Good news for the internet:
The Senate voted overwhelmingly to restore a ban on taxing Internet connections for four years, stopping short of the permanent ban approved by the House.
The two chambers will try to work out their differences over an issue that pits a U.S. telecommunications industry trying to expand a range of services against state and local governments worried they could lose billions of dollars in tax revenue.
Voting against the ban:
Voting against the Senate bill were Democratic Sens. Jeff Bingaman, New Mexico; Bob Graham, Florida; and Frank Lautenberg, New Jersey.
Apparently, Kerry did not want his patriotism questioned again, so he declined to vote.
Chris P
“This bill will ensure that consumers will never have to pay a toll when they access the information highway,” said Senate Commerce Committee John McCain, R-Arizona. “Plainly and simply, this is a pro-consumer, pro-innovation and pro-technology bill.”
The more I hear from McCain, the more I wish to God he was running for President.
Robb
Yup, that’s my Graham. Can’t wait for another chance to vote his ass out of office.
I just heard that VoIP didn’t survive the tax-free initiative. Anyone got a good read on that? (I use VoIP so it concerns me).
mark
Robb,
Unfortunately you will not get that chance to vote Graham out as he is retiring – but at least you’re rid of him!
Robb
Damn, Mark, ruin my parade. I’ll just have to make my own eVote program and “Vote him out” just so I feel better. (I actually forgot he’s retiring!)
Kimmitt
Okay, help me out — given that we believe that at least some taxes should be collected, and given that sales taxes are much-loved by this group, why are sales taxes on a product which happens to be purchased over the internet bad?
Chris P
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think this is a sales tax. I think it’s a tax just for the privilege of having an internet hook-up. Kind of like the federal tax on your phone bill.
M. Scott Eiland
“Frank Lautenberg, New Jersey.”
Another moment of pride for the New Jersey voters who sent that senile old fool back to the Senate, I’m sure.
HH
The lefty bloggers cheering on Lautenberg probably won’t say a word against him.