Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3833, the "Dot Kids Implementation and Efficiency Act.'' I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important legislation, which was introduced by Representatives Shimkus and Markey, and commend the efforts of this House to protect our children on the Internet.
While the Internet has afforded our children amazing opportunities for learning and discovery, it has also posed serious dangers. The Internet makes it easy for children to gain access to inappropriate materials, turning simple searches into avenues for pornographic or violent web pages. As a parent of a young daughter, my hope is that she will be able to search the Internet freely and use it as a tool to explore books, stories, and educational games without worrying about what might turn up. This bill will make this possible.
H.R. 3833 creates a safehaven for children using the Internet by creating a separate domain name for content that is appropriate for kids under 13, while filtering any subject matter that may be harmful or threatening to this audience. By directing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to establish and oversee the structure and rules for the new domain name, we are ensuring that the criteria for the "dot.kids'' domain meet the necessary standards to protect children using the Internet. Further, this bill requires that the NTIA publicize the availability of the new domain and educate parents on how filter and block inappropriate material.
In today's web-based environment, it is vitally important that we work together with parents to ensure that our kids are safe in cyberspace. Congress is taking a remarkable step forward in this endeavor by passing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the "Dot Kids Implementation and Efficiency Act'' on the House floor today.