Ron Wyden: “The question, Mr. President, and colleagues, is whether or not we are going to focus on yesterday's concerns, which are…”

“The question, Mr. President, and colleagues, is whether or not we are going to focus on yesterday's concerns, which are the mail-order or catalog issues--and they are important ones--or are we going to look at trying to come up with some sensible policies with respect to tomorrow's issues which essentially involve the ground rules for the digital economy. Somehow, those that want to look at mail-order and catalog sales feel that they can resolve all of their concerns on this legislation. We feel otherwise. The reason that it is so important to have the Gregg language is that it does put the focus on electronic commerce. I and others believe that if we do look at electronic commerce, and look at it thoughtfully, that it may, in fact, come up with some answers to these other issues--mail-order and catalog questions, which are important--but if we change the focus of this bill, which is essentially what the Senator from Arkansas wants to do, I believe what is going to happen is, A, we will not get any sensible ground rules for electronic commerce, nor will we deal with the issues with respect to mail orders. The fact of the matter is that Main Street America overwhelmingly has endorsed this bill.”