September 11 – With the end of the summer break, the United States Congress is back in session next week. For supporters of online poker legalization, the time is now for getting a bill passed and put in front of President Obama. As a potential shift of power in the US legislature looms, players are being encouraged to lobby their representatives
before the short session ends.
Little more than a month remains in the 2010 Congressional session, with the mid-term elections cutting the normal schedule short. For that reason, Barney Frank (D-MA) and other supporters of online poker are expected to make a last-ditch effort to get the bill
passed before the end of the session.
HR 2267, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, has already passed out of the House Financial Services Committee and is expected to make an appearance before the entire House sometime in September. While Internet gambling could be a hot-button issue, Frank may be forced to move forward now, instead of waiting until after the elections take place.
Many analysts are predicting a big Republican victory in November; some are even suggesting that the GOP could regain control of the House. In doing so, they would wrest the coveted chairman seats away from the Democrats, including Frank’s seat at the head of the House Financial Services Committee, making the chances of passing
the bill very slim in the next session.
For this reason, a movement to generate support for HR 2267 in the current session is underway. Casino Gambling Web editor Larry Rutherford recently wrote, “It is unknown what the future holds for Frank’s bill, but one thing is certain, the millions of people who enjoy playing poker online need to be heard. CGW is encouraging everyone
who wishes to have the online gambling laws changed in the US, to contact their representatives and senators in the coming days and have [their] voices heard.”
With the end of the session fast approaching and the dynamics of Congress likely to change, players should consider getting involved to make their opinions known.
