Subsequently, U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., introduced legislation that would allow companies to send unsolicited faxes as long as there is an established business relationship with the recipient.

"This bill is balanced policy that rids consumers of nuisance and small business of expensive regulation," Smith said in a statement.

Opponents say Smith's measure would give companies the right to fax pitches to anyone who had bought a product or requested information at any time.