Suddenly, even with the midterm elections nearing, the bill's supporters believe they have found the perfect opportunity to try to push it through the lower chamber.

The House last week easily approved a bill dubbed the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act that would renew a longstanding ban on taxing access to the Internet. Considered a must-pass proposal, the legislation would prohibit state and local governments from charging residents fees to browse the Web.

So far, the bill has faced virtually no opposition. But that could soon change.