[Senate Report 113-206]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


113th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session                                                     113-206
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     



                     LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES REPORT

                                 OF THE

           COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION

                          UNITED STATES SENATE

                               during the

                      ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS


                              Pursuant to

                 Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the

                          United States Senate

                                     



                                     

                  July 7, 2014.--Ordered to be printed


           COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
                    ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS

            JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West Virginia, Chairman
BARBARA BOXER, California            JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
BILL NELSON, Florida                 ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington           ROY BLUNT, Missouri
MARK PRYOR, Arkansas                 MARCO RUBIO, Florida
CLAIRE McCASKILL, Missouri           KELLY AYOTTE, New Hampshire
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota             DEAN HELLER, Nevada
MARK BEGICH, Alaska                  DAN COATS, Indiana
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut      TIM SCOTT, South Carolina
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii                 TED CRUZ, Texas
ED MARKEY, Massachusetts             DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
CORY BOOKER, New Jersey              RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin
JOHN WALSH, Montana
                     Ellen Doneski, Staff Director
               David Schwietert, Minority Staff Director

                      ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH CONGRESS

            JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West Virginia, Chairman
DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii\1\          KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas
JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts         OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, Maine
BARBARA BOXER, California            JIM DeMINT, South Carolina\2\
BILL NELSON, Florida                 JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington           ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi
FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, New Jersey      JOHNNY ISAKSON, Georgia
MARK PRYOR, Arkansas                 ROY BLUNT, Missouri
CLAIRE McCASKILL, Missouri           JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota             PATRICK J. TOOMEY, Pennsylvania
TOM UDALL, New Mexico                MARCO RUBIO, Florida
MARK WARNER, Virginia                KELLY AYOTTE, New Hampshire
MARK BEGICH, Alaska                  DEAN HELLER, Nevada\3\
                     Ellen Doneski, Staff Director
              Richard Russell, Minority Staff Director\4\

\1\The late Senator Inouye served on the Committee until his death on 
        December 17, 2012.
\2\Senator DeMint served on the Committee until his resignation from 
        the Senate on December 6, 2012.
\3\Senator Heller was appointed to a vacant seat on May 11, 2011, 
        following the resignation of Senator John Ensign.
\4\Richard Russell was the Minority Staff Director from March 29, 2012, 
        until January 2, 2013. His term followed Todd Bertoson (July 6, 
        2011-March 28, 2012), Brian M. Hendricks (May 2, 2011-July 5, 
        2011), and Ann Begeman (January 1, 2011-May 1, 2011).


                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
                                                                   Page
Introduction:
    Summary......................................................     1
    Jurisdiction.................................................     1
A. Legislation:
    Bills........................................................     2
    Resolutions..................................................    15
B. Nominations:
    Nominations by the numbers...................................    16
    Summary of nominations by agency.............................    17
C. Full Committee
    Executive Sessions...........................................    18
D. Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security
    Activities...................................................    21
    Hearings.....................................................    22
E. Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
    Activities...................................................    23
    Hearings.....................................................    23
F. Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export 
  Promotion
    Activities...................................................    24
    Hearings.....................................................    24
G. Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and 
  Insurance
    Activities...................................................    24
    Hearings.....................................................    25
H. Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
    Activities...................................................    25
    Hearings.....................................................    26
I. Subcommittee on Science and Space
    Activities...................................................    27
    Hearings.....................................................    28
J. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine 
  Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
    Activities...................................................    28
    Hearings.....................................................    30
K. Oversight and Investigations
    Activities...................................................    30
    Hearings.....................................................    32


113th Congress                                                   Report
                                 SENATE
 2d Session                                                     113-206

======================================================================



 
              REPORT ON THE LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE 
                 SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, 
              AND TRANSPORTATION DURING THE 112TH CONGRESS

                                _______
                                

                  July 7, 2014.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

     Mr. Rockefeller, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
                Transportation, submitted the following:

                    REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

                                Summary

    The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
conducted a legislative and oversight program during the 112th 
Congress. A total of 217 bills and resolutions, 1,274 
nominations, and 2,667 executive communications were referred 
to the Committee for consideration.
    The Committee and its subcommittees held a total of 79 
public hearings, including 7 nominations hearings and 4 
oversight hearings during the 112th Congress. The Committee 
also held 9 Executive Sessions, and filed 30 Committee Reports.
    Action was completed on a broad range of oversight, 
legislative, and executive matters. A total of 37 bills and 4 
resolutions were reported or discharged by the Committee.
    Members and staff made individual trips abroad and 
participated in conferences, further exercising the legislative 
oversight responsibilities of the Committee.

                              Jurisdiction

    Pursuant to Rule XXV(1)(f)(1) of the Standing Rules of the 
United States Senate, all proposed legislation, messages, 
petitions, memorials, and other matters relating to the 
following subjects are referred to the Senate Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
    
        1. Coast Guard.
        2. Coastal zone management.
        3. Communications.
        4. Highway Safety.
        5. Inland waterways, except construction.
        6. Interstate commerce.
        7. Marine and ocean navigation, safety, and 
        transportation, including navigational aspects of 
        deepwater ports.
        8. Marine fisheries.
        9. Merchant marine and navigation.
        10. Nonmilitary aeronautical and space sciences.
        11. Oceans, weather, and atmospheric activities.
        12. Panama Canal and interoceanic canals generally, 
        except as provided in subparagraph (c) of Rule XXV(1).
        13. Regulation of consumer products and services, 
        including testing related to toxic substances, other 
        than pesticides, and except for credit, financial 
        services, and housing.
        14. Regulation of interstate common carriers, including 
        railroads, buses, trucks, vessels, pipelines, and civil 
        aviation.
        15. Science, engineering, and technology research and 
        development and policy.
        16. Sports.
        17. Standards and measurement.
        18. Transportation.
        19. Transportation and commerce aspects of Outer 
        Continental Shelf lands.
    


                             A. Legislation

                       Bills Referred to Committee

Bills:
    Referred to Committee.........................................   210
    Original measures from Committee..............................     0
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................   210

    Reported/Discharged...........................................    37
    Reported/Discharged and Enacted...............................     9
              *Reported/Discharged
              **Reported/Discharged and Enacted


