Mike Enzi: “the Internet plays a critical role in today's global economy. It allows us to work harder, faster, and more efficiently.…”

“the Internet plays a critical role in today's global economy. It allows us to work harder, faster, and more efficiently. With the click of a mouse, we can seal business deals, send birthday cards, and buy cars. We have come to rely on its ability to connect us with people and places around the world. Today Congress cleared an important piece of legislation that will help keep the internet affordable and accessible for all Americans. Today's passage in the House of S. Con. Res. 146, which amends S. 150, signals the end of months of long and difficult negotiations. I would like to commend my colleagues, Senators Allen, Wyden, Alexander, Carper, Voinovich and McCain for their commitment to this issue. Their hard work has allowed us to pass a fair and reasonable moratorium on internet access taxes. The moratorium will protect all Internet users, regardless of connection platform, while ensuring that states and localities do not lose billions in tax revenue. The moratorium on internet access taxes is necessary now because broadband technology is still in its infancy in many parts of the country. In Wyoming, we have a number of small towns where Internet service is limited to 14.4 Kbps dial-up service. At that speed, it takes all day to download one song--a song that was legally obtained, of course.…”