US House Passes Bachus Prohibition Bill
After nearly three hours of debate, the U.S. House of Representatives this afternoon passed HR 2143, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Funding Prohibition Act.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., makes it illegal to use credit cards, wire transfers and other banking instruments to fund Internet gambling activities.
The record will reflect a landslide victory for backers of the legislation, but a key amendment that would have effectively killed the bill was narrowly defeated. The amendment, introduced by Jim Sensenbrenner, R. Wisc., would have removed carve-outs for racing, state lotteries and other interests.
The amendment originally failed by 19 votes, 221-202. An extra 15 minutes was granted for a roll vote, during which time Republican leadership swayed several members to change their votes. It ultimately failed on a 237-186 vote.
More than 300 representatives voted in favor of the full bill, with only 104 voting against it.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will likely be taken up by the Banking Committee; it could also be addressed by the Judiciary Committee or the Commerce Committee.
The bill is not expected to go before the full Senate before its summer recess.
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