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Number                                            Title as Introduced
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R.295                                To amend the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998 to authorize
                                        funds to acquire hydrographic data and provide hydrographic services
                                        specific to the Arctic for safe navigation, delineating the United
                                        States extended continental shelf, and the monitoring and description of
                                        coastal changes.
H.R.897                                To provide authority and sanction for the granting and issuance of
                                        programs for residential and commuter toll, user fee and fare discounts
                                        by States, municipalities, other localities, and all related agencies
                                        and departments, and for other purposes.
H.R.1076                               To prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of
                                        Federal funds to acquire radio content.
H.R.1171                               To reauthorize and amend the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and
                                        Reduction Act.
H.R.1343                               To return unused or reclaimed funds made available for broadband awards
                                        in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Treasury of
                                        the United States.
H.R.1447                               To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary
                                        of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to
                                        establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and for other
                                        purposes.
H.R.1801**                             To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security
                                        screenings for members of the Armed Forces. (P.L. 112--86)
H.R.2087                               To remove restrictions from a parcel of land situated in the Atlantic
                                        District, Accomack County, Virginia.
H.R.2096                               To advance cybersecurity research, development, and technical standards,
                                        and for other purposes.
H.R.2594                               To prohibit operators of civil aircraft of the United States from
                                        participating in the European Union's emissions trading scheme, and for
                                        other purposes.
H.R.2838**                             To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2012
                                        through 2015, and for other purposes. (P.L. 112--213)
H.R.3173                               To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to reform the process for
                                        the enrollment, activation, issuance, and renewal of a Transportation
                                        Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to require, in total, not more
                                        than one in-person visit to a designated enrollment center.
H.R.3309                               To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for greater
                                        transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed by the Federal
                                        Communications Commission.
H.R.3310                                To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to consolidate the reporting
                                        obligations of the Federal Communications Commission in order to improve
                                        congressional oversight and reduce reporting burdens.
H.R.3670**                             To require the Transportation Security Administration to comply with the
                                        Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. (P.L. 112--
                                        171)
H.R.3834                               To amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize
                                        activities for support of networking and information technology
                                        research, and for other purposes.
H.R.4212**                             To designate drywall manufactured in China a banned hazardous product,
                                        and for other purposes. (P.L. 112--266)
H.R.4251                               To authorize, enhance, and reform certain port security programs through
                                        increased efficiency and risk-based coordination within the Department
                                        of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.
H.R.5797                               To amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to Mille Lacs Lake,
                                        Minnesota, and for other purposes.
H.R.5859**                             To repeal an obsolete provision in title 49, United States Code,
                                        requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting. (P.L. 112--252)
H.R.5865                               To promote the growth and competitiveness of American manufacturing.
H.R.6028                               To authorize the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation
                                        Security Administration) to modify screening requirements for checked
                                        baggage arriving from preclearance airports, and for other purposes.
H.R.6612                               To redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong
                                        Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the
                                        Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.
S.28                                   To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide public safety
                                        providers an additional 10 megahertz of spectrum to support a national,
                                        interoperable wireless broadband network and authorize the Federal
                                        Communications Commission to hold incentive auctions to provide funding
                                        to support such a network, and for other purposes.
S.46*                                  To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.50*                                  To strengthen Federal consumer product safety programs and activities
                                        with respect to commercially marketed seafood by directing the Secretary
                                        of Commerce to coordinate with the Federal Trade Commission and other
                                        appropriate Federal agencies to strengthen and coordinate those programs
                                        and activities.
S.52*                                  To establish uniform administrative and enforcement procedures and
                                        penalties for the enforcement of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing
                                        Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes, and for other purposes.
S.69                                   To amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to exclude
                                        secondary sales, repair services, and certain vehicles from the ban on
                                        lead in children's products, and for other purposes.
S.74                                   To preserve the free and open nature of the Internet, expand the benefits
                                        of broadband, and promote universally available and affordable broadband
                                        service.
S.116                                  To provide for the establishment, on-going validation, and utilization of
                                        an official set of data on the historical temperature record, and for
                                        other purposes.
S.152                                  To amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure the availability of dual
                                        fueled automobiles and light duty trucks, and for other purposes.
S.158                                  To reauthorize the Surface Transportation Board, and for other purposes.
S.179*                                 To expand the boundaries of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine
                                        Sanctuary and the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.183*                                 To clarify the applicability of certain maritime laws with respect to the
                                        blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater
                                        Horizon.
S.203                                  To direct the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                        Administration to institute research into the special circumstances
                                        associated with oil spill prevention and response in Arctic waters,
                                        including assessment of impacts on Arctic marine mammals and other
                                        wildlife, marine debris research and removal, and risk assessment, and
                                        for other purposes.
S.234                                  To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for enhanced safety and
                                        environmental protection in pipeline transportation and to provide for
                                        enhanced reliability in the transportation of United States energy
                                        products by pipeline, and for other purposes.
S.238                                  To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to
                                        require that fishery impact statements be updated each year and for
                                        other purposes.
S.275*                                 To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for enhanced safety and
                                        environmental protection in pipeline transportation, to provide for
                                        enhanced reliability in the transportation of the Nation's energy
                                        products by pipeline, and for other purposes.
S.297                                  To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that
                                        funds received as universal service contributions and the universal
                                        service support programs established pursuant to that section are not
                                        subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly
                                        known as the Antideficiency Act.
S.301                                  To amend title 49, United States Code, to make technical and minor
                                        modifications to the positive train control requirements under chapter
                                        201.
S.305                                  To repeal a prohibition on the use of certain funds for the termination
                                        of the Constellation program of the National Aeronautics and Space
                                        Administration.
S.318                                  To increase the use of security cameras at airport security screening
                                        checkpoints and exits, to impose increased penalties on individuals who
                                        circumvent security screening at airports, and for other purposes.
S.326                                  To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish national purposes and
                                        goals for the Federal surface transportation activities and programs and
                                        create a national surface transportation plan.
S.330                                  To prohibit the sale of any product to a consumer that is subject to a
                                        recall, and for other purposes.
S.346                                  To provide authority and sanction for the granting and issuance of
                                        programs for residential and commuter toll, user fee and fare discounts
                                        by States, municipalities, other localities, and all related agencies
                                        and departments, and for other purposes.
S.363**                                To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to convey property of the National
                                        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the City of Pascagoula,
                                        Mississippi, and for other purposes. (P.L. 112--134)
S.371                                  To improve the efficiency, operation, and security of the national
                                        transportation system to move freight by leveraging investments and
                                        promoting partnerships that advance interstate and foreign commerce, and
                                        for other purposes.
S.372                                  To reduce the ability of terrorists, spies, criminals, and other
                                        malicious actors to compromise, disrupt, damage, and destroy computer
                                        networks, critical infrastructure, and key resources, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.415                                  To provide the FCC with authority to conduct incentive auctions, and for
                                        other purposes.
S.422                                  To improve consumer access to passenger vehicle loss data held by
                                        insurers, and for other purposes.
S.453*                                 To improve the safety of motorcoaches, and for other purposes.
S.455                                  To promote development and opportunity with regards to spectrum occupancy
                                        and use, and for other purposes.
S.485*                                 To expand the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and
                                        Underwater Preserve, and for other purposes.
S.492                                  To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit Federal funding for
                                        the Corporation for Public Broadcasting after fiscal year 2013.
S.510                                  To prevent drunk driving injuries and fatalities, and for other purposes.
S.522                                  To clarify the rights and responsibilities of Federal entities in the
                                        spectrum relocation process, and for other purposes.
S.562                                  To authorize the Secretary of Transportation to establish national safety
                                        standards for transit agencies operating heavy rail on fixed guideway.
S.592                                  To amend title 46, United States Code, to remove the cap on punitive
                                        damages established by the Supreme Court in Exxon Shipping Company v.
                                        Baker.
S.601                                  To encourage and ensure the use of safe football helmets and for other
                                        purposes.
S.608                                  To provide limitations on maritime liens on fishing licenses and for
                                        other purposes.
S.611                                  To provide greater technical resources to FCC Commissioners.
S.632                                  To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to
                                        extend the authorized period for rebuilding of certain overfished
                                        fisheries, and for other purposes.
S.646*                                 To reauthorize Federal natural hazards reduction programs, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.670                                  To authorize States and their political subdivisions to regulate fuel
                                        economy and emissions standards for taxicabs.
S.673                                  To require the conveyance of the decommissioned Coast Guard Cutter
                                        STORIS.
S.692*                                 To improve hurricane preparedness by establishing the National Hurricane
                                        Research Initiative, and for other purposes.
S.695                                  To require the use of electronic on-board recording devices in motor
                                        carriers to improve compliance with hours of service regulations.
S.732                                  To improve billing disclosures to cellular telephone consumers.
S.751                                  To require the Secretary of Commerce to develop a comprehensive national
                                        manufacturing strategy, and for other purposes.
S.753                                  To require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
                                        to establish an early-stage business investment and incubation grant
                                        program, and for other purposes.
S.754                                  To amend title 49, United States Code, to require the Secretary of
                                        Transportation to establish and maintain a national clearinghouse for
                                        records relating to alcohol and controlled substance testing of
                                        commercial motor vehicle operators, and for other purposes.
S.799                                  To establish a regulatory framework for the comprehensive protection of
                                        personal data for individuals under the aegis of the Federal Trade
                                        Commission, and for other purposes.
S.886                                  To amend the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 to prohibit the use of
                                        performance-enhancing drugs in horseracing, and for other purposes.
S.909                                  To amend title 49, United States Code, to permit certain revenues of
                                        private providers of public transportation by vanpool received from
                                        providing public transportation to be used for the purpose of acquiring
                                        rolling stock, and to permit certain expenditures of private vanpool
                                        contractors to be credited toward the local matching share of the costs
                                        of public transportation projects, and for other purposes.
S.911*                                 To establish the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the
                                        President should sign, bipartisan legislation to strengthen public
                                        safety and to enhance wireless communications.
S.913                                  To require the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe regulations
                                        regarding the collection and use of personal information obtained by
                                        tracking the online activity of an individual, and for other purposes.
S.918                                  To direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out programs and
                                        activities to improve highway safety.
S.936                                  To establish the American Infrastructure Investment Fund and other
                                        activities to facilitate investments in infrastructure projects that
                                        significantly enhance the economic competitiveness of the United States
                                        by improving economic output, productivity, or competitive commercial
                                        advantage, and for other purposes.
S.942                                  To provide for improved investment in national transportation
                                        infrastructure.
S.962*                                 To reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act
                                        to promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits, and
                                        for other purposes.
S.973                                  To create the National Endowment for the Oceans to promote the protection
                                        and conservation of the United States ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
                                        ecosystems, and for other purposes.
S.1040                                 To enhance public safety by making more spectrum available to public
                                        safety entities, to facilitate the development of a public safety
                                        broadband network, to provide standards for the spectrum needs of public
                                        safety entities, and for other purposes.
S.1066                                 To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of
                                        polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date on
                                        which the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the
                                        Endangered Species Act of 1973.
S.1092                                 To address aviation security in the United States by bolstering passenger
                                        and air cargo screening procedures, to ensure that purchases of
                                        screening technologies are thoroughly evaluated for the best return on
                                        investment of the taxpayer's money, and for other purposes.
S.1119*                                To reauthorize and improve the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and
                                        Reduction Act, and for other purposes.
S.1140                                 To provide for restoration of the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico
                                        affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and for other purposes.
S.1152                                 To advance cybersecurity research, development, and technical standards,
                                        and for other purposes.
S.1165                                 To protect children and other consumers against hazards associated with
                                        the accidental ingestion of button cell batteries by requiring the
                                        Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate consumer product safety
                                        standards to require child-resistant closures on remote controls and
                                        other consumer products that use such batteries, and for other purposes.
S.1176                                 To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting,
                                        moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or
                                        donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human
                                        consumption, and for other purposes.
S.1207                                 To protect consumers by requiring reasonable security policies and
                                        procedures to protect data containing personal information, and to
                                        provide for nationwide notice in the event of a security breach.
S.1216                                 To waive the requirement that existing traffic signs meet minimum
                                        retroreflectivity standards on or before the compliance dates
                                        established by the Federal Highway Administration.
S.1230                                 To secure public investments in transportation infrastructure.
S.1247                                 To develop and recruit new, high-value jobs to the United States, to
                                        encourage the repatriation of jobs that have been off-shored to other
                                        countries, and for other purposes.
S.1281                                 To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the transportation of
                                        horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing two or
                                        more levels stacked on top of one another.
S.1288                                 To exempt certain class A CDL drivers from the requirement to obtain a
                                        hazardous material endorsement while operating a service vehicle with a
                                        fuel tank containing 3,785 liters (1,000 gallons) or less of diesel
                                        fuel.
S.1304                                 To make funds available to reimburse certain fishermen for legal fees and
                                        costs incurred in connection with improper fines and for other purposes.
S.1307*                                To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to convey real property, including
                                        improvements, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in
                                        Ketchikan, Alaska, and for other purposes.
S.1312                                 To strengthen and improve monitoring in the fisheries across the United
                                        States and for other purposes.
S.1335**                               To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide rights for pilots, and
                                        for other purposes. (P.L. 112--153)
S.1371                                 To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to
                                        add Rhode Island to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
S.1374                                 To direct the Federal Trade Commission to prescribe rules prohibiting
                                        deceptive advertising of abortion services.
S.1401*                                To conserve wild Pacific salmon, and for other purposes.
S.1402                                 To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to increase the maximum
                                        penalty for violating that Act.
S.1422                                 To establish a grant program in the Department of Transportation to
                                        improve the traffic safety of teen drivers.
S.1430*                                To authorize certain maritime programs of the Department of
                                        Transportation, and for other purposes.
S.1433                                 To pay personnel compensation and benefits for employees of the Federal
                                        Aviation Administration.
S.1445                                 To designate certain conduct by car and truck rental companies relating
                                        to motor vehicle safety defects and recalls as unfair and deceptive acts
                                        or practices to be regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, and for
                                        other purposes.
