Representative John Shimkus

Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) talked about a range of technology issues, including Internet governance, spectrum auctions, net neutrality, and mobile spectrum use. He talked about the changes in emergency communications capabilities for first responders. Representative Shimkus sponsored the Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters Act of 2015 (DOTCOM Act of 2015) which gives the House a more defined role in reviewing plans to turn over U.S. oversight of the domain name system to an international multi-stakeholder group. The DOTCOM Act passed the House but Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) had raised questions about the constitutionality of yielding U.S. control over domain names. Representative Shimkus responded to a video clip of Fadi Chehade speaking on the issue the previous month. Representative Shimkus also talked about his role in the Energy and Commerce Committee. Representative Shimkus participated by video from the House Radio-TV Gallery. close