House Approves Extension of Internet Access Tax Moratorium

Washington—On Oct. 16, the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of H.R. 1552, a bill that would extend the current ban on Internet access taxes, as well as other “multiple and discriminatory” Internet taxes, for another two years. Although the Bush administration supports the bill, it had hoped for a five-year extension, according to Reuters.

But sources say that it’s unlikely that the Senate will vote upon the bill before the existing moratorium expires Oct. 21. But that doesn’t mean localities will begin taxing Web access or implementing other taxes: Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) told Reuters that he’s hoping the Senate will pass a similar measure within the week.