[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8359]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             INTERNET ACCESS CHARGE PROHIBITION ACT OF 2000

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                               speech of

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2000

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1291, the 
Internet Access Charge Prohibition Act. The expansion of the Internet 
has been a source of incredible growth in our economy. I do not think 
anyone wishes to slow down this incredible growth engine by allowing 
multiple or discriminatory taxes. This is one of the reasons there is 
so much support for H.R. 1291. By the same token, Internet telephone 
service has the potential to grow exponentially, but only if it is not 
subjected to per-minute charges.
  The way Internet telephony is taxed will dictate the extent to which 
millions of Americans will have access to this new and innovative 
service. It is important that consumers have a range of choices when it 
comes to telephone services, which is why it is incumbent upon Congress 
to preserve competition in this industry.
  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should carefully consider 
the issue of the appropriate way to regulate new Internet applications 
in a way that promotes growth and provides competition to consumers. 
Additionally, the FCC should also study the issue of whether or not an 
appropriate charge needs to be imposed on Internet providers in the 
future for the sake of preserving universal service. The bottom line 
should be to make sure that all Americans have access to affordable 
telecommunications services.

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