The biggest opponent of the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) Barney Frank, wants to pass a bill, which will cancel out the UIGEA. Ex-Senator Bill Frist passed the UIGEA in 2006, by waiting until right before the ending of the session, he attached the UIGEA to a homeland security bill. No lawmaker wants to be seen as against homeland security, and there was no time to amend the bill, so without discussion or debate the UIGEA passed.
Barney Frank promises to not handle his bill in the same way, as Frist did, even if it means taking a longer and harder course of action. “I’m presenting the bill as a standalone bill, it would be inappropriate to use the same slimy measures as Frist.” Barney Frank said. This will make sure, legislators need to debate and vote about this. Frank thinks its a mistake to hide the bill behind other proposals, Frank said: “I want to do this with hearings, discussions and votes.” Even opponents of online gambling admire Frank’s determination to get his bill passed, without attaching it to a piece of must-pass legislation. Barney Frank is planning to introduce the anti-UIGEA bill after the Easter Break.
