For NTIA administrator is still on hold — Trump’s nominee
Democrat Brian Schatz places hold over concerns regarding deal struck with Republican Ted Cruz.
It has been nine months since Donald Trump took office but the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) still does not have an administrator. Trump’s appointee, David Redl, has been stymied mostly by Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
The NTIA is the U.S. entity that interacts with ICANN and officially “set if free” last year. Texas Senator Ted Cruz was opposed to the transition out of U.S. government hands. He stated it could lead to Russia and China taking over the internet.
During a June hearing, Cruz asked Redl what he thought regarding the decision to cut U.S. government ties with ICANN last year. Redl stated that he was confident the U.S. is in a position to protect its interests, Bloomberg noted.
Concerned regarding Redl’s position, Cruz put a hold on Redl’s nomination. He then met with Redl and members of Trumps administration. Afterward, he lifted his hold.
Now, as stated by Washington Internet Daily, Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) has placed a hold to block a full Senate vote on Redl. Redl is apparently worried regarding what kind of deal Cruz struck with Redl and the Trump administration and wants to learn more.
