[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 135 (Wednesday, September 12, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S11496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          FREE INTERNET ACCESS

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, since its inception, the Internet has 
provided a powerful economic boost to our Nation, especially in rural 
areas. It has become an important everyday tool for millions of 
Americans, a valuable educational resource, and a powerful mechanism 
for communication.
  To ensure the Internet's benefits are available to as many people as 
possible, Congress should reduce obstacles to broadband access. One way 
to accomplish this goal is to prevent taxes from being imposed on 
Internet access, because such taxes will only drive up the overall cost 
of the use of the Internet.
  The Internet Tax Freedom Act, first passed by Congress in 1998, 
established a moratorium on State and local governments' ability to tax 
Internet access. Extended in 2004, that moratorium will expire on 
November 1--less than 2 months from today. Legislation has been 
introduced in both the House and Senate to extend the Internet tax 
moratorium. I have been supportive of such legislation and expressed 
support when the Senate Commerce Committee explored the issue at a 
hearing on May 23 of this year.
  Our chairman, Senator Inouye, has been very supportive of the concept 
of keeping taxes off the Internet.
  Tremendous investment, growth, and innovation in broadband deployment 
has occurred since the moratorium was first adopted. In order for this 
progress to continue, Congress should extend the Internet tax 
moratorium before it expires this fall.
  If it is not extended by November 1, more states could take the 
opportunity to quickly pass laws and impose new taxes on the Internet. 
Such taxes would only serve to expand the digital divide between those 
who can afford broadband access and those who cannot.
  The Internet has allowed States such as Alaska to compete on a more 
level playing field. Alaskans are now able to market their goods to 
customers in the lower 48 and around the world, which is especially 
beneficial for small businesses located in remote areas. Improved 
broadband access has also eliminated distance barriers for education 
and medicine, providing rural areas with a higher quality of life.
  Faster, cheaper Internet access also helps drive America's economic 
engine and creates new jobs. Continued broadband deployment will help 
ensure America keeps this competitive edge. Without it, our Nation will 
fall behind in the global economy. If discriminatory taxes are imposed 
on Internet access, our country will face a real danger, and the rest 
of the world will no longer look to the United States for Internet 
innovations.
  The date the Internet tax moratorium is set to expire--November 1--is 
fast approaching. It is my hope Congress will act to extend this 
important moratorium before that deadline arrives.
  While the expiration of the Internet tax moratorium is the most 
pressing broadband issue before Congress right now, several more issues 
should also be addressed to encourage greater broadband deployment and 
availability in this country. First and foremost, universal service 
should be updated so that rural America has the same broadband 
opportunities as the rest of America. This will require the work of 
both Congress and the Federal Communications Commission.
  Additionally, the Government should try to stay away from doing 
things that would reverse the recent policy trends of encouraging 
broadband deployment through free market principles.
  I sincerely hope that the Congress will act to extend this moratorium 
in a prompt fashion.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Pennsylvania is recognized.

                          ____________________