Democratic News

Press Releases 02/25/2014
Rockefeller, Thune, Pryor, Wicker Letter on STELA
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Several provisions of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA) are set to expire on December 31, 2014. Today, Commerce Committee Chairman John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member John Thune, and Communications, Technology and Internet Subcommittee Chairman Mark Pryor and Ranking Member Roger Wicker sent the following letter seeking input on the scope and impact of the STELA reauthorization from a diverse array of stakeholders, including satellite TV, broadcasters, cable television, online video, broadband, public interest groups, and free market think tanks.
Press Releases 02/24/2014
ICYMI: NY Times Editorial Highlights Rockefeller Report on Data Brokers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The New York Times today published an editorial on providing consumers with stronger controls over their personal information collected online, which highlighted Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV’s majority staff report that revealed the breadth and scope of the sensitive data – including financial, health, and other personal information – that is routinely amassed by data brokers on consumers without their knowledge or consent. Chairman Rockefeller recently introduced legislation that would prohibit data brokers from collecting or soliciting consumer information in deceptive ways, and would allow consumers to access and correct their information to help ensure maximum possible accuracy. The Committee also held a hearing on Dec. 18, 2013, to examine the privacy and accountability concerns with the data broker industry.
Press Releases 02/19/2014
Rockefeller Statement on FCC Chairman Wheeler's Open Internet Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler’s announcement that he will propose new Open Internet rules. “I am happy that Chairman Wheeler has decided to move forward quickly to respond to the D.C. Circuit court’s net neutrality decision. The court made clear that Congress has spoken: the FCC has ample statutory authority to protect consumers and competition online. I have always supported the FCC’s use of its full authority under the Communications Act to accomplish these goals, and appreciate that Chairman Wheeler has kept all options on the table. I look forward to examining the Chairman’s plan in more detail.” ###
Press Releases 02/14/2014
Rockefeller Statement on Proposed Comcast-Time Warner Cable Merger
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the proposed merger between Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable:
Press Releases 02/14/2014
Rockefeller Welcomes Senator Walsh to the Senate Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement, welcoming Senator John Walsh (D-MT) to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Press Releases 02/12/2014
Rockefeller, Markey Introduce Data Broker Bill to Ensure Accuracy, Accountability for Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) today introduced legislation that would require data brokers to be accountable and transparent about the information they collect and sell about consumers. “Consumers deserve to know what information about their personal lives is being collected and sold to marketers by data brokers,” Rockefeller said. “This booming shadow industry, that generated more than $150 billion in 2012 and operates with very little scrutiny and oversight, is making tremendous profits off practices that can be disturbing and totally unfair to consumers. As I said during the Committee’s recent hearing on data brokers, I would be taking action to protect consumers and hold data brokers accountable. This legislation is a strong step in that direction. It will give consumers important protections like the ability to access files a data broker compiles of their personal information; the ability to correct inaccuracies in those files; and, importantly, choose whether they want to allow their personal information to be sold to other companies.”
Press Releases 02/12/2014
Rockefeller, Thune Bill Aims to Protect Fishing Habitats, Boost Sport-Fishing Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) today introduced legislation to help preserve and restore fishing habitats for the Nation’s sport fishermen, while creating jobs in the recreation industry. The Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2014 would direct funding to state agencies for support of fisheries management, habitat conservation, and boating safety programs. Wildlife recreation supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country. In West Virginia, for example, 1.2 million people spent $1.16 billion in 2011 on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching – money which directly supports local businesses and grows the economy. And in South Dakota, 662,000 people spent more than $966 million on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.
Press Releases 02/12/2014
Rockefeller Introduces Bill to Advance Forensic Science Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today reintroduced legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, by prioritizing scientific research and supporting the development of science-based standards in the forensic disciplines. Rockefeller’s bill, The Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2014, aims to bolster forensic science reform efforts and to maintain long-term cooperation between scientists, the legal community, law enforcement, forensic practitioners, and advocacy groups.
Press Releases 02/12/2014
Rockefeller Praises NIST Cybersecurity Framework
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement on the voluntary Cybersecurity Framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and released by the White House today.
Press Releases 02/6/2014
Rockefeller Remarks at Commerce Committee Summit on Need to Reduce Distracted Driving
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today lead the final roundtable at the Senate Commerce Committee summit titled, "Over-Connected and Behind the Wheel: A Summit on Technological Solutions to Distracted Driving." The daylong summit explored how technology can be used to minimize distracted driving, which has become a major public safety concern in recent years. The summit consisted of three roundtable discussions on the potential for technology to encourage the distractable driver to focus on driving. Rockefeller opened the final roundtable on current and potential technology that can limit distractions and focus the driver on the road.