[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 110 (Tuesday, July 15, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H6227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THE MARKETPLACE FAIRNESS ACT
(Mr. WELCH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. WELCH. Madam Speaker, as we debate the bipartisan H.R. 3086, the
Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act, I would like to draw your attention
to another important bipartisan effort, the Marketplace Fairness Act.
Over a year ago, the Senate passed that act with strong bipartisan
support from 69 Senators. As you know, essentially what it says is that
we will treat retailers the same, whether they are brick-and-mortar
retailers in our downtown or Internet retailers, and if the State has
passed a sales tax, then it would apply to all transactions.
This is important. When I talk to Vermont's small business owners,
they tell me stories about the incredible unlevel playing field that
they face. Folks come in, browse, shop, and then go online to buy. The
difference is the sales tax avoidance.
These brick-and-mortar businesses are absolutely essential to the
vitality of so many communities in Vermont and in so many communities
in your State. This is hurting our small businesses, which make up
about 60 percent of our State's private sector workforce.
Madam Speaker, I urge us to act on the Marketplace Fairness Act.
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