DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ US FCC chair to seek reinstating net neutrality rules rescinded under Trump
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Alex Wong/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 25 (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel plans to begin an effort to reinstate landmark net neutrality rules rescinded under then-President Donald Trump, sources briefed on the matter said Monday. The FCC is set to take an initial vote on the net neutrality proposal in October, the sources added. In July 2021, Biden signed an executive order encouraging the FCC to reinstate net neutrality rules adopted under Democratic then-President Barack Obama in 2015. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 3-0 that the 2017 decision by the FCC to reverse federal net neutrality protections could not bar state action, rejecting a challenge from telecom and broad industry groups to block California's net neutrality law. Days after Biden took office, the U.S. Justice Department withdrew its Trump-era legal challenge to California's state net neutrality law.

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Alex Wong, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Anna Gomez, Biden, Barack Obama, Rosenworcel, David Shepardson, Himani Sarkar, Kim Coghill Organizations: U.S . Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation, Federal Communications Commission, Rights, . Federal Communications, FCC, Democratic, U.S, Circuit, Appeals, Industry, U.S . Justice Department, Trump, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

☆ 'Learning period' for US commercial space regulations should be extended -US Sen. Cruz
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Joey Roulette | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Go Nakamura/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - A federal moratorium on commercial spaceflight safety regulations should be extended to support more innovation in the space sector, U.S. The fast-growing sector since 2004 has been shielded from federal safety regulations by what is widely called a "learning period." "Now is not the time to impose new regulations on commercial space," Cruz said, speaking on the sidelines of an industry conference in Washington. The moratorium, established by the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004, was most recently extended in 2015. The law requires private space companies that send humans into space to have passengers sign "informed consent" documents acknowledging the absence of federal safety regulations.

Persons: Ted Cruz, Artemis, Go Nakamura, Cruz, Doug Ligor, Ligor, Kelvin Coleman, it'll, Elon, Jeff Bezos, Joey Roulette, Chris Reese, Leslie Adler, Daniel Wallis Organizations: NASA, REUTERS, Rights, Federal Aviation Administration, RAND Corporation, RAND, FAA, Spaceflight, Senate, SpaceX, Origin, Shepard, Virgin Galactic, Thomson Locations: Houston , Texas, U.S, Washington, American, Texas, Van Horn

☆ Congress to hold new AI hearings as it works to craft safeguards
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Congress next week will hold three hearings on artificial intelligence, including one with Microsoft (MSFT.O) President Brad Smith and Nvidia (NVDA.O) chief scientist William Daly as Congress works on legislation to mitigate the dangers of the emerging technology. A Senate Judiciary subcommittee is holding a hearing on Tuesday titled “Oversight of AI: Legislating on Artificial Intelligence." A House Oversight subcommittee will hold a hearing on Thursday that will look at potential risks in federal agency adoption of AI along with the adequacy of safeguards to protect individual privacy and ensure fair treatment. Witnesses include White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhaker along with the Pentagon's chief digital and artificial intelligence officer Craig Martell and Homeland Security Department's Chief Information Officer Eric Hysen. "However, it is critical that before we let the genie out of the bottle we understand the unique risks of inappropriate use of AI by the federal government."

Persons: Brad Smith, William Daly, Richard Blumenthal, Blumenthal, Josh Hawley, Chuck Schumer, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Arati Prabhaker, Craig Martell, Eric Hysen, Nancy Mace, Victoria Espinel, Rob Strayer, David Shepardson, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Microsoft, Nvidia, Artificial Intelligence, Republican, U.S, Meta, White, Office of Science, Technology, Homeland Security, BSA, The Software Alliance, Information Technology Industry, Thomson

☆ Biden will nominate a former Obama official to run the Federal Aviation Administration
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

President Joe Biden will nominate a former Obama administration official to lead the Federal Aviation Administration after his first choice withdrew in the face of Republican opposition nearly six months ago. The FAA, which regulates airline safety and manages the nation's airspace, has been run by back-to-back acting administrators since March 2022. Whitaker was deputy FAA administrator – a job that does not require Senate approval – from 2013 to 2016. Last year, Biden nominated Denver International Airport CEO Phillip Washington, but he withdrew in March after his nomination stalled in the Senate Commerce Committee. Republicans and independent Kyrsten Sinema argued that Washington lacked adequate aviation experience — his background is mostly in city transit systems, having held the Denver airport job only since mid-2021.

