WASHINGTON, DC – The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed the conference report to the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which includes language to make permanent the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA).

“We applaud lawmakers from both parties and both chambers for taking this important step to resolve once and for all the question of whether access to the Internet can be taxed.  Today’s vote is a win for consumers and startup entrepreneurs across the country who rely on affordable access to the Internet to build the next great American company,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA.  “Senators Thune and Wyden as well as Representatives Goodlatte and Eshoo have shown tremendous leadership on this issue, never letting off the gas in their pursuit of this commonsense reform measure.  On behalf of the venture community and the entrepreneurs they support, we thank them for their efforts and look forward to collaborating in the future on other priorities to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”