United States Senator Jay Rockefeller

ROCKEFELLER STATEMENT ON DELAYED BLACK LUNG BENEFIT PAYMENTS

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Jay Rockefeller today issued the following statement:

“In recent days West Virginians have reached out to my office, making me aware that black lung benefits were not issued on time. Needless to say, I’m troubled by this, and I want answers. I’ve already been in touch with the U.S. Treasury and the Department of Labor, and West Virginians who receive black lung benefits should know that I’m working hard to make sure there aren’t any more disruptions. If anyone has problems receiving their benefits, they should call my Charleston office at 304-347-5372. ”

ROCKEFELLER HONORS LIFE OF JUDGE BLANE MICHAEL AT PORTRAIT UNVEILING CEREMONY

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Senator Offers Remarks at Memorial Ceremony for his Dear Friend and Colleague...

ROCKEFELLER, MANCHIN ANNOUNCE GRANTS FOR HEALTH CENTERS SERVING MERCER, MONONGALIA, PRESTON, AND TAYLOR COUNTIES

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Funding Will Help Provide Access to Health Care Services for Underserved and Rural Areas...

A Minute with Jay: Student Loans

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Senator Rockefeller discusses his efforts to protect students and keep student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1.

Senator Rockefeller is doing a new series of weekly 1 minute videos. Each week will focus on a different issue that the Senator is working on. Please watch it and feel free to forward it to a friend. Each Friday, a new video will be posted on Senator Rockefeller's website and his YouTube page.

ROCKEFELLER STATEMENT ON NEW POSTAL SERVICE PLAN TO LIMIT HOURS AT ALMOST 500 WV POST OFFICES

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Jay Rockefeller today issued the following statement on the U.S. Postal Service’s decision to reduce hours at 13,000 post offices nationwide, and almost 500 in West Virginia.

“On its face, this move looks like an improvement over the previous proposal to flat out close 150 post offices in West Virginia,” said Rockefeller. “But I continue to be very concerned about the Postal Service’s constantly shifting plans and lack of information about how its proposals will impact jobs and services in our state. This new plan will potentially impact far more West Virginians and it fails to take into account the many other options for reducing costs besides cutting postal jobs and services in rural areas like West Virginia.

“The Postal Service must fix its worsening finances, but it doesn’t have do that at the expense of our state’s jobs and services. We need to take responsible steps forward and I intend to have a very candid conversation about this with the Postmaster General during our meeting tomorrow.”

On May 7, Rockefeller sent a letter to the Postmaster General urging the Postal Service to reconsider closing 150 post offices and consolidating mail processing centers in West Virginia as these actions unfairly target jobs and postal services in West Virginia, as well as other rural states. He also asked the Postmaster General to extend the current moratorium on any post office closings and mail processing center consolidations in the state. Click here to view the letter.

On March 20, Rockefeller, Manchin, and five other Senators sent a strongly worded letter to the Postmaster General pressing for details about how the Postal Service is spending its money and identified ways to save billions of dollars and raise new revenue before pushing ahead with drastic cuts to post offices and other facilities. Click here to view the letter.

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ROCKEFELLER VOTES TO PREVENT STUDENT LOAN RATE FROM DOUBLING THIS SUMMER

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Last Year, Almost 72,000 West Virginians Received Stafford Loans; Rockefeller Working to Keep Loan Rate Low...

ROCKEFELLER, MANCHIN CALL ON POSTAL SERVICE TO CONTINUE MORATORIUM AND AVOID POST OFFICE CLOSURES IN WV

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Rockefeller to Meet with Postmaster General on Thursday...

ROCKEFELLER STATEMENT AT SURFACE TRANSPORTATION REAUTHORIZATION CONFERENCE

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation issued the following statement, as prepared for delivery, at the opening meeting of the House-Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Conference:

“I am hopeful that this conference will lead to a bi-partisan compromise that ends with the bill being signed into law,” said Chairman Rockefeller. “We know that surface transportation programs play a critical role in all aspects of our lives, and everyone can agree about the need to improve the efficiency and capacity of our transportation system.

“Without a doubt, we need to rebuild and expand our roads, bridges, and transit systems to meet current and future safety needs.

