House Commerce Committee Approves Bipartisan Bill to Protect the Future of the Internet -- DOTCOM Act Poised for House Vote

The House Commerce Committee approved the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act (HR 805), bipartisan legislation to protect the future of the Internet. Authored by Rep John Shimkus (R-IL), the DOTCOM Act ensures that Congress continues its oversight role over the administration’s work to transition its Domain Name System authority from the United States to the global Internet community.

“The DOTCOM Act serves as an essential check within our government. The Internet has come a long way from its days as a government research network and the concrete steps toward privatization have made it stronger. As we look toward taking another step in that process – removing the US government from its oversight of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority – we must look before we leap,” added Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) added, “The DOTCOM Act continues the long-standing congressional support for the global, open Internet while appropriately conducting oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. I believe our bill provides the necessary safeguards for the timely transition of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority or IANA.” “The DOTCOM Act is our best way forward to ensure Congress can exercise a meaningful and appropriate oversight role in the IANA stewardship transition,” said Rep Shimkus. “This is an important moment for the Internet but there’s no moving back into mom and dad’s basement if it doesn’t work out. We only have one chance to get this right.”