Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 805, the DOTCOM Act.

Over the past two decades, U.S. policy through Republican and Democratic administrations has supported the transition of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to the private sector. The DOTCOM Act which passed the Energy and Commerce Committee by voice vote last week carries on this bipartisan tradition by ensuring that the IANA transition supports and enhances the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance; maintains the security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet domain name system; and does not replace the role of the NTIA with a government-led or intergovernmental organization solution.

Importantly, the DOTCOM Act as amended by the Committee, represents a sensible alternative to the funding restriction included in the House-passed Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see that the DOTCOM Act becomes the law of the land--rather than enacting a counterproductive limitation of funds which sends the wrong message to the international community.

I thank Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Pallone and Congressman Shimkus for their bipartisan cooperation on this bill and I urge my colleagues to support the DOTCOM Act, which is a vote for the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance and a global, open Internet, free from governmental control.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, right now 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.

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.

As we move toward transitioning the United States' oversight role of the Domain Name System to the international community of stakeholders, it is essential we tread carefully and thoughtfully. The bill we are considering today is a bipartisan effort to ensure appropriate congressional oversight of this incredibly important transition, and ensure that the administration and NTIA get it right as there are no do-overs.

Over the course of the past year, the Energy and Commerce Committee has engaged in efforts to ensure that any transition proposal considered by the administration contains the necessary safeguards to protect the Internet. This bill incorporates the criteria initially put forward by NTIA, and requires the agency to certify to Congress that the proposal meets these important metrics. It would also put important accountability measures in place for the Internet community.

This legislation, which the Energy and Commerce Committee approved by voice vote, is the result of many informative hearings, feedback from a variety of stakeholders--both domestically and internationally--and productive and ongoing conversations between members on both sides of the aisle. Once again, our committee's efforts demonstrate that Congress can work together to achieve meaningful results and build a bipartisan record of success. I want to recognize Mr. Shimkus for his leadership on this issue from the beginning, as well as Chairman WALDEN and Ranking Member Pallone for their hard work on this commonsense solution to protect the Internet on which we have come to depend.

The world is watching. A vote for the DOTCOM Act is a vote for effective Congressional oversight. I urge all members to support this important legislation.

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