Marketplace Fairness Act Facing Congressional Opposition

The Marketplace Fairness Act, passed Monday, May 6, 2013 in the United States Senate (Senate Bill 743) by a 2 to 1 ratio with bipartisan support, seems likely to face a more difficult challenge from Congressional Republicans in the House of Representatives (H.R. 684). The Congressional bill has 66 sponsors, but House Speaker John Boehner has expressed concerns over the burden it places on smaller online retailers. Although he has yet to officially commit to a position, Boehner is expected to oppose the bill in its present form. Boehner has referred the issue to the House Committee on the Judiciary, where Representative Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.), its chairman, has also expressed doubts common to conservative opponents of the bill. Expect to see plenty more political wrangling over whether the Marketplace Fairness Act will actually become law.

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Jeremiah T. Lynch
Principal
Ryan
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jeremiah.lynch@ryan.com