Cohen Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans from Regressive Internet Taxes
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), today joined Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-14), Subcommittee Chairman Spencer Bachus (AL-06) and Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-01) in introducing H.R. 3086, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act. The legislation makes permanent a moratorium on the imposition of new taxes to internet access by state and local governments, which was originally enacted in 1998. A Senate companion was introduced by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and John Thune (R-SD) earlier this year.
“The internet has become a driving force in our economy, but regressive taxes on internet access could have a chilling effect that ripples throughout the nation,” said Congressman Cohen. “During these tough economic times, state and local governments are understandably looking to raise revenue needed to provide critical services, but unfair and unnecessary taxes on internet access—a cornerstone of our 21st century lives—are not the right way to do it. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act will help prevent unreasonable price increases for consumers that ultimately harm our businesses and stunt our economic growth.”
Chairman Goodlatte said:“The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act ensures that Americans can continue to access the Internet tax-free. In this increasingly digital age, Americans rely on access to the Internet to apply for employment, to seek and share innovative ideas, to keep governments accountable, to run small businesses, and to communicate with their families and friends. This legislation will help ensure more Americans have access to this tremendous medium by reducing cost barriers.”
Congresswoman Eshoo said:“Access to the Internet has transformed the lives of millions of Americans, businesses and schools. It has driven us to new heights of innovation and led to billions of dollars in economic growth. Unfortunately, consumers will be faced with new state and local taxes to get online unless Congress permanently extends a ban on Internet access taxation. No one should pay a tax just to access the Internet, and the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act rightfully ensures just that. Its passage would be marked progress toward ensuring the Internet remains universally accessible and encourage its use by all.”
Subcommittee Chairman Bachus said:“The Internet is a vital part of our economy and our daily lives, and there should not be a tax imposed for the simple act of using it. The Internet Tax Freedom Act has had my support since its initial adoption and I am pleased to be a cosponsor of legislation to extend it.”
Congressman Chabot said:“When we first enacted the Internet tax moratorium back in 1998, the rapid growth of the Internet had made it an enticing target for hundreds of taxing jurisdictions across the country. In the years since, the Internet has continued to grow and to thrive free from the stifling effects of overtaxation, and is now an indispensable tool for commerce, education and social interaction. Making the Internet tax moratorium permanent will ensure that this valuable tool remains accessible and affordable for millions of American families now and in the future. I thank Chairman Goodlatte for working with me and my colleagues to draft this important legislation."