Senator Jon Kyl today told Newsbytes, an independent online Internet news service in Washington, that S.692, his bill to ban most forms of Internet gambling, will be considered by the Senate "pretty close to the end" of the current session of the 106th Congress.
The Arizona senator said that opposition is not the holdup, but rather finding an open space on the
calendar for the Senate floor. He did not mention the amendment offered by Senator Torricelli of New Jersey, nor the fact that Senate majority leader Trent Lott has said that he will not allow bills to be considered other than those receiving unanimous consent. It is likely, given opposition from some gaming groups, including American Indians, that a "hold" could be placed on the bill, which would preclude action if Lott follows through on his statement.