Frank Bill Garners More Than 50 Cosponsors in Congress

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced his Internet Gambling Regulation Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act in May, and it has already garnered so much support by the end of July that it has more than 50 cosponsors and many more members of the House of Representatives considering attaching their names to it as well. Support for H.R. 2267 includes several Republicans and one Independent, which makes it an issue that transcends party lines and looks to gain more ground as hearings are set for September.

When H.R. 2267 was first introduced, it was immediately co-sponsored by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), and in the few months since, the bill has come to find itself with a total of 54 cosponsors in the House. And it seems to be since National Poker Week that the bill has gained even more momentum, with several members - Rep. John Conyers from Michigan and Linda Sanchez from California - signing on in official support during the week in which poker supporters from around the country descended upon Washington, D.C. by lobbying a great number of Congressmen and Congresswomen. Since then, Russ Carnahan of Missouri, Daniel Maffei of New York, Bill Pascrell of New Jersey, and Mike Thompson of California have attached their names to the piece of legislation as well.

The most recent additions of Pascrell and Carnahan put the total number of cosponsors of H.R. 2267 at 54, which indicates a fast-growing base of support for the bill. From what is being discussed in Poker Players Alliance (PPA) circles, it seems that if and when Frank adds a carve-out to the bill to except sports betting from any online gaming in possible legalization and regulation activities, much of the objection to the bill will dissipate, and the hearings in September in the Financial Services Committee, chaired by Frank himself - could go quite smoothly.

Of the latest additions to the cosponsor list, Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative (SSIGI) spokesperson Jeffrey Sandman commented, “Reaching this milestone illustrates that momentum is growing for a shift in U.S. policy and a rewrite of U.S. internet gambling laws. The list of supporters will continue to grow as more representatives are educated on the subject and increasingly hear from their constituents that internet gambling regulation presents the only viable way to protect consumers, since attempts to prohibit the activity have completely failed. We also expect an increased spotlight on internet gambling as a way to augment federal revenues and help cover the cost of necessary policy initiatives.”

As more members of the House of Representatives hear from their constituents about the importance of this issue, along with lobbying from interested parties on Capitol Hill, members of Congress are realizing the importance of the issue and agreeing to support it.

To express your feelings to your Representatives in Congress, visit the PPA website or SSIGI website to gain direct access to those who represent you in Washington. Your voice matters, and there is no time like now, as momentum continues to grow, to let your elected officials know how you feel. Prewritten e-mails are available on both websites, though rewording is encouraged, and it takes only moments to stand up for your right to play online poker in the United States.

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