Jeremiah Smith: “this amendment will permanently extend the current moratorium on the imposition of taxes on the Internet. It will also…”

“this amendment will permanently extend the current moratorium on the imposition of taxes on the Internet. It will also stop those who wish to establish a national sales tax from doing so. In May of last year, the House overwhelming passed this legislation, and the American people strongly oppose taxing the Internet and they vehemently oppose a national sales tax. Mr. President, let us not forget, as a result of leaving the Internet to its own device, we have seen an explosion in Internet trade, commerce and information available to consumers. Numerous organizations have backed my amendment to extend the moratorium on Internet taxes, including the Association of Concerned Taxpayers, U.S. Business and Industrial Council, and United Seniors Association. Now some have argued that it is not a level playing field because Internet companies don't pay taxes. Well, this is absolutely not true. Every business and every person is required to pay all tax demanded by their state and local government, and just about every business does. And those that don't can expect the tax man to come a knock'n. Mr. President, my amendment would only continue the current moratorium. It does not abolish any sales or use tax nor does it prevent any government from taking or even increasing sales or use taxes on its own residents.”