May 6, 2014, Fairfax, Va.—Americans for Limited Government President Nathan Mehrens today issued the following statement urging the House Energy and Commerce Committee to amend the “DOTCOM Act,” up for a vote on Thursday, to include language from Rep. Mike Kelly’s (R-Pa.) the “Internet Stewardship Act” that asserts Congressional prerogative in turning over U.S. control of critical Internet names and numbers functions to the international community:
“As presently constructed, the DOTCOM Act will allow the Obama administration to give away the Internet’s names and numbers functions to the international community once the Government Accountability Office submits a report to Congress on the subject. This flawed approach cedes Congressional authority to Obama and, what’s worse, would only briefly delay the turnover of Internet authority that has been critical to preserving the freedom of information on the web.
“The House Energy and Commerce Committee should amend the ‘DOTCOM Act’ to include Rep. Mike Kelly’s ‘Internet Stewardship Act’ that would require an up or down vote in Congress before any decision about the Internet is made. Obama may not give a whit about Congressional prerogative, but members should.
“By failing to act on legislation that prohibits the Internet transfer without Congressional assent, House Republicans effectively give license to the notion that it is not needed. Only amending the flawed ‘DOTCOM Act’ can restore Congressional prerogative and save free speech on the Internet.”
Attachments:
“Are House Republicans voting to give away the Internet?” by ALG senior editor Robert Romano, April 17, 2014 at http://netrightdaily.com/2014/04/house-republicans-voting-give-away-internet/
Interview Availability: Please contact Americans for Limited Government at (202)744-4427 or at media@algnews.org to arrange an interview with ALG experts including ALG President Nathan Mehrens.
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