David Weldon: “it is only fitting that I should rise now, the Representative from the home State of the alligator, to address a…”

“it is only fitting that I should rise now, the Representative from the home State of the alligator, to address a particular area of our economy that I would like to set aside as not eligible for taxation, and that is the Internet. Specifically, I have filed a bill today entitled the Tax-Free Internet Act of 1997. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to declare that fees for Internet access and other online services are not and shall not be subject to Federal taxation. Furthermore, the bill would prevent any Federal department from using its funds to study the revenue potential of Internet taxation. I believe that this legislation is a strong statement in support of the free and unfettered development of this industry. My bill has already been endorsed by several online services and Internet service providers. America Online, one of the Nation's most widely used Internet-related service providers, said, and I quote, ``We commend your leadership in authoring and sponsoring the Tax-Free Internet Act of 1997. AOL strongly supports your policy efforts. Any new tax could threaten the continued growth of this global medium.'' The President of Erol's online service adds, ``This legislation is a very positive development, and I give it my full support.'' Mr. Speaker, we must not allow this budding industry to be smothered by Federal taxation.”