Letter from Judiciary Leaders to NTIA Re: Internet Transition Plan

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) sent a letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, asking a series of questions about NTIA's proposal to transfer key Internet domain name functions to the global multi-stakeholder community.

The wrote, "We are writing to express concerns regarding this proposal and NTIA's conclusions. As we have stated previously, it is unfortunate that this proposal to eliminate the United States historical stewardship role over key Internet management functions has been undertaken not because of technical considerations but for political ones." The lawmakers asked if the administration is opposed to having Congress hold a vote on the issue, and questioned why it has continued to work to finalize the transition despite Congress repeatedly blocking funds to finish the hand off.
They also questioned the transition proposal itself. They noted portions of the proposal on human rights and free speech might not be finished before the transition. They also questioned whether the proposal leaves an opening for other countries to gain control over the system.