Efforts to push the ban out beyond four years hit a wall with House Democrats. Texas Republican Lamar Smith said on his website a permanent ban offers a boost to economic growth.

“High-tech and IP industries account for over half of all U.S. exports, represent 40 percent of our economic growth and employ nearly four percent of U.S. workers,” he said.

“Americans want and need a permanent ban on Internet access taxes,” said Smith. “Unfortunately for most Americans, the Democrat leadership’s love for the tax man has overcome their common sense.”

Smith also claimed the Democratic majority refused to look at any bans beyond the four year extension they have granted.