S.1448                                 To exempt off-highway vehicles from the ban on lead in children's
                                        products, and for other purposes.
S.1449*                                To authorize the appropriation of funds for highway safety programs and
                                        for other purposes.
S.1450                                 To amend title 23, United States Code, to provide for the establishment
                                        of a commercial truck safety program, and for other purposes.
S.1451                                 To prohibit the sale of billfish.
S.1453                                 To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow the transport,
                                        purchase, and sale of pelts of, and handicrafts, garments, and art
                                        produced from, Southcentral and Southeast Alaska northern sea otters
                                        that are taken for subsistence purposes.
S.1457                                 To direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a Made In America Block
                                        Grant Program, and for other purposes.
S.1459                                 To prohibit air carriers from charging a fee for the transportation of
                                        checked baggage by members of the Armed Forces traveling to or from an
                                        overseas contingency operation.
S.1477                                 To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to
                                        prevent the dissemination to the public of certain information with
                                        respect to noncommercial flights of private aircraft owners and
                                        operators.
S.1496                                 To amend title 46, United States Code, to prohibit the delegation by the
                                        United States of inspection, certification, and related services to a
                                        foreign classification society that provides comparable services to
                                        Iran, North Korea, North Sudan, or Syria, and for other purposes.
S.1499                                 To direct the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate a rule to improve
                                        the daytime and nighttime visibility of agricultural equipment that may
                                        be operated on a public road.
S.1502                                 To restore public trust in pipeline safety, and for other purposes.
S.1536                                 To require disclosure of the physical location of business agents
                                        engaging in customer service communications, and for other purposes.
S.1603                                 To enable transportation fuel competition, consumer choice, and greater
                                        use of domestic energy sources in order to reduce our Nation's
                                        dependence on foreign oil.
S.1620                                 To ensure the icebreaking capabilities of the United States and for other
                                        purposes.
S.1657*                                To amend the provisions of law relating to sport fish restoration and
                                        recreational boating safety, and for other purposes.
S.1659                                 To return unused or reclaimed funds made available for broadband awards
                                        in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Treasury of
                                        the United States.
S.1663                                 To direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant
                                        program to promote domestic regional tourism.
S.1665*                                To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2012 and
                                        2013, and for other purposes.
S.1678                                 To amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to
                                        permit eligible fishermen to approve certain limited access privilege
                                        programs, and for other purposes.
S.1695                                 To require accurate disclosures to consumers of the terms and conditions
                                        of 4G service and other advanced wireless mobile broadband service.
S.1701*                                To amend the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of
                                        1998, and for other purposes.
S.1717                                 To prevent the escapement of genetically altered salmon in the United
                                        States, and for other purposes.
S.1753                                 To require operators of Internet websites that provide access to
                                        international travel services and market overseas vacation destinations
                                        to provide on such websites information to consumers regarding the
                                        potential health and safety risks associated with traveling to such
                                        vacation destinations, and for other purposes.
S.1759*                                To facilitate the hosting in the United States of the 34th America's Cup
                                        by authorizing certain eligible vessels to participate in activities
                                        related to the competition.
S.1780                                 To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to consolidate the reporting
                                        obligations of the Federal Communications Commission in order to improve
                                        congressional oversight and reduce reporting burdens.
S.1783                                 To amend title 46, United States Code, to require the Maritime
                                        Administrator, in making determinations regarding the non-availability
                                        of qualified United States flag capacity to meet national defense
                                        requirements, to identify any actions that could be taken to enable such
                                        capacity to meet some or all of those requirements, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.1784                                 To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for greater
                                        transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed by the Federal
                                        Communications Commission.
S.1817                                 To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for greater
                                        transparency and efficiency in the procedures followed by the Federal
                                        Communications Commission.
S.1890                                 To prevent forfeited fishing vessels from being transferred to private
                                        parties and for other purposes.
S.1913                                 To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to
                                        prescribe regulations requiring air carriers to provide passengers with
                                        certain amenities and facilities, and for other purposes.
S.1915                                 To amend the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 to provide
                                        clarification regarding the applicability of exemptions relating to the
                                        transportation of agricultural commodities and farm supplies, and for
                                        other purposes.
S.1916                                 To exclude ecosystem component stocks of fish from certain annual catch
                                        limits and for other purposes.
S.1918                                 To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prescribe regulations
                                        imposing a fee on air carriers that charge passengers for a first
                                        checked bag or a first carry-on bag, and for other purposes.
S.1922                                 To clarify the application of section 14501(d) of title 49, United States
                                        Code, to prevent the imposition of unreasonable transportation terminal
                                        fees.
S.1924                                 To authorize States to enforce pipeline safety requirements related to
                                        wellbores at interstate storage facilities.
S.1950*                                To amend title 49, United States Code, to improve commercial motor
                                        vehicle safety and reduce commercial motor vehicle-related accidents and
                                        fatalities, to authorize the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                        Administration, and for other purposes.
S.1952*                                To improve hazardous materials transportation safety and for other
                                        purposes.
S.1953*                                To reauthorize the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, to
                                        improve transportation research and development, and for other purposes.
S.1954                                 To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide for expedited security
                                        screenings for members of the Armed Forces.
S.1956**                               To prohibit operators of civil aircraft of the United States from
                                        participating in the European Union's emissions trading scheme, and for
                                        other purposes. (P.L. 112--200)
S.1966                                 To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to reform the process for
                                        enrolling, activating, issuing, and renewing Transportation Worker
                                        Identification Credentials so that applicants are not required to visit
                                        a designated enrollment center more than once.
S.1968                                 To require the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program
                                        to increase accountability with respect to outcomes of transportation
                                        investments, and for other purposes.
S.1980*                                To prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated
                                        fishing through port State measures.
S.1990                                 To require the Transportation Security Administration to comply with the
                                        Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
S.1991                                 To establish the National Endowment for the Oceans, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.2006                                 To amend the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act
                                        of 1987 to authorize the Secretary of Transportation to permit Federal
                                        regulation and review of tolls and toll increases on certain surface
                                        transportation facilities, and for other purposes.
S.2008                                 To repeal certain provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, title 17
                                        of the United States Code, and the regulations of the Federal
                                        Communications Commission that intervened in the television marketplace,
                                        and for other purposes.
S.2011                                 To amend title 49, United States Code, to provide certain port
                                        authorities, and for other purposes.
S.2012                                 To require that labels on children's sleepwear that indicate the
                                        sleepwear is flame resistant to include the chemical name of the flame
                                        retardant used, and for other purposes.
S.2019                                 To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to
                                        prescribe regulations to reduce helicopter noise pollution in certain
                                        residential areas, and for other purposes.
S.2021                                 To nullify certain regulations regarding the mandatory replacement of
                                        certain traffic signs, and for other purposes.
S.2023                                 To establish a safety performance rating system for motorcoach services
                                        and operations.
S.2028                                 To amend titles 23 and 49, United States Code, to ensure that
                                        transportation and infrastructure projects carried out using Federal
                                        financial assistance are constructed with steel, iron, and manufactured
                                        goods that are produced in the United States, and for other purposes.
S.2044                                 A bill to require the Under Secretary for Science and Technology in the
                                        Department of Homeland Security to contract with an independent
                                        laboratory to study the health effects of backscatter x-ray machines
                                        used at airline checkpoints operated by the Transportation Security
                                        Administration and provide improved notice to airline passengers.
S.2063                                 To prohibit the transfer of technology developed using funding provided
                                        by the United States Government to entities of certain countries, and
                                        for other purposes.
S.2084                                 To require the Secretary of Transportation to establish accelerated
                                        licensing procedures to assist veterans to acquire commercial driver's
                                        licenses, and for other purposes.
S.2147                                 To provide for research, monitoring, and observation of the Arctic Ocean
                                        and for other purposes.
S.2151                                 To improve information security, and for other purposes.
S.2174                                 To exempt natural gas vehicles from certain maximum fuel economy increase
                                        standards, and for other purposes.
S.2184                                 To provide exclusive funding to support fisheries and the communities
                                        that rely upon them, to clear unnecessary regulatory burdens and
                                        streamline Federal fisheries management, and for other purposes.
S.2207                                 To require the Office of the Ombudsman of the Transportation Security
                                        Administration to appoint passenger advocates at Category X airports to
                                        assist elderly and disabled passengers who believe they have been
                                        mistreated by TSA personnel and for other purposes.
S.2214                                 To remove restrictions from a parcel of land situated in the Atlantic
                                        District, Accomack County, Virginia.
S.2235                                 To prohibit the establishment by air carriers and airport operators of
                                        expedited lines at airport screening checkpoints for specific categories
                                        of passengers, and for other purposes.
S.2279*                                To amend the R.M.S. Titanic Maritime Memorial Act of 1986 to provide
                                        additional protection for the R.M.S. Titanic and its wreck site, and for
                                        other purposes.
S.2369                                 To establish the American Innovation Bank, to improve science and
                                        technology job training, to authorize grants for curriculum development,
                                        and for other purposes.
S.2376                                 To recognize and clarify the authority of the States to regulate air
                                        ambulance medical standards pursuant to their authority over the
                                        regulation of health care services within their borders, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.2388*                                To reauthorize and amend the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                        Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.3227                                 To enable concrete masonry products manufacturers and importers to
                                        establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of research,
                                        education, and promotion to improve, maintain, and develop markets for
                                        concrete masonry products.
S.3251                                 To amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to Mille Lacs Lake,
                                        Minnesota, and for other purposes.
S.3262                                 To amend the Whaling Convention Act to require the Secretary of Commerce
                                        to authorize aboriginal subsistence whaling as permitted by the
                                        regulations of the International Whaling Commission and to set
                                        aboriginal subsistence catch limits for bowhead whales in the event the
                                        Commission fails to adopt such limits, and for other purposes.
S.3263                                 To require the Secretary of Transportation to modify the final rule
                                        relating to flightcrew member duty and rest requirements for passenger
                                        operations of air carriers to apply to all-cargo operations of air
                                        carriers, and for other purposes.
S.3274                                 To direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the heads of
                                        other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to produce a report on
                                        enhancing the competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign
                                        direct investment, and for other purposes.
S.3291                                 To prohibit unauthorized third-party charges on wireline telephone bills,
                                        and for other purposes.
S.3298                                 To amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to establish the Federal Oil Spill
                                        Research Committee, and to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
                                        to include in a response plan certain planned and demonstrated
                                        investments in research relating to discharges of oil and to modify the
                                        dates by which a response plan must be updated.
S.3302                                 To establish an air travelers' bill of rights, to implement those rights,
                                        and for other purposes.
S.3303                                 To require security screening of passengers at airports to be carried out
                                        by private screening companies, and for other purposes.
S.3306                                 To establish a United States Boxing Commission to administer the
                                        Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996, and for other purposes.
S.3332                                 To provide for the establishment of nationally uniform and
                                        environmentally sound standards governing discharges incidental to the
                                        normal operation of a vessel in the navigable waters of the United
                                        States.
S.3333                                 To require certain entities that collect and maintain personal
                                        information of individuals to secure such information and to provide
                                        notice to such individuals in the case of a breach of security involving
                                        such information, and for other purposes.
S.3343                                 To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to require residential carbon
                                        monoxide detectors to meet the applicable ANSI/UL standard by treating
                                        that standard as a consumer product safety rule, to encourage States to
                                        require the installation of such detectors in homes, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.3371                                 To establish, within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
                                        an integrated and comprehensive ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and
                                        atmospheric research, prediction, and environmental information program
                                        to support renewable energy, and for other purposes.
S.3378                                 To establish scientific standards and protocols across forensic
                                        disciplines, and for other purposes.
S.3387                                 To amend title 36, United States Code, to require the United States
                                        Olympic Committee to adopt a policy that requires ceremonial uniforms
                                        purchased or otherwise obtained by the Committee to be produced in the
                                        United States, and for other purposes.
S.3402                                 To require the Secretary of Labor to maintain a publicly available list
                                        of all employers that relocate a call center overseas, to make such
                                        companies ineligible for Federal grants or guaranteed loans, and to
                                        require disclosure of the physical location of business agents engaging
                                        in customer service communications, and for other purposes.
S.3410*                                To extend the Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With
                                        Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006, and for other purposes.
S.3422                                 To prohibit the sale of billfish and for other purposes.
S.3424                                 To prohibit the sale of billfish.
S.3433                                 To require a radio spectrum inventory of bands managed by the Federal
                                        Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications &
                                        Information Administration.
S.3502                                 To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit rental of motor
                                        vehicles under a safety recall because of a defect related to motor
                                        vehicle safety or noncompliance with an applicable motor vehicle safety
                                        standard until the defect or noncompliance is remedied, and for other
                                        purposes.
S.3516                                 To encourage spectrum licenses to make unused spectrum available for use
                                        by rural and smaller carriers in order to expand wireless coverage.
S.3537                                 To require all recreational vessels to have and post passenger capacity
                                        limits and for other purposes.
S.3542**                               To authorize the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation
                                        Security Administration) to modify screening requirements for checked
                                        baggage arriving from preclearance airports, and for other purposes.
                                        (P.L. 112--218)
S.3569                                 To improve the enforcement of criminal and civil law with respect to
                                        cloud computing, and for other purposes.
S.3570                                 To provide for the establishment of nationally uniform and
                                        environmentally sound standards governing discharges incidental to the
                                        normal operation of a vessel in the navigable waters of the United
                                        States.
S.3584                                 To reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System, and
                                        for other purposes.
S.3613                                 To promote research, monitoring, and observation of the Arctic and for
                                        other purposes.
S.3615                                 To enhance national seafood marketing efforts through the creation of a
                                        National Seafood Marketing and Development Fund, Regional Seafood
                                        Marketing Boards and a National Coordinating Committee and for other
                                        purposes.
S.3640                                 To amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary
                                        of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, to
                                        transfer unclaimed clothing recovered at airport security checkpoints to
                                        local veterans organizations and other local charitable organizations,
                                        and for other purposes.
S.3656                                 To repeal an obsolete provision in title 49, United States Code,
                                        requiring motor vehicle insurance cost reporting.
S.3661                                 To reaffirm and amend the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
                                        Authorization Act of 2010, and for other purposes.
S.3691                                 To minimize the economic and social costs resulting from losses of life,
                                        property, well-being, business activity, and economic growth associated
                                        with extreme weather events by ensuring that the United States is more
                                        resilient to the impacts of extreme weather events in the short- and
                                        long-term, and for other purposes.
S.3703                                 To improve the ability of consumers to control their digital data usage,
                                        promote Internet use, and for other purposes.
S.3706                                 To amend chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the
                                        rental of motor vehicles that contain a defect related to motor vehicle
                                        safety, and for other purposes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    Resolutions Referred to Committee

