ANOTHER SUSPENSION VOTE LIKE TWO YEARS AGO.
WASHINGTON – As reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal: ``Pressured by other Republican leaders, House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, has scheduled a vote Tuesday on a bill to ban Internet gambling.
``The bill will require a two-thirds majority to pass since it will be voted on under an expedited procedure. Sponsored by Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, the bill would prohibit the use of credit cards, checks and electronic fund transfers to pay for Internet gambling.
``As recently as last week, Armey reportedly was reluctant to schedule a vote on the Leach bill because it was too controversial and unlikely to receive a two-thirds vote.
``But House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., pressed for a vote during a House GOP leadership meeting on Tuesday.
``Bear, Stearns & Co., an investment firm, estimates there are 1,800 Internet gambling sites and the industry is projected to produce annual revenue of $4.2 billion by 2003.
``…`The testimony this month by FBI Director (Robert) Mueller that Internet gambling was a substantial means of money laundering used by terrorists and criminal elements also was important,’ Leach chief of staff Bill Tate said…”
- September 30, 2002 |
