Mike Pence on Technology Republian nominee for Vice President; Governor of Indiana; former Representative (IN-6)

TikTok should be banned from this country, period

Send pioneers to Mars, by any means necessary

"In order to succeed, we are going to continue to focus on the mission over the means," added Pence, who also chairs the policy-steering National Space Council. "We want to challenge each one of you here at Langley: Consider every available option and platform to meet our goals, including industry, government--the entire American space enterprise."

Pence highlighted the progress being made in the private spaceflight sector, noting that SpaceX is poised to launch NASA astronauts to the International Space Station sometime this spring.

Go to Moon's South pole to mine oxygen & extract water

Questions scientific community on ozone & global warming

Adversaries have weaponized space; solution is Space Force

Cyber-warfare is new tool of US enemies

Invest in our roads and ports, but without raising taxes

There are lots of ways to pay for infrastructure, and I expect we will have a healthy debate. I think when you have money in the bank and the best credit rating in America, the last place you should look to pay for roads and bridges is the wallets and pocketbooks of hardworking Hoosiers.

But infrastructure is more than roads. Indiana's ports have also been spectacular catalysts for job growth. That is why I have called upon the Ports of Indiana to vigorously explore the building of a fourth port in the far southeastern part of our state, which could unleash enormous economic investment throughout the southeast region of our state.

Riverboat gambling ok, but no electronic wagering

The governor also issued his first veto of the year in rejecting a bill that would allow electronic wagering on horse races. Pence said he believed the measure represented an expansion of gambling in the state.

Pence's decision on the casino legislation was in question because of his often-stated stance against an expansion of gambling in the state. Pence said he believed the measure met his standard and he wouldn't issue a veto. "From early in the legislative process, I made it clear that I would not stand in the way of reforms that would allow these businesses to remain competitive with surrounding states so long as it did not constitute an expansion of gaming in Indiana," Pence said in a statement.

Favors buying private property to expand Interstate highway

Reject the censorship of the Fairness Doctrine

Promote internet via Congressional Internet Caucus.

Founded in the spring of 1996, the Congressional Internet Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 150 members of the House and Senate working to educate their colleagues about the promise and potential of the Internet. The Caucus also encourages Members to utilize the Internet in communications with constituents and supports efforts to put more government documents online. The Internet Caucus Advisory Committee and the Internet Education Foundation host regular events and forums for policymakers, the press, and the public to discuss important Internet-related policy issues.

Membership in the Congressional Internet Caucus is open to any Member of Congress who pledges support for the following goals:
• Promoting growth and advancement of the Internet
• Providing a bicameral, bipartisan forum for Internet concerns to be raised
• Promoting the education of Members of Congress and their staffs about the Internet
• Promoting commerce and free flow of information on the Internet
• Advancing the United States` world leadership in the digital world
• Maximizing the openness of and participation in government by the people.

Permanent ban on state & local taxation of Internet access.

Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act of 2007 - Amends the Internet Tax Freedom Act to make permanent the ban on state and local taxation of Internet access and on multiple or discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.

Related bills: H.R.743, H.R.1077, H.R.3678, S.156.

Popularize Electronic Signatures with ESIGN Day.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION to support the designation of a National ESIGN Day:
• Whereas the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN) was enacted on June 30, 2000, to ensure that a signature, contract, or other record relating to a transaction may not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form;
• Whereas June 30, 2010, marks the 10th anniversary of the enactment of ESIGN and would be an appropriate date to designate as `National ESIGN Day`:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved that Congress supports the designation of a `National ESIGN Day`;
1. recognizes the previous contribution made by Congress to the adoption of modern solutions that keep the United States on the leading technological edge; and
2. reaffirms its commitment to facilitating interstate and foreign commerce in an increasingly digital world.

End net neutrality; allow tiered Internet service.

Congressional Summary:Prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from proposing, promulgating, or issuing any regulations with regard to the Internet or IP-enabled services. Makes such prohibition non-applicable to regulations that are determined necessary to:

1. prevent damage to U.S. national security;
2. ensure public safety; or
3. assist or facilitate any actions taken by federal and state law enforcement agencies.

Congressional Findings:

• The Internet and all IP-enabled services are services affecting interstate commerce; and
• such services are not subject to the jurisdiction of any State or municipal locality.

OnTheIssues Explanation: This bill opposes `net neutrality,` the principle that all users should have equal access to the Internet. By disallowing FCC regulation, commercial carriers could create `tiered service` (which is the opposite of `net neutrality`). Tiered Internet service would allow, for example, faster access for companies who paid more (such as for ads).

Sponsored bill prohibiting return of the Fairness Doctrine.

A bill to prevent the Federal Communications Commission from repromulgating the fairness doctrine. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), notwithstanding any other provision of any Act, from having the authority to require broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.

No performance royalties for radio music.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act
• Whereas the US enjoys broadcasting and sound recording industries that are the envy of the world, due to the symbiotic relationship that has existed among these industries for many decades;
• Whereas for more than 80 years, Congress has rejected repeated calls by the recording industry to impose a performance fee on local radio stations for simply playing music on the radio;
• Whereas local radio stations provide free publicity and promotion to the recording industry and performers of music in the form of radio air play, interviews with performers, introduction of new performers, and concert promotions;
• Whereas Congress found that `the sale of many sound recordings and the careers of many performers benefited considerably from airplay and other over-the-air broadcasting;
• Whereas there are many thousands of local radio stations that will suffer severe economic hardship if any new performance fee is imposed, as will many other small businesses that play music including bars, restaurants, shopping centers and transportation facilities;
• Resolved: That Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings.