Just weeks after the European Commission gave the nod to allow cell phone use on flights across the European Union, lawmakers in the US are already working to make sure the same thing doesn't happen in the States.

PC World reports that Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) has introduced a bill, fittingly called the HANG UP Act, that would make it illegal to talk on a cell phone while flying on a US airline, but wouldn't prevent travelers from using their phones for Web surfing, text messaging and other non-voice activities.

Um, isn't there already a ban on talking on a cell phone on a moving plane?

Reportedly, DeFazio's reasoning is that since Internet access on flights is close to a reality, it's only a matter of time before fliers can start chatting on the phone. He's apparently convinced that most travelers hate the idea of in-flight cell phone use and wants to make sure their interests are protected.

The EU's plan leaves the issue up to the airline's discretion, which seems to us like a more mature decision than an out-and-out ban.