Sen Cruz Delays Redl’s NTIA Confirmation Vote

Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) is slowing down the Senate Commerce Committee vote on National Telecommunications and Information Administration nominee David Redl, apparently because the senator is seeking assurances related to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) transition that took place in 2016. While the transition itself has already happened, Sen Cruz continues to have questions about NTIA’s approach to internet governance.

Redl fielded a series of queries from Sen Cruz on this very issue during his confirmation hearing, and noted that it’s “difficult to put the genie back in the bottle,” when asked if he thought the transition had been “wise and prudent.” Redl had his confirmation hearing alongside National Transportation Safety Board nominee Robert Sumwalt and Department of Transportation nominee Derek Kan, both of whom are slated for a vote during the Commerce Committee markup June 29. Redl’s vote is now slated for July, according to an aide for the committee. Cruz’s office declined to comment on the matter.