- Congressman Goodlatte has Co-Sponsored House Resolution 1525, the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act, which addresses the most egregious activities that are conducted via spyware and makes those activities criminal offenses. H.R. 1525 is a targeted approach that protects consumers by imposing stiff penalties on the truly bad actors, while protecting the ability of legitimate companies to develop new and exciting products and services online for consumers. Just as we would expect a burglar to face criminal charges for invading a home and stealing property, we should expect the same from people who break into our computers to gather personal information. This legislation has passed the House of Representatives.
- Congressman Goodlatte Co-Sponsored House Resolution 743, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007. The Internet Tax Fairness Act of 1998 created a moratorium on state and local Internet access taxes and multiple and discriminatory taxes on e-commerce. As a result of this moratorium, the Internet has remained relatively free from the burdens of new taxes. The moratorium has been extended on numerous occasions. However, without further action by Congress, the moratorium would have sunset in November 2007, subjecting the Internet to possible taxation from more than 7,500 taxing jurisdictions. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act ensures that the Internet remains free from restrictive taxation by making the tax moratorium permanent.
- Congressman Goodlatte has worked diligently to secure federal funding for Operation Blue Ridge Thunder, a national program operated by the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. This funding has been used to further its mission of safeguarding children from Internet crimes and apprehending child predators.
- Congressman Goodlatte was named Legislator of the Year by the Information Technology Industry Council.
- Congressman Goodlatte was appointed Chairman of the House Republican High Tech Working Group.
- Congressman Goodlatte introduced legislation to prohibit Internet gambling. The bill also requires the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board to issue regulations to require banks to block illegal gambling transactions. It was signed into law in 2006.
