[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 14, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COSPONSORSHIP OF S. 2603

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce that I have signed 
on today as a cosponsor to S. 2603, the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 
2004. This legislation is vital in preserving a valuable small business 
tool and empowers consumers by requiring an opt-out option on faxes.
  Consumers will benefit from this act because of the provision that 
requires all unsolicited advertisers to provide an opt-out option on 
the front page of all solicitations. This notice must be clear and 
conspicuous, and the mechanism for opting out must be at no cost to the 
consumer.
  The Junk Fax Prevention Act will also benefit small businesses 
because they will be able to continue corresponding with customers and 
business partners who have an established business relationship. This 
is especially important for businesses, like real estate companies and 
restaurants, which rely on faxes to do business. Faxes are beneficial 
because they are a low cost way to stay in touch with customers and 
clients. When an employee leaves a business, his or her email account 
is frequently shut down. Faxes allow the information to reach the new 
person with the correct job.
  Communication is the key to successful businesses. This bill strikes 
the right balance between prohibiting unwanted faxes while allowing 
small businesses to easily stay in touch with customers.
  I thank my colleague from Oregon, Senator Smith, for sponsoring this 
legislation. I look forward to discussing the Junk Fax Prevention Act 
of 2004 in committee and urge my colleagues to adopt the necessary pro-
small business and pro-consumer legislation.

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