Washington, Oct 16, 2007 -  House Republican Conference Secretary John Carter (TX-31) today voted in favor of extending the ban on Internet taxes for another four years. Although this vote confirms Carter’s stance on preventing small businesses and American consumers from being taxed via the Internet, this bill only stops these taxes for four years. Carter made the following statement:

“I am glad to see this tax banned temporarily, but I believe we need to put a permanent ban on the Internet tax. The Internet is a powerful tool that needs to be protected and expanded to the advantage of American consumers and small businesses. Unfortunately, we were unable to convince the Democratic leadership to enact a permanent ban despite bipartisan support by 242 Republicans and Democrats

“Not allowing a permanent ban on an Internet tax leaves room for doubt that the Majority Leadership is serious about keeping the Internet tax-free.”

Note: Rep. Carter has signed on as a co-sponsor to H.R. 743, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act, introduced by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA). Currently the bill has 242 co-sponsors.