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H.R.1054 / 105th Congress

Internet Tax Freedom Act

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1288)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 13, 1997

Internet Tax Freedom Act - Prohibits a State or local government from imposing, assessing, or attempting to collect any tax or fee on the Internet or interactive computer services (ICs) or on their use. Preserves State and local taxing authority with respect to income, license, and sales taxes. Directs the Secretaries of the Treasury, Commerce, or State to: (1) undertake an examination of U.S. and international taxation of the Internet and ICs, as well as commerce conducted thereon; and (2) jointly submit to the President appropriate policy recommendations concerning such taxation. Directs the President to transmit to the appropriate congressional committees policy recommendations on the taxation of sales and other transactions effected on the Internet or through ICs. Requires all such recommendations to be consistent with policy statements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to state that the Federal Communications Commission or any equivalent State commission shall have no regulatory authority or jurisdiction with respect to charges paid by subscribers for ICs or information services transmitted through the Internet, except for the requirement that such services be provided at affordable rates to rural health care providers, schools, and libraries. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should seek bilateral and multilateral agreements through various international forums to establish that activity on the Internet and ICs be free from tariff and taxation.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-47] · R–CA

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Judiciary Committee
116 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1288)

  2. For Further Action See H.R.4105.

  3. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  4. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  5. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  6. Subcommittee Hearings Held.

  7. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law.

  8. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

  9. Referred to House Judiciary

  10. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  11. Referred to House Commerce

  12. Introduced in House

  13. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Individual rights and government power

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