Dear Colleague Letter from Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK). Re: Floor vote on HR 1714, E-SIGN Act. Date: November 1, 1999. Source: House Republican Conference.

SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH IN E-COMMERCE,
VOTE FOR H.R. 1714 TODAY!

Dear Republican Colleague,

According to Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, more than one-third of U.S. economic growth is coming from the information technology sector. A major component of that growth has been in business transacted over the Internet or electronic commerce (e-commerce), which has created many high-wage jobs. This year alone, e-commerce retail sales reached more than $7 billion and are projected to exceed $40 billion by 2002.

Among the greatest dangers to continued e-commerce growth is the need for reliable and legally binding online transactions. Some 43 states have adopted statutes permitting the legal recognition for electronic signatures, creating a patchwork of inconsistent laws that hinder interstate e-commerce.

TODAY, NOVEMBER 1st, the House is scheduled to consider the "Electronic Signatures in Global and National (E-SIGN) Act" (H.R 1714). H.R. 1714 would establish a single, uniform standard for electronic signatures and records.

This legislation will help give businesses and consumers greater confidence in online transactions and contracts. In case you missed it, I have enclosed a recent letter from Americans for Tax Reform in support of H.R. 1714.

I strongly urge you to vote for H.R. 1714 so that e-commerce can continue to flourish and create new jobs and higher wages for American workers in the 21ST century.

Sincerely,

J.C. Watts,