Internet Caucus

In facing the challenge of making policy decisions on Internet-related issues that will greatly impact the future of the Internet, Congress has created the Internet Caucus. The Internet Caucus was launched in March 1996, under the sponsorship of Representatives Rick White (R-WA) and Rick Boucher (D-VA) and Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Larry Pressler (R-SD), to encourage greater understanding of this new medium.

The mission of the Internet Caucus is to "help guide Congress through cyberspace." The founders will focus on educating other, congressional members about the potential of the Internet and encourage them to be leaders in using the Internet themselves. The Internet Caucus has an outside advisory group of which AOL is a member along with other industry representatives, grassroots organizations and think tanks. Other industry leaders include ISA
Executive Director Robert L. Smith, Jr. and representatives from AT&T, CompuServe, MCI, Microsft, Netscape and Prodigy.

The Internet Caucus seeks to promote the growth and advancement of the Internet. The bicameral, bipartisan caucus provides a forum to raise Internet concerns; promote commerce and the free flow of information on the Internet; advance the United States leadership in the digital world; and maximize citizens participation in government.

Members of the Internet Caucus pledge to get on-line within 90 days by either maintaining a World Wide Web site or public e-mail from their congressional office.

Information on the Internet Caucus can be located at http://www.netcaucus.org/. The site serves as a clearinghouse. It provides information on the activities of the caucus, an open letter to the Internet community, a guide on how citizens can effectively lobby Congress on Internet issues and Links to members sites.