Then how much time would the proponents have with Senator Collins and Senator Lieberman on the proponents' side? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The time is divided between the two sides, not between the proponents and opponents.

Mr. President, I wish to be notified when I have 5 minutes left, because Senator McCain is expected on the floor, and if Senator Chambliss or others come, I would like to have the time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair will do so.

Mr. President, I would ask unanimous consent that the opponents have at least 10 minutes.

I wanted to clarify that there would be time for the opposition side. I did not know if Senator Collins is speaking for the majority side then or the minority side. I am trying to clarify to assure that the opposition is getting some equal…

I have long advocated for passage of Main Street fairness legislation.

We can all compete on price, and all of us can actually compete on any offer that's made on the Internet.

Is it fair for that Main Street store to lose business to online companies just because online retailers are not collecting state sales tax?

Without this deduction, taxpayers in Texas would see their Federal tax bills increase by an average of $500 for 2012.

I strongly support states' rights, and I think they should have the power to decide for themselves if it is in their constituents' best interests to change their respective state laws to collect sales taxes from remote sellers.

At the end of the day, Rhode Island businesses will be able to compete on a level playing field.

I urge you to support The Marketplace Fairness Act and act swiftly to markup and ultimately pass this legislation.