WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today voted in favor of legislation she cosponsored to extend the Internet tax moratorium for seven years.  The law, which was set to expire on November 1, protects Internet users from taxes on access and use.

“This bill assures that the Internet will continue to be a vehicle of innovation which all Americans are able to use on an equal footing.  We have to fight the federal government’s urge to tax this important part of our nation’s economic engine – and without this measure, a real danger exists that taxes would impede development of the Internet and stop the amazing progress of Americans who take advantage of online opportunities,” Emerson said.

Emerson has long fought for rural broadband deployment and other initiatives to extend high-speed Internet technologies in rural America.

“Especially in rural America, the Internet is becoming a vital link that can deliver educational tools, business opportunities, and even advancements in health care technologies to the smallest communities,” Emerson said.

The bill, H.R. 3678, the Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendments Act, should receive swift action into law following its consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives today.