On Wednesday, four leading "pro-family" leaders continued behind-the-scenes efforts on Capitol Hill to gain support for the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, H.R. 3125, by circulating a group letter calling for immediate action to pass the bill, which is the House version of the Kyl bill.
The group letter was signed by four key "pro-family" and anti-gambling leaders: Dr. James C. Dobson, president of Focus on the Family and National Gambling Impact Study Commission member; Charles A. Donovan, executive president of the Family Research Council; Pat Robertson, Christian Coalition founder; and Rev. Jerry Falwell of Jerry Falwell Ministries.
In response to concerns of opponents over exemptions in the
bill for horse and dog racing, they wrote, "these exemptions merely recognize existing realities; they do not expand gambling over the Internet."
Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives Banking Committee has postponed its scheduled markup of the Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act (H.R. 4419). The bill would effectively prohibit any wagering involving the Internet because it would prohibit the transfer of money in connection with this activity. There is no exception for legal wagering in the current bill, but there are indications that Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY) will offer an amendment during consideration of the bill to exempt any lawful wagering.
In addition, there are disturbing reports that Congressman John LaFalce (D-NY) may offer an amendment adding a provision to the bill banning automated teller machines (ATMs) from gambling facilities.
As usual, the horse racing industry is on the ball. The Horse Council is asking that people contact members of the Banking Committee to support a Sweeney amendment that would except lawful wagering from the bill's prohibitions and oppose any provision that would ban ATMs from gambling facilities. A list of committee members is available from the American Horse Council by calling 202-296-4031.