“This bill will have a major impact on West Virginia jobs and its transportation network. The bill supports almost 17,000 West Virginia jobs – particularly in this tough economy, these are good jobs that are absolutely needed. And it will create the economic growth necessary to generate even more jobs.

“In the past few years, West Virginia’s manufacturing sector has grown to almost 49,000 jobs. Unfortunately, our transportation sector only supports about 25,000 jobs, but we can change that with this bill and bring it closer to the level it should be at. But there’s an equally important piece of this bill aimed at safety and I intend to fight very hard to preserve all its provisions.

“The Senate Commerce Committee – of which I am Chairman – plays the lead role in ensuring the safety of our surface transportation system.

“Far too many people continue to get injured or lose their lives every year. We can and must further improve the safety of our transportation system. More than 90 Americans die on the road every day – that’s unacceptable. This bill aims to reduce drunk driving, increase seatbelt use, and increase child safety.

“We took steps to reduce distracted driving, which kills 3,000 people a year. My state of West Virginia has played a leading role in addressing this issue and it’s time we address it on a national level.

“We took steps to remove defective auto parts from the supply chain and increase training and qualifications for commercial motor vehicle operators. We took steps to reduce driver fatigue and to bolster enforcement against bad actors in the motor carrier and motor coach industries. We took steps to increase the safety of hazardous materials transportation.

“The bottom line is that the Senate bill contains a range of smart safety improvements with wide bipartisan support here and outside this room. If we’re going to modernize the nation’s transportation infrastructure, we must also provide our safety agencies with the updated authorities to protect the citizens who use these systems.

“In closing, I want to urge everyone to focus on the issues at hand and not try to bring up extraneous issues that are certain to derail this process. Environmental riders are not relevant to this transportation bill and more importantly – pushing them in this venue may score political points but it won’t get us a bill.

“I’m determined to find common ground. If we put controversy aside, we can complete our work and get this bill done.”

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ROCKEFELLER, MANCHIN ANNOUNCE GRANTS FOR AIRPORTS IN MARION, MASON, MERCER COUNTIES

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Funding Will Enable Local Airports to Make Needed Upgrades...

ROCKEFELLER’S MOBILE OFFICE SCHEDULE FOR WETZEL AND TYLER COUNTIES

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

~Traveling service allows West Virginians to meet with staff in person to address their needs~...

ROCKEFELLER PROMISES TO PROTECT WEST VIRGINIANS FROM STUDENT LOAN RATE SPIKE

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Jay Rockefeller today announced he is pushing for legislation to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1.

“College students everywhere are struggling to pay their student loan bills,” said Rockefeller. “The last thing we want to do to them is double the interest rate and force students into a bigger struggle to pay off loans. Thousands of West Virginia students and families are trying to pay off college debt. The Senate bill that I am supporting would prevent a surge in rates. We need to give our students the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Background:

If Congress doesn’t act by July 1, the interest rate on federal student loans will rise from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent.

According to the non-partisan Congressional Research Service, last year, 71,917 West Virginia students received $306 million in Stafford subsidized loans.

Americans now have over $870 billion in student loan debt. On average, students graduated college in 2010 with about $25,250 in student loan debt, and because of the tough economy, many then had hard times finding jobs.

Rockefeller has also supported the Know Before You Owe Private Student Loan Act. The bill would require private lenders of student loans to provide clear and accurate information to students seeking loans. Private student loan rates often have uncapped variable interest rates, unlike federal student loans, and recently spiked as high as 18 percent. The bill would make sure that students are aware of the potential for such high rates before taking on such risk.

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A Minute With Jay: West Virginia Federal Judges

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Senator Rockefeller discusses the recent confirmation of two West Virginia women -- District Court Judge Gina Groh and Fourth Circuit Judge Stephanie Thacker – as federal judges.

Senator Rockefeller is doing a new series of weekly 1 minute videos. Each week will focus on a different issue that the Senator is working on. Please watch it and feel free to forward it to a friend. Each Friday, a new video will be posted on Senator Rockefeller's website and his YouTube page.