Resolutions:
    Referred to Committee.........................................     7
    Original measures from Committee..............................     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     8

    Reported/Discharged...........................................     4
    Reported/Discharged and agreed to in the Senate...............     2
              *Reported/Discharged
              **Reported/Discharged and agreed to in the Senate


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Number                                            Title as Introduced
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.J.Res.6*                             A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal
                                        Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and
                                        broadband industry practices.
S.Con.Res.7                            A concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.
S.Res.64*\1\                           An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on
                                        Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
S.Res.170**                            A resolution honoring Admiral Thad Allen of the United States Coast Guard
                                        (Ret.) for his lifetime of selfless commitment and exemplary service to
                                        the United States.
S.Res.171                              A resolution recognizing and supporting National Train Day on May 7,
                                        2011.
S.Res.487                              A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the ambush marketing
                                        adversely affects Team USA and the Olympic and Paralymic Movements and
                                        should not be condoned.
S.Res.558**                            A resolution congratulating the athletes from the State of Nevada and
                                        throughout the United States who participated in the 2012 Olympic and
                                        Paralympic Games as members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic
                                        Teams.
S.Res.559                              A resolution honoring Rear Admiral Jonathan W. Bailey for his lifetime of
                                        selfless commitment and exemplary service to the United States.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\S.Res.64 was the Committee's only original measure during the 112th 
        Congress.


                             B. Nominations

    There were 1,274 presidential nominations referred to the 
Committee during the 112th Congress.
    
