[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 98 (Monday, June 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1221-E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ESIGN DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2010

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the designation of 
June 30 as National ESIGN Day. National ESIGN Day will commemorate the 
10th anniversary of the signing of the Electronic Signatures in Global 
and National Commerce Act (ESIGN), which has transformed how interstate 
commerce and business is conducted.
  The advent of e-signatures has brought immeasurable benefit to 
consumers and the business community, providing for increased consumer 
convenience, and reduced costs. E-signatures have significantly 
increased transaction speed and closure rates, saving time and money 
for businesses, and provide secure and predictable outcomes with fewer 
errors.
  Recognizing June 30 as National ESIGN Day acknowledges the previous 
contribution made by the Congress to adopt modern solutions that keep 
our nation on the leading technological edge and reaffirms the 
Congress's commitment to more efficient and environmentally conscious 
business practices. I represent the city of Seattle--one of the world's 
greatest technology hubs--where the Electronic Signatures Act has 
greatly enhanced the ability of companies to remain competitive and 
active with companies from around the globe.
  The first agreement signed with electronic signatures by sovereign 
nations happened in 1998 between the United States and Ireland. Since 
then, electronic signature technology has significantly strengthened 
global communications. New strides are made every day in this area. 
Just this past spring, the Federal Housing Administration announced 
that it will now accept e-signed third party documents which will help 
expedite real estate transactions. Less than two weeks ago, the Utah 
Supreme Court ruled to allow electronic signatures on petitions in the 
election process, becoming the first state in the nation to do so.
  I would especially like to acknowledge Seattle-based electronic 
signature management platform provider DocuSign for being champions in 
the electronic signatures industry and for spearheading the coalition 
to mark June 30 as National ESIGN Day.
  Dozens of industries and associations have offered their support for 
this resolution to celebrate the advancements that have been made in 
the past decade, and more importantly, to encourage even more rapid 
adoption of electronic signatures in the future.
  This resolution enjoys the support of several companies and industry 
leaders, including DocuSign, Inc., Electronic Signature and Records 
Association, Consumer Mortgage Coalition, National Association of 
REALTORS, Insured Retirement Institute, CML America, USAA, Adobe 
Systems, Sallie Mae, Fidelity National Financial, Fiserv, eOriginal, 
Silanis Technology, AlphaTrust Corporation, AssureSign, LLC, Amica 
Mutual Insurance Company, First Marblehead, Flagstar Bank, Quicken 
Loans, IMM, Stewart Lender Services, Ellie Mae, MERS, MISMO, EverBank, 
SigniaDocs, Inc., Encomia, Direct Mortgage Corp., Digital Docs, Inc., 
Relevant Technologies, Magnolia Technologies, Simplifile, eSignSystems 
(a division of Wave Systems Corp.), Realtime Solutions Group, LLC, 
Lending Tree, and the Pennsylvania Association of Notaries.
  This resolution honors the forethought and vision of those who worked 
to pass the landmark Electronic Signatures in Global and National 
Commerce Act ten years ago. The passage of that bill paved the way for 
American companies to operate globally, and it is truly a victory for 
every businesses and governmental agency looking to increase 
productivity and efficiency. Let us recognize June 30 as national ESIGN 
Day.
    

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