Dick Durbin: “2 years ago Members of the Senate did something that doesn't happen very often. We broke through the gridlock and came…”

“2 years ago Members of the Senate did something that doesn't happen very often. We broke through the gridlock and came together to pass meaningful bipartisan legislation that was called the Marketplace Fairness Act. Senator Mike Enzi, a Republican from Wyoming, has been the leader on this issue from the start. Senator Lamar Alexander, a Republican from Tennessee, has been an invaluable ally. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a relatively new Member of the Senate but a person with extraordinary knowledge of this field, joined me and 65 others to pass legislation that would level the playing field for Main Street businesses all across America and allow States and localities to collect sales and use taxes that are already owed under the law. Since that time--that glorious time 2 years ago--what has happened? Nothing--the bill passed the Senate, went to the House, and disappeared. In the face of this obstruction, a bipartisan group of Senators have said we will oppose any long-term extension of legislation that would take away a State's right to collect taxes on accessing the Internet unless we give States the ability to collect taxes on Internet sales that are already owed. The Internet Tax Freedom Act is a law which is going to expire with the continuing resolution--which I would support--and it says that States and localities cannot impose a tax on access to the Internet. I think that is sound policy.…”