    Referred...................................................... 1,274
    Confirmed..................................................... 1,268
    Returned to the President upon adjournment of Congress........     4
    Withdrawn by the President....................................     2


Department of Commerce
    Secretary of Commerce.........................................     1
    Assistant Secretary of Commerce...............................     1
    Deputy Secretary of Commerce..................................     2
    Under Secretary for Economic Affairs..........................     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     5


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    Chief Scientist...............................................     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     1


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned 
  Officer Corps
    Rear Admiral..................................................     1
    Rear Admiral, lower half......................................     3
    Captain.......................................................     5
    Commander.....................................................     7
    Lieutenant Commander..........................................     7
    Lieutenant....................................................    30
    Lieutenant (junior grade).....................................    47
    Ensign........................................................    34
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................   134


Department of Transportation
    Under Secretary for Policy....................................     1
    Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration..........     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     2


Surface Transportation Board
    Member........................................................     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     1


Coast Guard
    Vice Admiral..................................................     8
    Rear Admiral, upper half......................................    15
    Rear Admiral, lower half......................................    11
    Captain.......................................................   154
    Commander.....................................................   292
    Lieutenant Commander..........................................   571
    Lieutenant....................................................    12
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total......................................................... 1,063


Coast Guard Reserve
    Captain.......................................................    44
    Rear Admiral, upper half......................................     2
    Rear Admiral, lower half......................................     2
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................    48


Executive Office of the President
    Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology 
      Policy......................................................     2
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     2


Amtrak Board of Directors
    Director......................................................     3
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     3


Consumer Product Safety Commission
    Commissioner..................................................     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     1


Federal Communications Commission
    Member........................................................     3
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     3


Federal Maritime Commission
    Commissioner..................................................     5
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     5


Federal Trade Commission
    Commissioner..................................................     3
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     3


National Transportation Safety Board
    Member........................................................     1
    Chair.........................................................     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     2


Marine Mammal Commission
    Member........................................................     1
                        =================================================================
                        ________________________________________________
    Total.........................................................     1


                1. Executive Office and Federal Agencies

    The Committee was referred nominations for the Executive 
Office of the President, Department of Commerce, and Department 
of Transportation. The Executive Office of the President 
received two nominations for the position of Associate Director 
of the Office of Science and Technology Policy: one nomination 
was returned to the President, and the other confirmed by the 
Senate. The Department of Commerce received five nominations, 
all of which were confirmed by the Senate with the exception of 
one nomination for Deputy Secretary of Commerce and one 
nomination for Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, which were withdrawn by the 
President. Two nominations for positions at the Department of 
Transportation were received; both were confirmed by the 
Senate.

2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer 
                                 Corps

    The Committee was referred 134 nominations for National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Aministration (NOAA) Commissioned 
Officer Corps positions. Of these, 47 were for Lieutenant 
(junior grade) and 34 were for Ensign. All nominations were 
confirmed.

                 3. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve

    There were a total of 1,111 nominations referred to the 
Committee for appointments to Coast Guard and Coast Guard 
Reserve positions. These nominations included 571 nominations 
to Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander and 292 nominations to 
Commander. Other positions included Rear Admiral, Captain, 
Lieutenant, and Vice Admiral. One nomination for Rear Admiral 
was returned to the President. All others were confirmed by the 
Senate.

                       4. Commissions and Boards

    Nominations for membership on boards and commissions were 
received as follows: Amtrak Board of Directors (3); Consumer 
Product Safety Commission (1); Federal Communications 
Commission (3); Federal Maritime Commission (5); Federal Trade 
Commission (3); National Transportation Safety Board (2); 
Surface Transportation Board (1); and the Marine Mammal 
Commission (1). One Federal Maritime Commission nomination and 
the sole Consumer Product Safety Commission nomination were 
returned to the President. The 17 other nominations were 
confirmed by the Senate.


                           C. Full Committee


                           Executive Sessions 

    The Committee scheduled 10, but held 9, Executive Sessions 
during the 112th Congress. Dates and agendas are below.
    
    February 17, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         Rules and Budget Resolution for the Committee
    
    
    March 17, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         Nomination of Kathryn D. Sullivan, to be 
        Assistant Secretary of Commerce
         Nomination of Frances M.D. Gulland, to be a 
        Member of the Marine Mammal Commission
         Nomination of Ann D. Begeman, to be a Member 
        of the Surface Transportation Board
         Nomination of Mario Cordero, to be a Federal 
        Maritime Commissioner
         Nomination of Philip E. Coyle, III, to be 
        Associate Director of the Office of Science and 
        Technology Policy
         Nomination of Rebecca F. Dye, to be a Federal 
        Maritime Commissioner (Reappointment)
         Nominations for Promotion in the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned 
        Officer Corps
         Nominations for Promotion in the Coast Guard
    
    
    May 5, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         S.46, Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act 
        of 2011 (Senate Report 112-210)
         S.52, International Fisheries Stewardship and 
        Enforcement Act (Senate Report 112-132)
         S.275, Pipeline Transportation Safety 
        Improvement Act of 2011 (Senate Report 112-30)
         S.363, A bill to authorize the Secretary of 
        Commerce to convey property of the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration to the City of Pascagoula, 
        Mississippi, and for other purposes (Senate Report 112-
        133)
         S.453, Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 
        (Senate Report 112-93)
         S.485, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary 
        and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act 
        (Senate Report 112-134)
         S.646, Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 
        2011 (Senate Report 112-150)
         S.692, National Hurricane Research Initiative 
        Act of 2011 (Senate Report 112-266)
         Nomination of Scott C. Doney to be Chief 
        Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration
         Nomination for Promotion in the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned 
        Officer Corps
         Nominations for Promotion in the Coast Guard
    
    
    June 8, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         S.50, Commercial Seafood Consumer Protection 
        Act (Senate Report 112-131)
         S.179, Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank 
        National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and 
        Protection Act (Senate Report 112-149)
         S.183, Deepwater Horizon Survivors' Fairness 
        Act (Senate Report 112-245)
         S.911, Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless 
        Innovation Act (Senate Report 112-260)
         S.962, Northwest Straits Marine Conservation 
        Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2011 (Senate Report 
        112-151)
         Nomination for Promotion in the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned 
        Officer Corps
         Nominations for Promotion in the Coast Guard
    
    
    October 6, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         Nomination of John Edgar Bryson, to be 
        Secretary of Commerce
         Nominations for Promotion in the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned 
        Officer Corps
         Nominations for Promotion in the Coast Guard
    
    
    November 2, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         S.1119, Trash Free Seas Act of 2011 (Senate 
        Report 112-161)
         S.1307, A bill to authorize the Secretary of 
        Commerce to convey real property, including 
        improvements, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration in Ketchikan, Alaska, and for other 
        purposes (Senate Report 112-239)
         S.1401, Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation 
        Act of 2011 (Senate Report 112-140)
         S.1430, Maritime Administration Authorization 
        Act of 2012 (Senate Report 112-99)
         S.1657, Sport Fish Restoration and 
        Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2011 (Senate Report 
        112-141)
         S.1665, Coast Guard Authorization Act for 
        Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013 (Senate Report 112-135)
         S.1701, Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia 
        Research and Control Amendments Act of 2011 (Senate 
        Report 112-237)
         S.1759, America's Cup Act of 2011 (Senate 
        Report 112-246)
         Nomination of Michael A. Khouri, to be a 
        Federal Maritime Commissioner (Reappointment)
         Nomination of Albert DiClemente, to be a 
        Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors 
        (Reappointment)
         Nomination of Robert L. Sumwalt, III, to be a 
        Member of the National Transportation Safety Board 
        (Reappointment)
         Nominations for Promotion in the Coast Guard
    
    
    December 8, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         Nomination of Rebecca M. Blank, to be Deputy 
        Secretary, Department of Commerce
         Nomination of Jon D. Leibowitz, to be a Member 
        of the Federal Trade Commission (Reappointment)
         Nomination of Maureen K. Ohlhausen, to be a 
        Member of the Federal Trade Commission
         Nomination of Ajit Varadaraj Pai, to be a 
        Member of the Federal Communications Commission
         Nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel, to be a 
        Member of the Federal Communications Commission
    
    
    December 14, 2011 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         S.1449, Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety 
        Improvement Act of 2011 (Senate Report 112-261)
         S.1950, Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety 
        Enhancement Act of 2011 (Senate Report 112-238)
         S.1952, Hazardous Materials Transportation 
        Safety Improvement Act of 2011 (Senate Report 112-162)
         S.1953, Research and Innovative Technology 
        Administration Reauthorization Act of 2011 (Senate 
        Report 112-236)
         Nominations for Promotion in the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned 
        Officer Corps
    
    
    July 31, 2012 -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         S.1956, European Union Emissions Trading 
        Scheme Prohibition Act of 2011 (Senate Report 112-195)
         S.1980, Pirate Fishing Elimination Act (Senate 
        Report 112-255)
         S.2279, R.M.S. Titanic Maritime Memorial 
        Preservation Act of 2012 (Senate Report 112-247)
         S.2388, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments 
        Act of 2012 (Senate Report 112-256)
         S.3410, A bill to extend the Undertaking Spam, 
        Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement with Enforcers beyond 
        Borders Act of 2006, and for other purposes (Senate 
        Report 112-248)
         Nomination of William P. Doyle, to be a 
        Commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission
         Nomination of Michael P. Huerta, to be 
        Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration
         Nomination of Patricia K. Falcone, to be 
        Associate Director of National Security and 
        International Affairs for the Office of Science and 
        Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President
         Nominations for Promotion in the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned 
        Officer Corps
    
    
    December 19, 2012\1\ -- Consider and approve the following:
    
         Nomination of Mark Doms, to be Under Secretary 
        of Commerce for Economic Affairs, Department of 
        Commerce
         Nomination of Marietta S. Robinson, to be a 
        Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
         Nomination of Polly Ellen Trottenberg, to be 
        Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, 
        Department of Transportation
         Nomination of Mignon L. Clyburn, to be a 
        Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission 
        (Reappointment)
         Nomination of Joshua D. Wright, to be a 
        Commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission
         Nomination of Christopher R. Beall, to be a 
        Director on the Amtrak Board of Directors
         Nomination of Yvonne B. Burke, to be a 
        Director on the Amtrak Board of Directors
         Nominations for Promotion in the Coast Guard
    
\1\Quorum was not achieved, so no nominations were reported on this 
        date. The above nominations were passed by the Senate on 
        January 1, 2013.