Persons: Michael G, Whitaker, Joe Biden, Obama, Biden, Phillip Washington, Kyrsten Sinema Organizations: UAL Corp, Transportation, Aviation, United, European, Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Hyundai, TWA, American Airlines, United Airlines, Denver International Airport, Senate, Washington Locations: United States, Washington ,, InterGlobe, India, Denver

President Joe Biden will nominate a former Obama administration official to lead the Federal Aviation Administration after his first choice withdrew March after running into opposition from Republican senators. Whitaker's nomination had been expected for months, and Biden's announcement was praised by several industry and labor groups. The FAA, which regulates airline safety and manages the nation's airspace, has been run by back-to-back acting administrators since March 2022. The first, Billy Nolen, who left FAA in June to join another air taxi company, Archer Aviation, praised Whitaker's nomination in a recent interview. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, urged the Senate to confirm Biden’s pick quickly.

Persons: Joe Biden, Obama, Biden, Michael G, Whitaker, Phillip Washington, Kyrsten Sinema, Sen, Ted Cruz, Biden's, Mike, ” Cruz, Stephen Dickson, Donald Trump, Billy Nolen, “, ”, ” Nicholas Calio, Sara Nelson, “ Whitaker Organizations: Federal Aviation Administration, Republican, FAA, Hyundai, TWA, American Airlines, United Airlines, Denver International Airport, Senate, Washington, GOP, Archer Aviation, Airlines for, Association of Flight Locations: InterGlobe, India, United States, Denver, Ted Cruz of Texas, Airlines for America

☆ John Fetterman says JD Vance is more focused on 'silly performance art' than trying to pass the railway safety bill they've introduced together
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

JD Vance and John Fetterman, populists from different parties, worked together on a rail safety bill. Fetterman accused Vance of "silly performance art" over his doomed effort to ban mask mandates. Vance argued his mask crusade isn't distracting from the rail bill, and that he's been building support for it. The duo, among others, are the prime co-sponsors of the Railway Safety Act, a bill to improve safety protocols for trains carrying hazardous materials. AdvertisementAdvertisement"Most of my work on the railway bill has been persuading Republican colleagues to sign on to the bill," said Vance.

Persons: JD Vance, John Fetterman, Fetterman, Vance, Sen, John Fetterman's, John, We're, he's, they've, we've Organizations: Service, Democrat, Republican, Railway, Senate Locations: Wall, Silicon, Ohio, East Palestine , Ohio, COVID

☆ US FCC chair says China's Quectel, Fibocom may pose national security risks
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jonathan Newton/Pool via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asked U.S. government agencies to consider declaring that Chinese companies including Quectel (603236.SS) and Fibocom Wireless (300638.SZ) pose unacceptable national security risks, according to letters seen by Reuters. Federal funds cannot be used to purchase equipment from companies on the list, and the FCC will not authorize new equipment from companies deemed national security threats. Rosenworcel wrote the FBI, the Justice Department, the National Security Agency, the Defense Department and other agencies on Sept. 1, forwarding the request from the lawmakers. She added the FCC can update the Covered List "only at the direction of national security authorities." Last year the FCC voted to revoke China Unicom’s U.S. unit, Pacific Networks and ComNet’s authorization to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns.

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Jonathan Newton, Mike Gallagher, Krishnamoorthi, Rosenworcel, David Shepardson, Jonathan Oatis, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S . Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation Committee, Federal Communications Commission, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Federal Communications, U.S, Fibocom Wireless, Reuters, Republican, China, FCC, FBI, Justice Department, National Security Agency, Defense Department, Huawei, ZTE, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, Zhejiang Dahua Technology, Pacific Networks, Embassy, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Quectel, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, U.S, United States, Washington

☆ Sen. Ted Cruz is worth at least $2.6 million, according to financial disclosures
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-03 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Heidi Cruz, his wife, is wealthy in her own right too. Advertisement Advertisement Watch:Vice President Mike Pence swears Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas in after his 2018 reelection while Heidi Cruz and their daughters look on. Heidi Cruz also holds at least another $500,001 in her own mutual fund. "In 2022, Sen. Cruz was a member of the Commerce Committee along with 12 other Republicans. Cruz later attacked his neighbors after someone leaked Heidi Cruz's text messages to their neighbors mentioning the trip.

