Democratic News

Press Releases 07/30/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Bipartisan Commerce Committee Votes
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation concluded the executive session:
Press Releases 07/25/2013
Rockefeller Says NIST's Mission Should Include Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "The Partnership Between NIST and the Private Sector: Improving Cybersecurity". Below are his prepared remarks:
Press Releases 07/25/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Wireline Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller iV today submitted a prepared statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "State of Wireline Communications".
Press Releases 07/24/2013
Rockefeller Releases Cruise Crime Report that Shows Gaps in Accessibility of Safety Data
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released a report that exposes critical barriers to public access of important cruise ship crime and safety data. The reality is, according to the report, the number of alleged crimes cruise lines have reported to the FBI since 2011 is 30 times higher than the number of crimes the FBI is required to report publicly.
Press Releases 07/24/2013
Rockefeller, Thune Introduce Bipartisan Cyber Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) today introduced bipartisan cyber legislation that would help strengthen and protect the nation’s economic and national security. The Cybersecurity Act of 2013, S. 1353, would give the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) authority to facilitate and support the development of voluntary, industry-led cyber standards and best practices for critical infrastructure. The bill would also make sure the federal government supports cutting edge research, raises public awareness of cyber risks, and improves the nation’s workforce to better address cyber threats.
Press Releases 07/24/2013
Rockefeller Puts Cruise Industry on Notice that Passenger Safety and Security is Number One Priority
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave opening remarks at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "Cruise Industry Oversight: Recent Incidents Show Need for Stronger Focus on Consumer Protection". Below are his prepared remarks:
Press Releases 07/23/2013
Rockefeller's Cruise Bill Puts Consumer Awareness and Protection at the Forefront
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced the Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2013, a bill that would close gaps in cruise industry consumer awareness and crime reporting. Serious incidents continue to occur on cruise ships, yet the industry has not prioritized consumer awareness, safety, and security. Rockefeller’s bill would provide the nearly 21 million Americans who plan to take a cruise this year with critical information about the limited scope of their current consumer protections and would take steps to improve accountability in the industry.
Press Releases 07/19/2013
Rockefeller Asks GAO to Assess Effectiveness of Oil and Gas Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine the impact of current shale oil and gas development on the nation’s existing transportation infrastructure. The boom in domestic shale oil and gas production has raised questions about the ability of existing infrastructure to safely transport these hazardous products, and the capacity of safety standards as production increases. Recent events, including the tragic Quebec train derailment earlier this month, and the December 2012 pipeline explosion in Sissonville, WV, have raised concerns about potential gaps in safety standards.
Press Releases 07/19/2013
Rockefeller Commends FCC on E-Rate Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to formally begin the rulemaking process on expanding the E-Rate program to give students access to next-generation educational technology.
Press Releases 07/17/2013
Rockefeller Welcomes Senator Markey to Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement welcoming Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.