     D. Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security 

    
    Members during the 112th Congress: Democrats--Senators 
Cantwell (Chairman), Inouye, Boxer, Nelson, Lautenberg, 
Klobuchar, Udall, Warner, and Begich; Republicans--Senators 
Thune (Ranking), DeMint, Wicker, Isakson, Blunt, Boozman, 
Toomey, and Heller.
    
    The Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and 
Security dedicated its energy during the 112th Congress to 
modernizing and enhancing the safety of air travel. H.R.658, a 
bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize 
appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for 
fiscal years 2011 through 2014, to streamline programs, create 
efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve aviation safety and 
capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation 
system, and for other purposes, is a comprehensive package that 
will overhaul and improve many current systems (P.L. 112--95). 
S.1335, a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to 
provide rights for pilots, and for other purposes, updates the 
process to appeal airman certificate actions (P.L. 112--153).
    The Subcommittee emphasized the importance of rights for 
both consumers and employees in the airline industry. H.R.3670, 
a bill to require the Transportation Security Administration 
(TSA) to comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act, protects the civilian jobs of TSA 
employees in the event that they are called into active duty 
(P.L. 112--171). S.3542, a bill to authorize the Assistant 
Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security 
Administration) to modify screening requirements for checked 
baggage arriving from preclearance airports, and for other 
purposes, grants the TSA authority to waive re-screening 
requirements for checked baggage to simplify the security 
process for bags already screened (P.L. 112--218). H.R.6328, a 
bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the 
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation 
Security Administration) to transfer unclaimed clothing 
recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans 
organizations and other local charitable organizations, and for 
other purposes, shares unclaimed clothing with homeless or 
needy veterans and veteran families (P.L. 112--271).
    S.1956, a bill that gives the Secretary of Transportation 
the authority to prohibit operators of civil aircraft of the 
United States from participating in the European Union's 
emissions trading scheme, and for other purposes, was enacted 
into law on November 27, 2012 (P.L. 112--200).
    
    This Subcommittee contributed to six hearings and one field 
hearing during the 112th Congress.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 24, 2011                                 Air Traffic Control Safety Oversight
July 28, 2011                                Aviation Fuels: Needs, Challenges, and Alternatives
October 24, 2011\1\                          The Aviation Workforce: Industry and Labor Perspectives on Training
                                              Needs and Challenges
November 9, 2011*                            Securing Our Nation's Transportation System: Oversight of TSA's
                                              Current Efforts
March 20, 2012                               Commercial Airline Safety Oversight
June 6, 2012*                                The European Union's Emissions Trading System
July 18, 2012                                The Global Competitiveness of the U.S. Aviation Industry:
                                              Addressing Competition Issues to Maintain U.S. Leadership in the
                                              Aerospace Market
*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Field hearing held in Seattle, Washington at the Museum of Flight.



    E. Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet 

    
    Members during the 112th Congress: Democrats--Senators 
Kerry (Chairman), Inouye, Boxer, Nelson, Cantwell, Lautenberg, 
Pryor, McCaskill, Klobuchar, Udall, Warner, and Begich; 
Republicans--Senators DeMint (Ranking), Snowe, Thune, Wicker, 
Isakson, Blunt, Boozman, Toomey, Rubio, Ayotte, and Heller.
    
    Public safety and wireless communications were a priority 
for the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the 
Internet during the 112th Congress. The provisions of Senator 
Rockefeller's public safety spectrum legislation, S.911, 
bipartisan legislation to strengthen public safety and to 
enhance wireless communications, with some modification, were 
enacted as title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job 
Creation Act of 2012 (H.R.3630, a bill to provide incentives 
for the creation of jobs, and for other purposes) (P.L. 112--
96). The law allocates the 700 MHz D-block of spectrum to 
public safety and authorizes and funds the creation of an 
interoperable, nationwide wireless broadband public safety 
network for first responders. It also provides the Federal 
Communications Commission with the authority to hold voluntary 
incentive auctions, which both promote efficient commercial 
spectrum use and provide a revenue stream for public safety to 
build out its nationwide network. Passage of S.911 marked the 
most significant telecommunications legislation in 15 years and 
fulfilled one of the last remaining substantial recommendations 
of the 9/11 Commission.
    
    This Subcommittee contributed to six hearings during the 
112th Congress.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 16, 2011*                           Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First
                                              Responders
April 5, 2011*                               Closing the Digital Divide: Connecting Native Nations and
                                              Communities to the 21st Century
October 12, 2011*                            Universal Service Reform: Bringing Broadband to All Americans
April 24, 2012*                              The Emergence of Online Video: Is It The Future?
May 16, 2012*                                Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
July 24, 2012*                               The Cable Act at 20

*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    
    
    
    

  F. Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion

    
    Members during the 112th Congress: Democrats--Senators 
Klobuchar (Chairman), Kerry, Cantwell, Pryor, Udall, Warner, 
and Begich; Republicans--Senators Blunt (Ranking), DeMint, 
Thune, Boozman, Ayotte, and Heller.
    
    This Subcommittee contributed to seven hearings and one 
field hearing during the 112th Congress.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 2, 2011*                               The Future of American Manufacturing: Maintaining America's
                                              Competitive Edge
April 5, 2011                                Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth
May 11, 2011*                                Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy
June 27, 2011*\2\                            Making It in America: Innovate Locally, Export Globally
November 17, 2011                            Tourism in America: Moving Our Economy Forward
April 17, 2012                               Promoting American Competitiveness: Filling Jobs Today And Training
                                              Workers For Tomorrow
July 12, 2012*                               Medication and Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing
August 1, 2012*                              Marketplace Fairness: Leveling the Playing Field for Small Business

*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\Field hearing held in Charleston, West Virginia at the Robert C. Byrd Courthouse and Federal Building.



 G. Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance

    
    Members during the 112th Congress: Democrats--Senators 
Pryor (Chairman), Kerry, Boxer, McCaskill, Klobuchar, and 
Udall; Republicans--Senators Toomey (Ranking), Thune, Boozman, 
Wicker, and Heller.
    
    The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, 
and Insurance worked to ensure the safety of a wide range of 
consumer products. H.R.2715, a bill to provide the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion 
in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other 
purposes, amended problematic provisions of the Consumer 
Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to apply the limit on 
lead content in children's products after the effective date 
and with adequate exceptions granted for certain products (P.L. 
112--28).
    Transportation safety is addressed in H.R.4348, a bill to 
provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, 
motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of 
the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law 
reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes (P.L. 112--
141). H.R.4348, known as MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in 
the 21st Century Act), incorporates S.1449, a bill to authorize 
the appropriation of funds for highway safety programs and for 
other purposes. S.1449 was reported favorably out of Committee 
and reauthorizes and updates the highway safety programs of the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This surface 
transportation package enhances the role of safety authorities, 
improves transparency and accountability in transportation 
safety, and improves vehicle safety standards. It also improves 
State safety grant programs and establishes a program to combat 
distracted driving.
    The Subcommittee also tackled the need for consumer 
protection on the Internet in S.3410, a bill to extend the 
Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement with Enforcers 
beyond Borders Act of 2006 (U.S. SAFE WEB Act). S.3410 was 
reported out of Committee, and the companion bill, H.R.6131, 
was enacted (P.L. 112--203). This law continues to grant the 
Federal Trade Commission the appropriate enforcement tools to 
pursue fraud perpetrated against U.S. citizens by foreign 
operators.
    
    This Subcommittee contributed to seven hearings and one 
field hearing during the 112th Congress.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 16, 2011*                              The State of Online Consumer Privacy
May 19, 2011                                 Consumer Privacy and Protection in the Mobile Marketplace
June 29, 2011*                               Privacy and Data Security: Protecting Consumers in the Modern World
July 27, 2011                                Improving Highway and Vehicle Safety: Reauthorization of NHTSA
August 10, 2011*\3\                          Fighting Drunk Driving: Lessons Learned in New Mexico
December 6, 2011                             Contaminated Drywall: Current Health, Housing and Product Safety
                                              Issues Facing Homeowners
May 9, 2012*                                 The Need for Privacy Protections: Perspectives from the
                                              Administration and the Federal Trade Commission
June 28, 2012*                               The Need for Privacy Protections: Is Industry Self-Regulation
                                              Adequate?
*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\Field hearing held in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the University of New Mexico School of Law.