Persons: Sen, Ted Cruz, Cruz, Heidi Cruz, Republican Sen, Ted Cruz of, Trump, Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Alex Edelman, Goldman Sachs, Maria Cantwell, Heidi, Beto O'Rourke, Colin Allred Organizations: Service, Republican, Texas Republican, Senate, Exxon Mobil, Enterprise Products, Senate Commerce Committee, Commerce, Bank of America, Texans, Democratic, NFL Locations: Wall, Silicon, Ted Cruz of Texas, America, Houston, Cancun , Mexico

☆ Two US lawmakers raise security concerns about Chinese cellular modules
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jonathan Newton/Pool via REUTERS/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Two U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address questions about potential security concerns involving cellular modules made by Chinese companies including Quectel (603236.SS) and Fibocom Wireless (300638.SZ). Cellular modules are components that enable internet of things (IoT) devices to connect to the internet. The lawmakers asked if the FCC is considering using the Covered List to address Chinese-owned cellular modules. "Could requiring certification for modules used in communications equipment be an effective means" of addressing Chinese modules in U.S. networks? In 2022, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said the FCC "abused state power and maliciously attacked Chinese telecom operators again without factual basis."

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Jonathan Newton, Mike Gallagher, Raja Krishnamoorthi, David Shepardson, Mark Porter, Leslie Adler Organizations: U.S . Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation, Federal Communications Commission, Tuesday, Fibocom Wireless, Republican, China, FCC, Pacific Networks Corp, HK, Huawei Technologies, ZTE Corp, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, Zhejiang Dahua Technology, Embassy, Huawei, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Quectel, China, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Washington

☆ Exclusive: Former Coast Guard head covered up secret investigation into sexual assaults at the Coast Guard Academy
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Melanie Hicken Blake Ellis Curt Devine Pamela Brown Scott Bronstein | Melanie Hicken | Blake Ellis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Coast Guard Admiral Karl Schultz took over for Admiral Paul Zukunft as Coast Guard commandant at a Change of Command ceremony in June 2018. Jacquelyn Martin/APBy keeping the investigation secret, the Coast Guard avoided further scrutiny of how alleged rapists and other attackers were not held accountable at the academy. Linda Fagan became the first female commandant when she took charge of the Coast Guard in 2022. Fagan is not the only current Coast Guard official who was aware of the secret operation at some level. “There is always a new problem every day.”Do you have information to share about the Coast Guard Academy or Coast Guard?

Persons: Pamela Brown’s, Karl L, Schultz, —, Admiral Paul Zukunft, don’t, ” Zukunft, Admiral Charles W, Ray, Democratic Sens, Maria Cantwell, Tammy Baldwin of, Karl Schultz, Jacquelyn Martin, Sen, Richard Blumenthal, “, ”, Chad Wolf, Ken Cuccinelli, Linda Fagan, Evan Vucci, “ Fagan, Fagan, Paul Zukunft, Jessica Hill, Melissa Bert, ” Bert Organizations: CNN, US Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Academy, DHS, Democratic, Senate, Committee, AP, United States, Loy Institute for Leadership, “, Coast Guard Academy Locations: Washington, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Connecticut

☆ US Senate Democrats push 'Buy America' bills ahead of tough 2024 elections
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - Facing uphill re-election battles in 2024, vulnerable Senate Democrats are pushing legislation that promotes "Buy America" policies, attempting to bolster their party on a brand of economic populism they hope will keep them in the majority. The Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday advanced a bill from Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican Senator J.D. "There's definitely momentum," Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan and chair of the Senate Democrats' campaign committee, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a galvanizing force. Buy America policies are "mom-and-apple pie issues with American voters" that have "virtually universal support," Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said. Buy America bills often run in to opposition from corporate-minded lawmakers and pro-business associations.

Persons: Tammy Baldwin, J.D, Vance, Sherrod Brown's, Baldwin, Gary Peters, Donald Trump, Scott Paul, there's, Nick Iacovella, Trump's, Iacovella, Brown, Trump, Joe Biden, John Murphy, Moira Warburton, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Democratic, U.S, Navy, Democrat, Senate Democrats, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Coalition for, Voters, Brown, Trump, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Reuters, Thomson Locations: United States, Michigan, Ohio , Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, China, America, Ohio, Baldwin, Wisconsin, Bush, Trump, Washington

The update of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which first became law in 2000, would raise the age of children protected by the measure from 12 and under to 16 and under. The AM radio bill and the ticket-pricing bill both had strong bipartisan support and both have companion measures in the House of Representatives. Fees on ticket prices have become an increasing issue. They can comprise 21% to 58% of ticket prices for some events, according to studies from the New York Attorney General's office and Government Accountability Office. The AM radio bill would direct the Transportation Department to issue regulations mandating AM radio in new vehicles without additional charge.

