Changes

The following week, the US Congress sent a letter addressed to ICANN President and CEO Rod Beckstrom and Board Chairman Steve Crocker, asking ICANN to delay the new gTLD program. The letter was signed by seventeen Congressmen, lead by Rep. Fred Upton. The letter cited their concern about the significant uncertainty about the process for businesses, non-profit organizations, and consumers. The suggested delay would serve to allow time for these groups to have their concerns alleviated.

The following week, the US Congress sent a letter addressed to ICANN President and CEO Rod Beckstrom and Board Chairman Steve Crocker, asking ICANN to delay the new gTLD program. The letter was signed by seventeen Congressmen, lead by Rep. Fred Upton. The letter cited their concern about the significant uncertainty about the process for businesses, non-profit organizations, and consumers. The suggested delay would serve to allow time for these groups to have their concerns alleviated.

<ref>[http://domainincite.com/congressmen-ask-icann-to-delay-new-gtlds/ Congressmen ask ICANN to delay new gTLDs]</ref> Steve Crocker later said that there would be no delay or restriction to the program, and it would proceed as planned.<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/2011/12/30/icann-chair-no-delay-to-gtld-program ICANN Chair: We will not delay or restrict new gTLD program, dot-nxt.com]</ref> On January 3rd, ICANN's executive team met with [[Michael Salazar]], the New gTLD Program Director, to confirm the program's readiness. Each critical aspect was analyzed through a meeting with the executive in charge and in the end Salazer and ICANN's COO [[Akram Atallah]] gave the final approval to move forward. Updates were released on areas of concern that had been expressed through the Senate and House hearings, including on the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]] and the timing for the next round of applications.<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2012/01/icann-stands-ready-for-new-gtld-launch/ ICANN Stands Ready for New gTLD Launch, ICANN Blog]</ref>

<ref>[http://domainincite.com/congressmen-ask-icann-to-delay-new-gtlds/ Congressmen ask ICANN to delay new gTLDs]</ref> Steve Crocker later said that there would be no delay or restriction to the program, and it would proceed as planned.<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/2011/12/30/icann-chair-no-delay-to-gtld-program ICANN Chair: We will not delay or restrict new gTLD program, dot-nxt.com]</ref> On January 3rd, ICANN's executive team met with [[Michael Salazar]], the New gTLD Program Director, to confirm the program's readiness. Each critical aspect was analyzed through a meeting with the executive in charge and in the end Salazer and ICANN's COO [[Akram Atallah]] gave the final approval to move forward. Updates were released on areas of concern that had been expressed through the Senate and House hearings, including on the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]] and the timing for the next round of applications.<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2012/01/icann-stands-ready-for-new-gtld-launch/ ICANN Stands Ready for New gTLD Launch, ICANN Blog]</ref><ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/board-briefing-materials-1-05jan12-en.pdf gTLD Operational Readiness, ICANN Board minutes, 1/5/12]</ref>

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