ROCKEFELLER ANNOUNCES RESOURCES TO HELP SIX WV COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS CREATE JOBS & EXPAND ACCESS TO PATIENTS

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, today announced almost $2.75 million in federal funding to enable six community health centers in West Virginia to expand care for more patients, support and create jobs, and build and upgrade their facilities.

“Our community health centers are essential sources of care for thousands of West Virginians – particularly those in rural areas. We absolutely need to make sure that these centers can continue to support West Virginians who rely on their services, maintain the jobs of workers on staff, and create even more jobs to meet demand,” said Rockefeller. “Because of this funding, six of our health centers will be able to do just that, while also making the upgrades they need. I fought hard for this funding and it’s great to see our community health centers continuing to grow.”

The awards are part of a series of capital investments that are made available to community health centers under the health care reform law. Rockefeller worked to include these investments in the law, which are based on his legislation – the Build, Update, Improve, Lift and Design (BUILD) Community Health Centers Act – which addresses the ongoing infrastructure needs of community health centers.

Overall, since the beginning of 2009, employment at community health centers nationwide has increased by 15 percent. Community health centers are now serving nearly 3 million additional patients nationwide and will serve an additional 1.3 million new patients in the next two years.

The following awards are for West Virginia community health centers:

Capital Development - Immediate Facility Improvements Program - Funding helps improve the capacity of health centers to provide primary and preventive health services to medically underserved populations.

Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers - Fairmont - $459,561
Womencare, Inc. - Scott Depot - $500,000
Community Care Of West Virginia - Rock Cave - $383,000
Community Health Systems, Inc. - Beckley - $500,000
Camden-On-Gauley Medical Center, Inc. - Camden On Gauley - $32,526

Building Capacity Grant Program - Funding helps address immediate facility needs within existing health center sites.

Rainelle Medical Center, Inc. - Rainelle - $873,400

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ROCKEFELLER SAYS WV COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS WILL BE MORE RELIABLE AS A RESULT OF HIS PUBLIC SAFETY BILL

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Ahead of Boy Scout Jamboree, Senator Convenes Roundtable on Emergency Preparedness, Communications Needs...

ROCKEFELLER STATEMENT SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON COAL ASH

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

GHENT, W.VA. — Senator Jay Rockefeller issued the following statement today emphasizing his support for coal ash recycling and dismissing misleading comments made about his record.

“I want to clear up Congressman McKinley’s misleading comments about my position on coal ash. I do not and have never supported federal efforts to label coal ash as a hazardous waste, and he knows it. Reuse and recycling of coal ash is absolutely in the best interests of West Virginia and the country. We just need to make sure that concerns about health and the environment are addressed, too.

“But let’s be honest: coal ash and two other environmental provisions were added to the otherwise empty House highway bill in order to create controversy, not to solve problems. Setting standards for coal ash impoundments is, and always has been, an environmental question. Pushing this or any other controversial provision will bring down a highway bill that West Virginia workers desperately need.

“I’m going to keep working on coal ash reuse but I’m not going to pretend to West Virginians that it’s ready or right for the highway bill. We need roads and bridges and the jobs that go with them in our state, not political games. House Republicans want to cut transportation funding more deeply than ever before, and they should stop trying to distract West Virginians from the harm of their real agenda.”

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JUNE HARLESS CENTER FOR RURAL EDUCATION HONORS ROCKEFELLER

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Senator Honored for Lifetime Work on Education in West Virginia During Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony...

ROCKEFELLER: ALCON PROVIDING HIGHLY SKILLED MANUFACTURING JOBS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Tour of Plant Latest Event in Senator's Push to Align Workforce Training with the New Economy's Demands...

ROCKEFELLER AND MANCHIN ANNOUNCE EXPECTED NEW AIR SERVICE IN MORGANTOWN, CLARKSBURG

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Joe Manchin today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) selected Silver Airways to provide air service at Morgantown’s and Clarksburg’s airports. The service is currently provided by Colgan Air, but that company is ending service.

“This is an excellent first step to make sure residents around Morgantown and Clarksburg maintain commercial air service. I’m very encouraged by the interest in both airports and that Silver Airways is committed to serving West Virginia,” said Rockefeller, who has become the leading defender of Essential Air Service in the Senate. “I’ve continued to say that commercial air service in West Virginia is absolutely necessary – it creates jobs and helps our economy grow.