Persons: Amanda Andrade, Rhoades, Taylor Swift, that’s, David Shepardson, Diane Bartz, Leslie Adler Organizations: U.S . Capitol, REUTERS, WASHINGTON, U.S, Senate, Ticketmaster, New York Attorney, Transportation Department, BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, Lawmakers, National Association of Broadcasters, Alliance, Automotive Innovation, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

☆ Intel jumps 6% as it returns to profitability after two quarters of losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Intel reported second-quarter earnings on Thursday, including a return to profitability after two straight quarters of losses, and a stronger-than-expected forecast. Here's how Intel did versus Refinitiv consensus expectations for the quarter ending July 1:Earnings per share : $0.13, adjusted. That may not compare with the 3 cents loss per share expected by Refinitiv. That may not compare with the 3 cents loss per share expected by Refinitiv. In the first quarter, Intel posted its largest loss ever as the PC and server markets slumped and demand declined for Intel's central processors.

Persons: Pat Gelsinger, David Zinsner, TSMC Organizations: Intel Corporation, Senate Commerce, Science, Innovation, Russell, Intel, Refinitiv, Refinitiv ., Revenue, Data Center

☆ Aviation bill upping pilot retirement age to 67 passed by US House
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The vote in the Republican-led House was 351-69 to pass the bill that would reauthorize U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years. The Air Line Pilots Association has said hiking the retirement age could cause airline scheduling and pilot training issues and require reopening pilot contracts. The White House said this week it opposed a House bill provision that would rescind a 2012 Transportation Department regulation requiring airlines to advertise full fares including government fees and taxes. The House measure would bar airlines from charging fees to allow families to sit together on flights. The House opted to retain pilot training rules that were adopted after a 2009 fatal passenger airplane crash near Buffalo.

Persons: Joe Biden, David Shepardson, Will Dunham, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: U.S . House, Senate, Republican, . Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Air Line Pilots, Regional Airline Association, Transportation, Washington Reagan National Airport, Delta Air Lines, Airlines for America, Democratic, Colgan Air, U.S, Thomson Locations: United States, Buffalo

☆ U.S. House passes aviation bill upping pilot retirement age to 67
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Air Line Pilots Association has said hiking the retirement age could cause airline scheduling and pilot training issues and require reopening pilot contracts. The White House said this week it opposed a House bill provision that would rescind a 2012 Transportation Department regulation requiring airlines to advertise full fares including government fees and taxes. The House measure also did not include a provision sought by President Joe Biden to compensate passengers for delays or set minimum airline seat sizes. The House measure would bar airlines from charging fees to allow families to sit together on flights. The House opted to retain pilot training rules that were adopted after a 2009 fatal passenger airplane crash near Buffalo.

Persons: Joe Biden Organizations: United Airlines, Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S . House, Senate, Republican, . Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Air Line Pilots, Regional Airline Association, Transportation, Washington Reagan National Airport, Delta Air Lines, Airlines for America, Democratic, Colgan Air, U.S Locations: Newark , New Jersey, United States, Buffalo

☆ Sen. Ed Markey announces bill to raise taxes on private jets and their ultra-wealthy passengers
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Sen. Ed Markey on Wednesday announced legislation to raise taxes on jet fuel used by private planes. Private jet travel, which is the most polluting form of transport, has surged in recent years. The bill — called the Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax (FATCAT) Act — would raise federal taxes on private jet fuel from $0.22 to $1.95 per gallon. Private jet travel has surged in recent years. The surge in private jet travel raises serious environmental concerns.

Persons: Sen, Ed Markey, —, Markey, Chuck Collins Organizations: Wednesday, Massachusetts Democrat, Private, Service, Carbon Aviation, Institute for Policy Studies, Patriotic Millionaires, Federal Aviation, Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation, Communities Trust Fund, Treasury, NGO Transport, Environment Locations: Massachusetts

☆ Kyrsten Sinema raked in more than $100,000 from the airline industry as she pushed to alter pilot training requirements
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema made a last-minute push in June to change training requirements for pilots. At the same time, she received over $100,000 from the airline industry over the last three months. But for the airline industry that's been pushing for that reduction, it was a sign that they had Sinema's ear. Political action committees and airline executives gave over $100,000 to Sinema's campaign from April to June, according to recently-filed documents with the Federal Election Commission. Altogether, the money accounts for over a tenth of contributions to Sinema's main campaign account over the last 3 months.

