Trent Lott: “The amendment would extend the 1998 grandfather coverage in the bill from 3 years to 4 years. I support ending this…”

“The amendment would extend the 1998 grandfather coverage in the bill from 3 years to 4 years. I support ending this grandfather provision for States that had already enacted some Internet tax by 1998. I support phasing that out. I would like to have this issue dealt with in a broad, comprehensive way. I hope the Commerce Committee will do that in the next year or two. I felt that 3 years was enough of an extension of that grandfather clause. But I have talked to a number of Senators on both sides of the aisle who say that in the interest of fairness you have the grandfather clause phased out in 3 years, and this bill is for 4 years. Wouldn't it be fairer, and we would be more supportive of it, if we could get these two provisions in the same position? For that reason, I filed an amendment yesterday just before 1 o'clock. I have discussed this with Senator Stevens, Senator McCain, and Senator Wyden. Members on both sides are aware of what this amendment is. Senator Sununu had some reservations about it but understands what we have done. We are prepared to go forward with this amendment now. I am willing to do it because I think it is so important that we have Senators who feel good about this legislation and believe it is fair so we can get a bill, get it now, and deal with this moratorium after these many months of laboring to do the right thing.”