Senators Agree to Exclude Phone Calls from Internet Tax Bill

U.S. senators sparring over an effort to renew a ban on Internet access taxes agreed that it would not affect taxes on Internet-based telephone calls, a key sticking point that has stalled congressional action on the measure for months. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) remained at odds, however, with fellow Republican George Allen (Va.) on the broader question of whether to allow the states to tax Internet access.