Persons: Sen, Kyrsten Sinema, Kyrsten, Republican Sen, John Thune of, Tammy Duckworth, Duckworth, Ruben Gallego's, Sacha Haworth, she'll Organizations: Service, Democrat, Republican, Federal Aviation Administration, Air Line Pilots Association, Senate, Democratic, Federal, Commission, —, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Air Group —, Intercept, FAA, Democratic Rep, Ruben Gallego's Senate, PAC Locations: Wall, Silicon, Arizona, John Thune of South Dakota

☆ FTC chair defends tenure as lawmakers battle over consumer agency's impact
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Diane Bartz | David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Representative Kevin Kiley, Republican from California, asked Khan about the cases that the agency had lost. “We fight hard when we believe there was a law violation, and unfortunately things don’t always go our way,” responded Khan. The agency also lost a fight to stop Facebook parent Meta Platforms from buying VR content maker Within Unlimited. Democrats on the committee sought to defend Khan, occasionally joined by Republicans on the panel including Rep. Ken Buck. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, a Republican, however, worried about investors in small businesses losing their exit strategies.

Persons: Lina Khan, Lina M, Khan, Bill Nelson, Graeme Jennings, Activision Blizzard, Kevin Kiley, “, don’t, ”, ” Kiley, ” Khan, Darrell Issa, Trump, Ken Buck, Michael Kikukawa, Scott Fitzgerald, “ you’re, you’re, Black Knight, Jim Jordan, Elon, Jerry Nadler, Nadler Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S . Federal Trade Commission, Republican, Commerce, Science, NASA, Capitol, Committee, Microsoft, “, Activision, Facebook, Republicans, White House Press, Rep, Black, Horizon Therapeutics, Twitter, FTC, Democrat Locations: Washington , U.S, California, U.S

☆ US Senate panel to vote on key Biden telecom board nominee
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, July 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee plans to vote next week on President Joe Biden's nominee for a key fifth seat on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In July 2021, Biden signed an executive order encouraging the FCC to reinstate net neutrality rules adopted under Democratic then-President Barack Obama in 2015. Biden's first nominee for the open seat, former FCC official Gigi Sohn, withdrew in March after three hearings. The FCC has raised mounting concerns about Chinese telecom companies which had won permission to operate in the United States decades ago. In 2019, the FCC voted to deny state-owned Chinese telecom firm China Mobile Ltd (0941.HK) the right to provide U.S. services and later withdrew U.S. authorizations for several other Chinese telecom carriers, including China Telecom Corp (0728.HK).

Persons: Joe Biden's, Anna Gomez, Gomez, Brendan Carr, Geoffrey Starks, Donald Trump, Biden, Barack Obama, Biden's, Gigi Sohn, Sohn, David Shepardson Organizations: U.S, Senate, U.S . Federal Communications Commission, Democratic, State Department's Bureau, Cyberspace, Digital, Radio Conference, FCC, Republican, China Mobile Ltd, HK, China Telecom Corp, Thomson Locations: U.S, United States, United

☆ Coast Guard Apologizes for Covering Up Long History of Sexual Assault
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Karoun Demirjian | John Ismay | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The U.S. Coast Guard apologized on Friday for covering up scores of documented sexual assault and harassment cases that took place at the service’s academy, and failing to properly investigate or discipline those accused in dozens more cases over a span of nearly two decades. According to Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington, the panel’s chairwoman, and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, an internal Coast Guard review called “Operation Fouled Anchor” determined that 62 incidents of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment either took place at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., or were committed by cadets during those years. Those cases may only be part of the problem. According to the letter, Coast Guard officials told senators during the briefing that their internal inquiry had yielded another 42 cases of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment that were never properly investigated. The letter said officials also revealed what Ms. Cantwell and Ms. Baldwin called a history of leaders who “discouraged survivors from filing formal complaints or otherwise disclosing their assaults.”

Persons: Linda L, Fagan, Maria Cantwell, Tammy Baldwin of, ”, Cantwell, Baldwin, “ Organizations: U.S . Coast Guard, Senate Commerce, Justice, Maria Cantwell of Washington, Guard, Coast Guard Academy, Coast Guard Locations: Maria Cantwell of, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, New London, Conn

☆ Two U.S. senators to automakers: don't remove AM radio from new vehicles
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, June 23 (Reuters) - Two U.S. senators wrote seven major automakers on Friday urging them not to remove AM radio from new vehicles. "Preserving AM radio not only aligns with the growing recognition of its significance but also demonstrates a commitment to public safety and meeting consumer expectations," the senators wrote. Markey said last month the seven automakers had opted to remove AM broadcast radio from their electric vehicles. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing major automakers, said, "mandating AM radios in all vehicles is unnecessary. Automakers pointed to an existing system that distributes warnings across AM, FM, internet-based or satellite radio, and over cellular networks.

