Senate Commerce Delay of Redl Vote Draws Mixed Lobbyist Reaction
The Senate Commerce Committee's move to temporarily delay a vote on NTIA administrator nominee David Redl at a senator's request drew a mixed reaction Wednesday among industry lobbyists. A Senate Commerce spokesman didn't identify the senator who sought the delay…
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but informed sources said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, asked for it over his ongoing concerns about implications of the now-completed Internet Assigned Numbers Authority oversight transition (see 1706280027). Senate Commerce is aiming to place Redl's confirmation on the docket at the committee's next scheduled markup session after its planned Thursday meeting, the spokesman said. The aide said the senator didn't place a full-blown hold on Redl's nomination but was seeking “additional time to review information” before a vote. Cruz focused on those concerns during Redl's confirmation hearing earlier this month, asking whether Redl believes the oversight handoff was a “wise and prudent decision” (see 1706080046). Cruz was the most vocal Senate critic of NTIA's decision last year to move forward with the transition process, but it's “strange” that he would seek a delay on Redl given that President Donald Trump's administration indicated it sees no feasible way to rescind the transfer now, said one communications lobbyist. Another lobbyist said it was at least “good news” that Cruz agreed to a delay of the vote on Redl rather than placing a hold on it. Redl faced multiple IANA transition-related questions post-hearing from Senate Commerce Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., but none specifically from Cruz. Cruz's office didn't comment.