Dear Friends,

In recent days, you may have received an email or read online claims suggesting that I support taxing Internet access and usage. This is simply not true.

The current moratorium on Internet taxation -- a measure I supported -- is set to expire on November 1st, and the House of Representatives has passed a four-year extension of it. I expect a similar measure will come to a vote in the Senate and allow us to keep the Internet free of access taxes well past next week's deadline.

Partisan operatives in Washington, however, are hoping to prey on Americans' unfamiliarity with Senate procedure in an attempt to distort my record and my position.

Last Thursday evening, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky asked the Senate to consider S. 2128, a bill to make permanent the current Internet tax moratorium. Through a vibrant floor debate, I believe we can reach common ground on this issue and I do not object personally to the Senate considering this bill.

At the time of Senator McConnell's request, I was on the Senate floor in a fight to save funding for an important children's mental health program in Louisiana. I am proud to say that fight was successful. But my holding the floor also meant I had a procedural duty to voice the objections to the Internet tax bill of a colleague not on the floor. The Congressional Record reflects that I objected on behalf of Senator Tom Carper of Delaware.

Let me be clear: I do not object to this legislation coming to the floor for consideration. I have consistently supported extensions to the Internet tax ban, and will continue to do so. In fact, I believe a five- or ten-year extension may be more appropriate than the four-year plan passed by the House. But in a policy area so affected by rapidly changing technologies, Congress should review its Internet policies at least once a decade. A permanent ban does not ensure Congress makes an effort to keep in step with technological advancements.

Today's Internet should not be taxed, and I will keep fighting to make sure it isn't. I will also continue my fight to dramatically reduce the estate tax and to provide much-needed middle class tax relief. I will not allow petty partisan attacks and untruths to deter me from this effort. These distortions simply distract from the important work at hand.

In congratulating Governor-elect Bobby Jindal on his victory this weekend, I observed that we may campaign as Democrats and Republicans, but our highest responsibility is to serve as Louisianians. When we speak with one strong voice, we greatly enhance our chances for success in championing our state and her interests.

With warmest regards to you and your families, I remain

Sincerely,

Mary L. Landrieu United States Senator