Political Quotes

“I am pleased to join my colleague from New Hampshire, Senator Ayotte, and the other opponents of this amendment. Senator Alexander said that States should be able to decide what to do about taxes. Well, in New Hampshire we have decided. We don't want a sales tax. We don't collect one, and we don't ask our small businesses to collect one. And the fact is that this amendment would harm small, family-owned retail businesses in New Hampshire. I talked to a business in Hudson, NH, which is along the border with Massachusetts. He has six employees, and he is about to reach $1 million in sales. He said that under this legislation, his company would have to start collecting taxes not just in New Hampshire but for 45 other States. It would put him at such a disadvantage that he could not continue to grow. Just as Senator Wyden said, what these businesses are going to do then is go look for someplace else where they don't have to worry about collecting these taxes over the Internet. I agree with Senator Alexander. I think we should ensure States rights and ensure that small businesses are protected, but we don't do that by passing this amendment. I yield back my time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.”