[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 75 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1069-E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE E--MAIL USER PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 1999

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the internet is a communications 
medium that has significantly impacted our day-to-day lives. With the 
click of a button you can do just about anything. You can write to your 
family and friends. You can purchase clothes and groceries. You can 
even listen to music and watch videos. There is no doubt that the 
internet has become one of our civilizations most important 
innovations.
  Unfortunately with these advancements come problems. One of the 
largest problems to face the internet is unsolicited bulk e-mail or 
spam. Today, I am introducing the E-Mail User Protection Act. Spam is a 
problem. It takes

[[Page E1070]]

both time and money to wade through and delete these unsolicited 
messages. It is a problem which everyone agrees needs to be addressed 
immediately. This legislation attacks the problem by making the tools 
used fraudulently by spammers.
  First, my legislation makes it illegal to falsify any identifying 
information such as e-mail addresses or routing information. Second, 
this bill makes it illegal for a spammer to misappropriate or take over 
an unsuspecting person's e-mail account to spam others by subjecting 
the spammer to either a stiff financial penalty and/or possible jail 
time. Third, the legislation also requires spammers, upon the request 
of an individual, to remove them from their spam. Fourth, my bill makes 
it illegal to create, use, or distribute software that is primarily 
designed to falsify e-mail identifying information. Fifth, any 
violations of these provisions incurs a fine of either $50 per 
violating message or up to $10,000 a day the violation continues.
  This is an excellent solution to the spam problem. The E-Mail User 
Protection Act of 1999 will start to weed out fraudulent spam and 
eliminate any hassle to internet users. By this, we will help to 
continue the growth, prosperity, and innovation of the internet.

                          ____________________