   H. Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard

    
    Members during the 112th Congress: Democrats--Senators 
Begich (Chairman), Inouye, Kerry, Nelson, Cantwell, Lautenberg, 
Klobuchar, and Warner; Republicans--Senators Snowe (Ranking), 
Wicker, Isakson, Boozman, Rubio, Ayotte, and Heller.
    
    The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 was 
enacted on December 12, 2012 (126 Stat. 1540; P.L. 112--213). 
This comprehensive legislation authorizes the Coast Guard's 
funding and personnel levels for two fiscal years, enhances the 
Coast Guard's acquisition authorities, and refines the Coast 
Guard's authorities relating to its ice operations mission. 
Several bills reported by the Committee, or otherwise under the 
Committee's jurisdiction, were passed as part of the reconciled 
Coast Guard authorization bill, H.R.2838, that was the basis of 
that Act.
    S.1119, a bill to reauthorize and improve the Marine Debris 
Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act, and for other 
purposes, was enacted into law as title VI of that Act (P.L. 
112--213). S.1496, a bill to prohibit the delegation by the 
United States of inspection, certification, and related 
services to a foreign classification society that provides 
comparable services to Iran, North Korea, North Sudan, or 
Syria, and for other purposes, was enacted into law as section 
304 of that Act (P.L. 112--213). S.1620, a bill to ensure the 
icebreaking capabilities of the United States and for other 
purposes, was enacted into law as section 222 of that Act (P.L. 
112--213). H.R.2839, a bill to suppress the threat of piracy on 
the high seas, and for other purposes, was enacted into law as 
title V of that Act (P.L. 112--213).
    In addition, S.3251, a bill to amend title 46, United 
States Code, with respect to Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota, and 
for other purposes, was enacted into law as section 708 of that 
Act (P.L. 112--213).
    H.R.2706, a bill to prohibit the sale of billfish was 
enacted into law (P.L. 112--183). S.363, a bill to authorize 
the Secretary of Commerce to convey property of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the City of 
Pascagoula, Mississippi, and for other purposes, was enacted 
into law (P.L. 112--134).
    S.1657, a bill to amend the provisions of law relating to 
sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety, and for 
other purposes, was enacted into law as title IV of division C 
of the Moving ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (126 
Stat. 841).
    
    This Subcommittee contributed to nine hearings and three 
field hearings during the 112th Congress.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 8, 2011                                Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
                                              Management Act
April 13, 2011                               FY 2012 NOAA Budget Request and Oversight
June 23, 2011                                The U.S. Coast Guard Budget and Oversight
July 20, 2011                                Looking to the Future: Lessons in Prevention, Response, and
                                              Restoration from the Gulf Oil Spill
July 27, 2011                                Defending U.S. Economic Interests in the Changing Arctic: Is There
                                              a Strategy?
August 12, 2011\4\                           Keeping the Coast Guard ``Always Ready'' in Alaska
October 3, 2011*\5\                          Review of Massachusetts Fishery Management Plans
November 16, 2011                            Weathering Change: Need for Continued Innovation in Forecasting and
                                              Prediction
December 15, 2011                            Environmental Risks of Genetically Engineered Fish
March 7, 2012                                The President's Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Proposals for the Coast
                                              Guard and NOAA
May 17, 2012                                 Stemming the Tide: The U.S. Response to Tsunami Generated Marine
                                              Debris
October 11, 2012*\6\                         Preparing for Offshore Drilling in the Arctic: Lessons Learned From
                                              the First Season
*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\Field hearing held in Anchorage, Alaska at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
\5\Field hearing held in Boston, Massachusetts at the Massachusetts State House.
\6\Field hearing held in Anchorage, Alaska at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.



                  I. Subcommittee on Science and Space

    
    Members during the 112th Congress: Democrats--Senators 
Nelson (Chairman), Inouye, Kerry, Nelson, Cantwell, Pryor, and 
Warner; Republicans--Senators Boozman (Ranking), Wicker, Rubio, 
Ayotte, and Heller.
    
    Legislation pending in the Subcommittee on Science and 
Space ran the gamut of topical issues. Cybersecurity was a 
preeminent concern in the 112th Congress: the Subcommittee 
oversaw the referral of S.372, a bill to reduce the ability of 
terrorists, spies, criminals, and other malicious actors to 
compromise, disrupt, damage, and destroy computer networks, 
critical infrastructure, and key resources, and for other 
purposes; S.1152, a bill to advance cybersecurity research, 
development, and technical standards, and for other purposes; 
and S.3414, a bill to enhance the security and resiliency of 
the cyber and communications infrastructure of the United 
States. The Subcommittee also helped develop legislation 
focusing on forensic science issues. S.3378, a bill to 
establish scientific standards and protocols across forensic 
disciplines, and for other purposes, aims to improve, expand, 
and coordinate Federal research in forensic sciences.
    The Subcommittee shepherded several pieces of legislation 
intended to increase cooperation with other nations or 
commemorate prominent officials in the science and space 
industries. S.3661, a bill to reaffirm and amend the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, 
and for other purposes, passed as H.R.6586 (a bill to extend 
the application of certain space launch liability provisions 
through 2014) (P.L. 112--273). The law extends commercial space 
launch indemnification for a year and allows for greater 
cooperation with Russia for human spaceflight and international 
space activities. S.Res.610, a resolution commemorating the 
60th anniversary of the Graduate Research Fellowship Program of 
the National Science Foundation, was passed in the Senate. 
H.R.4158, a bill to confirm full ownership rights for certain 
United States astronauts to artifacts from the astronauts' 
space missions, grants all astronauts who participated in the 
Mercury, Gemini, or Apollo programs clear title to any 
expendable item they received at the completion of their 
mission (P.L. 112--185). A resolution recognizing the 50th 
anniversary of the historic achievement of John Herschel Glenn, 
Jr., in becoming the first United States astronaut to orbit the 
Earth, S.Res.377, was passed in the Senate and honors Glenn's 
landmark mission and the significance of his achievement as a 
catalyst for space exploration and scientific advancement in 
the Nation. S.Res.547 passed in the Senate and honors the life 
of pioneering astronaut Dr. Sally Ride and expressed the 
condolences of the Senate on her death.
    The Subcommittee also focused on legislation to study and 
mitigate the risk of and potential destruction from natural 
disasters: S.646, a bill to reauthorize Federal natural hazards 
reduction programs, and for other purposes; and S.692, a bill 
to improve hurricane preparedness by establishing the National 
Hurricane Research Initiative, and for other purposes. Both 
bills were reported by the Committee.
    
    This Subcommittee contributed to 15 hearings during the 
112th Congress.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 15, 2011*                              Realizing NASA's Potential: Programmatic Challenges in the 21st
                                              Century
March 17, 2011                               Investing in Federal R&D
May 3, 2011*                                 America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments
                                              Paying Off?
May 18, 2011                                 Contributions of Space to National Imperatives
July 14, 2011                                The National Nanotechnology Investment: Manufacturing,
                                              Commercialization, and Job Creation
November 17, 2011                            NASA's Human Space Exploration: Direction, Strategy, and Progress
December 7, 2011*                            Turning the Investigation on the Science of Forensics
December 8, 2011*                            ICANN's Expansion of Top Level Domains
March 6, 2012                                Keeping America Competitive Through Investments in R&D
March 7, 2012*                               Priorities, Plans, and Progress of the Nation's Space Program
March 28, 2012                               The Science and Standards of Forensics
June 20, 2012                                Risks, Opportunities, and Oversight of Commercial Space
July 25, 2012*                               The International Space Station: A Platform for Research,
                                              Collaboration, and Discovery
September 12, 2012*                          The Path from LEO to Mars
September19, 2012*                           Five Years of the America COMPETES Act: Progress, Challenges, and
                                              Next Steps

*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



     J. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine 
                  Infrastructure, Safety, and Security

    
    Members during the 112th Congress: Democrats--Senators 
Lautenberg (Chairman), Inouye, Kerry, Boxer, Cantwell, Pryor, 
McCaskill, Klobuchar, Udall, Warner, and Begich; Republicans--
Senators Wicker (Ranking), DeMint, Thune, Isakson, Blunt, 
Boozman, Toomey, Rubio, Ayotte, and Heller.
    
