House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and...
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and House Communications Subcommittee ranking member Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., were among lawmakers Thursday introducing the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act. The bill would make permanent the 1998 Internet Tax Freedom Act, which “placed…
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a moratorium on the ability of state and local governments to impose new taxes on Internet access or to impose multiple or discriminatory taxes on e-commerce,” the lawmakers said in a statement. Other sponsors were Reps. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., and Steve Chabot, R-Ohio. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and John Thune, R-S.D., introduced the Senate companion bill, S-1431, last month. “In this increasingly digital age, Americans rely on access to the Internet to apply for employment, to seek and share innovative ideas, to keep governments accountable, to run small businesses, and to communicate with their families and friends,” said Goodlatte. “This legislation will help ensure more Americans have access to this tremendous medium by reducing cost barriers.” Industry members and trade groups praised the bill’s introduction. In a statement, AT&T applauded the lawmakers for introducing the bill, saying “it is critical that Congress permanently extend the Internet Tax Freedom Act.” “Extending the current Internet tax moratorium will protect consumers and small businesses from new and burdensome state and local taxes on Internet access, helping more Americans get online and ensuring that the Internet continues to power U.S. economic growth,” NCTA said in a statement. “We look forward to swift passage of this legislation in the House and towards it eventually being signed into law.” CTIA said the bill would provide “a reasonable and permanent tax structure that guarantees affordable access to the Internet and the incredible services it provides,” which it called “vital for consumers and continued innovation."