“I fought hard to protect EAS funding for Beckley, Clarksburg, Morgantown, and Parkersburg, and this announcement will make certain the funding in West Virginia is secure. I will always fight to preserve commercial air service for our state. And I strongly encourage residents and businesses to use this new air service when it starts so that we can make sure it stays in West Virginia.”

“I am so pleased that Silver Airways will replace Colgan Air, ensuring that safe and reliable transportation is available to residents and businesses in Morgantown and Clarksburg,” Manchin said. “In order for our state to remain competitive and attract new jobs and industries, we must offer businesses the type of transportation they require. Quality infrastructure is so important to our economy, and this announcement is good news for West Virginia.”

In March, Colgan Air, which operates as United Express, filed notice with DOT to cease Essential Air Service (EAS) operations at airports in Morgantown and Clarksburg. Silver Airways has been selected to take Colgan’s place and has proposed 18 roundtrip flights per week for a two year period.

The airport in Beckley also faces the same situation, and Silver Airways is soon expected to begin operating there as well and has proposed 26 weekly frequencies.

When Colgan Air announced its decision, Rockefeller immediately set to work to find a new airline to provide service to Morgantown Municipal Airport, North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport, and Raleigh County Memorial Airport in Beckley. Rockefeller has continued to encourage DOT to maintain access to commercial air service across West Virginia.

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ROCKEFELLER, RAHALL, MANCHIN: DOT APPROVES AIRLINE PROPOSAL FOR RALEIGH COUNTY AIR SERVICE

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, top Democrat on House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; and Senator Joe Manchin III (all D-W.Va.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has selected air carrier Silver Airways to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Raleigh County Memorial Airport in Beckley for a two-year term of service, replacing Colgan Air, which plans to end its flight service at Beckley on July 31, 2012.

“This is a great first step to make sure residents in Beckley maintain commercial air service. I’m encouraged by the interest that Beckley has received, and that Silver Airways is committed to serving West Virginia,” said Rockefeller, who has become the leading defender of EAS service in the Senate. “I’ve continued to say that rural air service in West Virginia is critical – it creates jobs and helps our economy grow. I fought to protect EAS funding for West Virginia’s airports, and this announcement for Beckley helps make certain the region is not left out.”

"This is truly a silver lining in our quest to prepare for the Boy Scouts Jamboree and their High Adventure camps, and it’s essential to business, government and leisure travelers," said Rahall. “I remain committed to fighting for federal investments to improve our roads and airports in southern West Virginia, particularly as we grow our economy to meet our growing population in Raleigh County and our region.”

“I am so pleased that Silver Airways will replace Colgan Air, ensuring that safe and reliable transportation is available to residents and businesses in Beckley,” Manchin said. “In order for our state to remain competitive and attract new jobs and industries, we must offer businesses the type of transportation they require. Quality infrastructure is so important to our economy, and this announcement is good news for West Virginia.”

Tom Cochran, director at the airport, is pleased with Silver Airway’s proposal to provide 26 weekly frequencies contingent upon a code-share agreement with United. “We’re excited to have DOT’s approval, and certainly appreciate the help provided by Congressman Rahall to ensure air service continues in our area. Frankly, without the Essential Air Service our citizens would not have access to reliable air transportation.”

For Beckley, Silver Airways, previously known as Gulfstream International Airlines, proposes to operate 13 round trips per week (seven nonstops and six one-stops at an intermediate point to be determined at a later date) to Washington’s Dulles International Airport for an annual subsidy of $2,664,565. The service proposed is one round trip per week more than what the DOT requested for Beckley. Service would be operated with 34-passenger Saab 340B+ aircraft. The carrier is proposing to operate flights under its existing code-share with United Airlines, however, a definitive agreement extending that code-share had not been reached at the time of filing and, therefore, the proposal was contingent upon that agreement being finalized.

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ROCKEFELLER PROTECTS JOBS AT NASA IV&V, FBI CENTER & PAVES WAY FOR NEW FEDERAL PRISON

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

Vows to Continue to Fight for WV Projects Through Appropriations Process...