Baucus: Telecom Overhaul Should Include Phone Excise Tax

BAUCUS: TELECOM OVERHAUL SHOULD INCLUDE PHONE EXCISE TAX

Treasury ruling on refunds is good first step, reminder that laws need updating
to consider technology advances, global competitiveness

U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Ranking Member of the Senate
Finance Committee today applauded a Treasury Department decision to provide refunds
on the Federal telephone excise tax, and called for updating of the nation's
telecommunications statutes.

"I'm glad the Administration finally answered the call to refund improperly
collected taxes to the American phone user. The telephone excise tax is a prime
example of the need to overhaul our telecom laws, and particularly those tax
provisions that have been rendered obsolete by the advancement of technology,"
said Baucus. "Ensuring American competitiveness in the coming decades demands a
comprehensive look at U.S. telecommunications law. I'll be looking for fiscally
responsible ways to eliminate antiquated statutes and create new, forward-looking
policy that enhances America's global competitiveness."

Baucus, a strong advocate of policy changes that will improve America's ability to
compete in the global marketplace, says that a second-rate communications infrastructure
will slow American innovation, and has called for sound changes to telecom law.

http://finance.senate.gov/press/Bpress/2005press/prb052506a.pdf