. In addition, a September 2010 gas pipeline explosion killed eight people in a San Bruno, Calif. neighborhood.
Press Releases 02/11/2011
Reviews Are in on the Rockefeller Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV recently reintroduced legislation to promote smart and efficient use of the nation’s radio airwaves and provide first responders and public safety officials with additional wireless resources to keep America safe. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.).
Press Releases 02/10/2011
Rockefeller Statement Following President Obama's Commitment to Communications for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after President Obama committed to developing and deploying a nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety:
Press Releases 02/10/2011
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Legislation Will Reform America's Rail, Highway and Waterway Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today will reintroduce legislation to establish a transportation policy to meet America’s 21st century needs. Their bill, the Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2011, would establish a clear set of goals and objectives for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop a surface transportation system that advances our nation’s economic, energy, and national security interests. The bill would accomplish this chiefly by establishing performance criteria to optimize implementation of DOT goals, by improving data collection, and by requiring States to report on the use of their Federal funding.
Press Releases 02/8/2011
Rockefeller Says NHTSA Efforts to Implement Provisions of His Motor Vehicle Safety Legislation Will Make American Roads Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today applauded the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for taking steps to improve vehicle safety on America’s roadways. NHTSA’s announcement comes after NASA released its findings of an investigation into sudden unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.