    Several transportation-related bills reported by the 
Committee were later enacted, with modifications, as part of 
the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21, 
126 Stat. 405). S.1950, a bill to improve commercial motor 
vehicle safety and reduce commercial motor vehicle-related 
accidents and fatalities, to authorize the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration, and for other purposes, was 
enacted, with modifications, as title II of division C of MAP-
21 (126 Stat. 776). S.453, a bill that improves the safety of 
commercial over-the-road motorcoach operations by addressing 
the predominant factors impacting safety (to wit, the condition 
of the vehicle, the qualifications and physical condition of 
the driver, and the safety practices of the motorcoach company) 
was enacted, with modifications, as subtitle G of title II of 
MAP-21 (126 Stat. 809).
    S.1952, a bill that reauthorizes Federal hazardous 
materials transportation safety programs under management of 
the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of 
the Department of Transportation for fiscal years 2012 through 
2013, was enacted, with modifications, as title III of division 
C of MAP-21 (126 Stat. 832). The programs provide safety 
oversight of the transportation of hazardous materials 
throughout the Nation's transportation networks. S.1953, a bill 
that reauthorizes the Federal research and data collection 
programs under the management of the Research and Innovative 
Technology Administration of the Department of Transportation 
for fiscal years 2012 and 2013, was enacted, with 
modifications, in division E of MAP-21 (126 Stat. 864).
    In addition, S.2084, a bill to require the Secretary of 
Transportation to establish accelerated licensing procedures to 
assist veterans to acquire commercial driver's licenses, and 
for other purposes, was referred to the Committee and later 
enacted, with modifications, as part of subtitle C of title II 
of division C of MAP-21 (126 Stat. 794).
    S.3624, a bill to permit States to issue a commercial 
driver's license to a member of the Armed Forces whose duty 
station is located in the State, was enacted on October 19, 
2012 (P.L. 112--196; 126 Stat. 1459). Also, S.Res.438, a 
resolution to support the goals and ideals of National Safe 
Digging Month passed the Senate on April 25, 2012.
    S.1966, a bill to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security 
to reform the process for enrolling, activating, issuing, and 
renewing Transportation Worker Identification Credentials so 
that applicants are not required to visit a designated 
enrollment center more than once, was enacted on December 20, 
2012, as part of H.R.2838, the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112--213).
    The Committee also reported S.1430, a bill that authorizes 
the Maritime Administration and certain maritime programs of 
the Department of Transportation, which was enacted, with 
modifications, as title IV of the Coast Guard and Maritime 
Transportation Act of 2012 (126 Stat. 1569). Title IV of that 
Act included, among other things, authorization of 
appropriations for national security aspects of the merchant 
marine for fiscal year 2013, maritime environmental and 
technical assistance, authority for Federal entities to 
transfer vessels to the National Defense Reserve Fleet without 
reimbursement, and requirement for completion of barge design. 
Another aspect of S.1430, the extension of the Maritime 
Security Fleet program, was enacted, with modifications, under 
section 3508 of title XXXV of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (126 Stat. 1632).
    S.275, a bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to 
provide for enhanced safety and environmental protection in 
pipeline transportation, to provide for enhanced reliability in 
the transportation of the Nation's energy products by pipeline, 
and for other purposes, passed in the Senate on October 17, 
2011. The Committee pre-conferenced with the House of 
Representatives and many provisions of S.275 were incorporated 
into H.R.2845, which was enacted on January 3, 2012 (P.L. 112--
90; 125 Stat. 1904).
    
    This Subcommittee contributed to 11 hearings and 1 field 
hearing during the 112th Congress.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 8, 2011*                               Review of the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
March 30, 2011                               Ensuring the Safety of Our Nation's Motorcoach Passengers
May 10, 2011*                                Are Our Nation's Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker
                                              Identification Credential Program
June 14, 2011*                               Emerging Threats to Rail Security
July 20, 2011*                               Building American Transportation Infrastructure Through Innovative
                                              Funding
July 21, 2011                                Making Our Roads Safer: Reauthorization of the Motor Carrier Safety
                                              Programs
September 14, 2011                           Moving Intercity Passenger Rail Into the Future
October 18, 2011                             Pipeline Safety Since San Bruno and Other Recent Incidents
March 1, 2012*                               Oversight of the Cruise Ship Industry: Are Current Regulations
                                              Sufficient to Protect Passengers and the Environment?
April 11, 2012*\7\                           Shale Gas Development: Meeting the Transportation, Pipeline, and
                                              Rail Needs to Renew American Manufacturing
April 18, 2012                               Protecting Commuters: Ensuring Accountability and Oversight in
                                              Tolling
December 6, 2012                             Superstorm Sandy: The Devastating Impact on the Nation's Largest
                                              Transportation Systems

*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\Field hearing held in Fairmont, West Virginia at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center.



                    K. Oversight and Investigations

    During the 112th Congress, consumer protection continued to 
be a priority for the Office of Oversight and Investigations. 
The Office used its investigatory tools to examine several 
industries and practices that were harming American consumers, 
including an investigation into unauthorized charges on 
telephone bills and abusive practices in the household goods 
moving industry. Through these investigations, the Office 
reviewed over 4.2 million pages worth of documents, interviewed 
over 1,500 consumers and witnesses, and sent 659 letters and 
requests for information.
    The Office investigated unauthorized third-party charges on 
wireline telephone bills, known as ``cramming.'' As part of its 
investigation, the Office reviewed millions of pages of 
documents requested from the three major telephone companies -- 
AT&T, Verizon, and CenturyLink -- and several third-party 
vendors. These materials revealed that cramming has resulted in 
billions of dollars in financial harm over the past decade and 
has harmed all types of wireline telephone customers, from 
residences and small businesses to government agencies and 
large companies. Following a full Committee hearing and the 
release of a majority staff report on the findings of the 
investigation, several companies made voluntary changes to 
curtail cramming on wireline telephone bills. These changes 
have been beneficial to consumers. Additionally, State and 
Federal law enforcement agencies are using the results of the 
investigation to initiate civil and criminal investigations of 
their own.
    Responding to continued consumer complaints about household 
moving companies, Chairman Rockefeller directed the Office to 
investigate consumer complaints that moving companies refuse to 
deliver consumers' possessions until they pay exorbitant fees 
that were not part of the original estimates for their moves, a 
practice commonly referred to as holding household goods 
``hostage.'' After reviewing thousands of consumer complaints, 
the investigation uncovered a small group of brokers that 
operate almost exclusively on the Internet and arrange 
household moves, but do not actually perform them. The 
investigation showed that these ``Internet-based moving 
brokers'' all used similar business models that were misleading 
and confusing to consumers. As part of its investigation, the 
Office reviewed hundreds of thousands of pages of documents and 
interviewed dozens of consumers about their experiences. The 
investigation led to a full Committee hearing and the release 
of a report explaining the findings.
    In 2011 and 2012, the Office also participated in a multi-
Committee investigation into the ``gray market'' for short-
supply prescription drugs. The two other Committee staffs 
participating in this investigation were the majority staff of 
the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 
and the minority staff of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform. This investigation focused on a group of 
drug distributors that bought and sold short-supply injectable 
prescription drugs that hospitals and other health care 
providers urgently need to treat their sick patients. The main 
findings of this investigation, which were presented in a full 
Committee hearing and a majority staff report that Chairman 
Rockefeller released at this hearing, were that these 
companies' business practices were putting patients at risk and 
costing the U.S. health care system hundreds of millions of 
dollars each year.
    The Office held a full Committee hearing to highlight the 
seriousness of concussions, especially for younger athletes, 
and the misleading marketing of sports equipment. The Office 
found that as athletes' and parents' awareness of the dangers 
of concussions has increased, so have the number of products 
marketed as ``anti-concussion'' or ``concussion reducing.'' 
These products include helmets, mouth guards, headbands, and 
oral supplements. While some of these products are important 
pieces of safety equipment, especially helmets and mouth 
guards, experts have questioned whether there is sufficient 
scientific evidence to support the claims related to 
concussions. The hearing successfully raised awareness of the 
risk of concussions for athletes at all levels and the reality 
of the ability of sports equipment to prevent or reduce this 
risk.
    In addition to continued focus on consumer protection 
issues, the Office also assisted the Chairman with his 
cybersecurity initiatives by sending letters to the Chief 
Executive Officers of the 500 largest companies in the United 
States, commonly referred to as the ``Fortune 500.'' The 
letters requested information related to each company's views 
on cybersecurity and asked the companies to describe the 
general process by which they developed their cybersecurity 
practices, the Federal Government's role in developing those 
practices, and the companies concerns, if any, with specific 
provisions of the Cybersecurity Act of 2012. The Office 
summarized the responses in a majority staff memorandum, which 
Chairman Rockefeller released publicly in January 2013.
    In addition to its investigations into consumer protection 
issues, the Office also actively engaged in oversight of the 
Federal agencies under the Committee's jurisdiction. For 
example, the Office extensively investigated the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) apparent failure 
to implement certain provisions of the NASA Authorization Act 
of 2010. This investigation included the review of thousands of 
e-mails and other documents created by senior decision makers 
at NASA (including the NASA Administrator himself) and at the 
Office of Management and Budget. After NASA refused to 
voluntarily provide some of these documents to the Committee, 
Chairman Rockefeller issued a subpoena on July 27, 2011, to 
compel their production.
    
    The Committee contributed to four oversight-related 
hearings during the 112th Congress. In addition, the Committee 
held a forum on July 12, 2011, regarding the Servicemembers 
Civil Relief Act.

                               HEARINGS:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Date                                                    Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 13, 2011*                               Unauthorized Charges on Telephone Bills: Why Crammers Win and
                                              Consumers Lose
October 19, 2011*                            Concussions and the Marketing of Sports Equipment
July 25, 2012*                               Short-Supply Prescription Drugs: Shining a Light on the Gray Market
September 20, 2012*                          Taking Consumers for a Ride: Business Practices in the Household
                                              Goods Moving Industry

*Full Committee hearing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  
