Former Washington State Governor Gary Locke will undoubtedly face some tough questions during his confirmation hearing tomorrow, but the truly important ones will likely not be asked.  The unfortunate reality is that the typical confirmation process provides little substance, but lots of political theater.  

Tomorrow is unlikely to be any different.  The focus will be on political grandstanding over the census, the bailout, and the AIG bonuses.  Meanwhile, some of the most important questions for the next Secretary of Commerce will go unasked, sacrificed at the altar of politics.

Defining the Future of the Internet – Al Gore may have invented the Internet, but the next Secretary will have a large role in determining its future.   As part of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA), the Department of Commerce is set to sever its agreement to backstop the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) at the end of the year.  While the Department of Commerce plays no role in the day-to-day management of the Internet, it has played an important role in both holding ICANN accountable for its promises regarding private sector-leadership, and protecting ICANN from institutional capture.   Given the importance of the Internet to our economy, this raises serous questions for the next Secretary: 
  • Before the U.S. Government gives up oversight of ICANN, how do you believe the security of the core infrastructure of the Internet can be protected?   For example, should NTIA agree to ICANN’s plan to take over all security management for the Internet root zone?
  • How will ICANN’s accountability be ensured in the absence of Department of Commerce oversight – especially accountability to the private sector stakeholders?
  • If ICANN is fully privatized, what can be done to protect ICANN from capture by foreign governments or the United Nations, which has asserted its own right to manage "Critical Internet Resources" – not the private sector?

Improving the Environment for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – The future of the American economy lies with our ability to produce the next Google and Microsoft, not simply preserving the fortunes of our existing multinationals.  Yet, little has been done to support entrepreneurs in the midst of the credit crisis and economic downturn.
  • What steps do you plan to take provide support for entrepreneurship and innovation in the current economic climate?  
  • What will the Department of Commerce do to promote the exports of small and mid-size firms?
  • What can be done to protect the intellectual assets of American entrepreneurs abroad?