The Honorable Ernest F. Hollings
Chairman Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
125 Russell Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510-0001

Dear Mr. Chairman:

I am writing to formally request an oversight hearing regarding the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

Given the recent stunning admission by ICANN President Stuart Lynn that the organization has been mired in endless debates and missed deadlines, this hearing is extremely timely. In fact, Lynn went so far as to recommend comprehensive structural reform of ICANN, given that it is "losing sight of effectiveness in accomplishing our real mission."

In the wake of such statements, I strongly believe it is time we re-visit the issue and find some solutions to the serious problems facing ICANN and the future of Internet governance. While ICANN is currently a fundamentally flawed and ineffective governing entity, proper oversight by the Committee could help redirect it back to its core mission of ensuring the stable and secure management of the Internet domain system. Obviously, more fundamental questions also need to be addressed, such as whether ICANN is even the most appropriate organization to be tasked with such a critical mission, which is central to our national security.

Thank you for your consideration and your leadership as Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Sincerely,

Conrad Burns
United States Senator

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