Letter on the "Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007"

October 22, 2007

The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Republican Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Leader Reid and Leader McConnell:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, strongly urges you to permit a vote on permanently extending the Internet tax moratorium when the Senate considers H.R. 3678, the "Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007."

The evolution of the Internet has directly contributed to the growth of the U.S. economy; as Internet usage has grown, so has e-commerce. Every day, millions of Americans are online making all sorts of transactions, from buying products to managing their banking accounts. By making permanent the Internet tax moratorium, Congress can be sure that this vital tool remains a key driver to continued economic growth in this country.

With the November 1 deadline quickly approaching, it is clear that Congress must act quickly to extend the current moratorium permanently, or consumers will be exposed to unnecessary and over-burdensome taxes on Internet access. As you may know, legislation introduced to make the moratorium permanent has 23 sponsors in the Senate and 242 sponsors in the House. Because of the very strong support in both chambers for a permanent extension of the moratorium, the Chamber urges you to allow for a vote on permanence when H.R. 3678 is brought to the floor.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten

Cc: Members of the United States Senate