Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ben Carnes or Kate Middleton 202-225-4576
Franks Helps Secure Passage of Wireless Tax Fairness Act
Washington, DC - Following passage of H.R. 1002, the Wireless Tax Fairness Act, of which he was the lead Republican sponsor in the House, Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) released the following statement:
"I'm pleased to see this much-needed legislation pass with broad, bipartisan support.
"Access to wireless networks represents a key component of millions of Americans' livelihoods, providing the efficient communications capabilities -- whether phone, broadband internet, or otherwise -- necessary to run a successful business.
"On average, wireless customers now pay 16.3% in taxes and fees, which is more than twice the average rate of 7.4% for other goods and services. And in some areas, this tax burden is even worse -- including rates of 20.4% in New York City and nearly 27% in Baltimore.
"The exorbitant discriminatory taxes on wireless customers are not only unfair, they are counter-intuitive, adding yet another costly impediment to the success of so many American businesses, which are struggling in the midst of a prolonged recession and already hefty tax burden, as well as singling out low-income and senior Americans, who frequently rely on wireless service as their sole means of telephone and internet access, to bear the brunt of the discriminatory tax's impact."
Congressman Franks is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and a member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law. He is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.
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