The United States government has been expected to crack down this year on spam -- unsolicited commercial e-mail. But a tough anti-spam bill is faltering in the House and even a milder Senate version faces plenty of opposition. . . .
The United States government has been expected to crack down this year on spam -- unsolicited commercial e-mail. But a tough anti-spam bill is faltering in the House and even a milder Senate version faces plenty of opposition.

Sen. Ron Wyden says he's frustrated with the lack of legislative progress against junk e-mail. "The fact is, technology is now on the side of the spammer," says the Oregon Democrat, adding that his constituents want that situation changed.

Wyden and bill co-sponsor Sen. Conrad Burns, a Republican from Montana, have introduced the so-called Spam Act, which would require bulk e-mailers to identify themselves; provide a valid return e-mail address; be honest about the e-mail contents; and give the recipients an easy way to prevent further contact.