Democratic News

Press Releases 07/10/2013
Rockefeller Says Pilot Flight Hours Rule Builds on his Commitment to Maintaining Safety of the Nation's Airways
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a rule that requires pilots have six times as many hours of flight experience as currently mandated. Chairman Rockefeller pushed to include the 1,500 hour requirement for first officers in the 2010 FAA Safety Law (P.L. 111-216).
Press Releases 07/6/2013
Statement from Chairman Rockefeller on Asiana Flight #214 Crash at San Francisco International Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today on the crash of Asiana flight #214 at the San Francisco International Airport. The Commerce Committee has specific oversight responsibility for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). "My thoughts are with the passengers and crew of Asiana flight #214, and the first responders on the scene in San Francisco. I am in contact with the NTSB and the FAA as they examine this incident, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds." ###
Press Releases 06/28/2013
Rockefeller Commends Acting Chairwoman Clyburn on Important Step to Strengthen E-Rate
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller today released the following statement on Acting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn’s announcement that she intends to circulate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would strengthen the E-Rate program to give students and teachers access to high-speed Internet in schools and libraries. Rockefeller first called on the FCC to update E-Rate at an FCC oversight hearing this March, where he received public commitments from all five FCC Commissioners to work with him to strengthen this already successful program. Rockefeller also received Mr. Tom Wheeler’s public commitment to update E-Rate at his nomination hearing this month.
Press Releases 06/27/2013
Rockefeller Praises Foxx's Superb Qualifications as DOT Secretary after Unanimous Confirmation Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller released the following statement today after the Senate voted 100-0 to confirm Mayor Anthony Foxx as Secretary of Transportation. Earlier today, Rockefeller spoke on the Senate floor about Mayor Foxx’s experience and skills that will make him a highly effective Secretary.
Press Releases 06/26/2013
Rockefeller Says Stronger Forensic Standards Necessary to Prevent Wrongful Convictions
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, "From the Lab Bench to the Courtroom: Advancing the Science and Standards of Forensics." Below are his prepared remarks.
Press Releases 04/12/2013
Rockefeller, Thune Urge FAA to Address Safety in Control Tower Closures
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-S.D.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation asking that the agency implement sequestration cuts using lower priority spending rather than close air traffic control towers across the country. The bipartisan letter was also signed by Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), as well as Representatives Bill Shuster (R-Penn.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), and Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.).
Press Releases 04/10/2013
Rockefeller Says Infrastructure Investment Will Benefit Future Generations
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today reiterated the need to invest in the country’s transportation network after President Obama released his budget that includes $50 billion in upfront transportation infrastructure investments. Rockefeller and Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) recently introduced legislation that would leverage federal investment to rebuild and expand transportation infrastructure and create American jobs.
Press Releases 04/10/2013
Rockefeller Calls for Long-Term Transportation Strategy
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled "Expanding the Panama Canal: What Does it Mean for American Freight and Infrastructure?"
Press Releases 04/5/2013
Rockefeller Says Latest Pipeline Accident is Part of Dangerous Trend
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today called on federal regulators to quickly and efficiently implement pipeline safety reforms in the wake of a rupture in ExxonMobil’s “Pegasus” pipeline that spilled thousands of barrels of crude oil and forced the evacuation of nearly two-dozen homes near Mayflower, Arkansas. These reforms are vital to avoiding future accidents and keeping the public out of harm’s way.
Press Releases 02/19/2013
Rockefeller on Sen. Lautenberg's Retirement Announcement
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement after Senator Frank Lautenberg announced that he would retire at the end of this Congress.