WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) today kicked off House debate on legislation to protect the future of the Internet. Authored by Shimkus, H.R. 805, the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act, is bipartisan legislation that ensures Congressional oversight over the administration’s work to transition its Domain Name System authority from the United States to the global Internet community. Following a unanimous vote to advance the legislation in the Energy and Commerce Committee, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Foundation voiced their support for the DOTCOM Act and the assurances it provides that this transition will only happen following a review by Congress.
Click to watch Shimkus’ statement
“The DOTCOM Act is a great example of what we can get done by working together and builds on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s growing record of success," said Shimkus.
“As we speak, the international community is meeting in Argentina to discuss the state of the Internet around the globe. We have an opportunity today to send a loud and clear message to those gathered in Buenos Aires: that the United States will not stand for anything other than strong safeguards to protect our online future," said full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “By advancing the DOTCOM Act, we can ensure that the Internet - the world’s greatest platform of ideas, commerce, and social connection - continues to thrive to the benefit of folks in Michigan and every corner of the country."
“Anyone who is interested in a future that includes a safe, secure and accessible Internet needs to understand the importance of getting this transition right," writes Frank Cullen of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “(The DOTCOM ACT is) a positive step in the right direction…This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Internet and we must get it right - the very future of the Internet depends on it."
“The DOTCOM Act broadly outlines what Congress wants to see from the proposal and makes sure nothing happens without congressional oversight and opportunity to act prior to the culmination of the transition," writes Brett Schaefer of the Heritage Foundation and Paul Rosenzweig of Red Branch Consulting. “The DOTCOM Act is a positive step that addresses critical short-term concerns…"
See Also
* H.R. 805 - the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act