Persons: Ted Cruz, Ed Markey, Markey, Cruz, Jim Farley, Jessica Rosenworcel, David Shepardson, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Republican, Senate, Committee, BMW, Volkswagen, Mazda, Volvo Cars, Ford, The Alliance, Automotive Innovation, Federal Communications, Thomson

☆ US FCC proposes to force cable TV operators to disclose full pricing
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The plan would require providers to disclose the total cost of video programming service - including broadcast retransmission consent, regional sports programming and other programming-related fees - as a prominent single line item on bills and in promotional materials. Major cable TV companies include Comcast Corp (CCZ.N), Cox Communications, Charter Communications (CHTR.O) and others. NCTA-The Internet & Television Association, an industry group representing the major cable TV companies, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ACA Connects, which represents smaller video providers, said its members "are committed to transparency in their sales and billing practices." The rules require broadband providers to display, at the time of sale, labels that show prices, speeds, fees and data allowances.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Jessica Rosenworcel, Anna Gomez, David Shepardson, Will Dunham, Chris Reese Organizations: U.S . Federal Communications Commission, Comcast Corp, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Dish Network, Democratic, FCC, & Television Association, Democrats, Senate Republicans, Thomson

☆ Lawmakers wrangle over measures to address pilot shortage
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Greg Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —A series of controversial proposals to address the airline pilot shortage is complicating Congress’ consideration of a new slate of Federal Aviation Administration policies with one senator warning fellow lawmakers there will be blood on their hands if reduced pilot training causes a fatal accident. The measures presented by lawmakers include raising the pilot retirement age, allowing more training to occur in a flight simulator rather than aircraft cockpit, and fast-tracking training programs. The measures are hotly contested and are aimed at addressing a shortage in airline pilots that was exacerbated by the pandemic. The Illinois Democrat scolded those who feel simulator training will be equivalent and said she didn’t believe reducing training hours would solve the shortage. On the House side, the House Transportation Committee narrowly approved an amendment that would raise the mandatory pilot retirement age by two years to 67.

Persons: Sen, John Thune of, Republican Sen, Jerry Moran, ”, “, Jason Ambrosi, Tammy Duckworth, Troy Nehls, ” Nehls, You’re, Rick Larsen, Nehls Organizations: CNN, Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Republican, Senate, Air Line Pilots Association union, Illinois Democrat, Transportation, Texas Republican, AARP, Regional Airline Association, United, ” Locations: John Thune of South Dakota, Kansas, Iraq, Illinois, Texas, American, Delta

☆ US Senate leaders unveil $107 bln aviation policy bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, June 12 (Reuters) - Leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee on Monday introduced a bipartisan aviation policy bill that would boost runway safety, track high-altitude balloons and prohibit airlines from charging fees for families to sit together. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, top Republican Ted Cruz and the aviation subcommittee leaders -- Senators Tammy Duckworth and Jerry Moran -- proposed a $107 billion five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill. The Senate bill "requires the FAA to increase runway safety by deploying the latest airport surface detection equipment and technologies." The Senate bill would ban family seating fees as does the House bill. The Senate bill would require refund request buttons at the top of their websites and double USDOT statutory civil penalties for aviation consumer violations from $25,000 to $50,000 per violation.

Persons: Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz, Tammy Duckworth, Jerry Moran, Cantwell, Joe Biden's, Mark Kelly, David Shepardsond, Jonathan Oatis, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Senate, Democrat, Aviation Administration, FAA, Washington National Airport, National Transportation Safety Board, Transportation Department, airline, Airlines for, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, U.S, Thomson Locations: Airlines for America

☆ US Senate leaders unveil $107B aviation policy bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, June 12 (Reuters) - The leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee on Monday introduced a bipartisan aviation policy bill that would seek to boost runway safety, track high-altitude balloons and prohibit airlines from charging fees for families to sit together. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, top Republican Ted Cruz and the leaders of the aviation subcommittee proposed a $107 billion five-year Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. The bill would make permanent a Transportation Department online dashboard to compare information about airlines and require the department to also create another dashboard that shows consumers minimum seat sizes for each U.S. airline. Reporting by David Shepardsond; editing by Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz, David Shepardsond, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Senate, Aviation Administration, Transportation Department, Thomson

Search resuls for: "Senate Commerce"

25 mentions found