Frank Promises Transparency

April 02, 2009 | News Category: Gaming Law

0 Comments There are those who have speculated, as in the previous article "Barney Frank Bill Still on Its Way," that perhaps Barney Frank was hoping that the delay in preparing the bill regarding legalization and regulation of online gambling laws might be used to help push the bill through Congress. It was speculated that since many of the anti-gambling activists are religious fanatics, that perhaps they would "be too preoccupied with the festivities to take much time off to argue the new bill."

Barney Frank knows that good timing can be advantageous, however, he has ensured the public that he will not take advantage of it. Mr. Frank plans to present the bill regarding online gambling as a bill that can stand by itself, and not one that hangs onto the coattails of other issues.

Bill Frist, an ex-Senator, used timing and underhanded tactics to push through the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act), by hanging it onto the coattails of the Safe Port Act, which was a must-pass bill. Frist had waited until the latest possible moment before the legislature would be ending their session and slipped the UIGEA into a bill regarding homeland security and safeguarding US ports. Lawmakers would have found it difficult to vote against a bill designed for homeland security, and because the session was so close to ending, there was not enough time to discuss or amend the bill. It is likely the only reason that the UIGEA, which is so vague and unclear, was passed without discussion.

Although Frank is taking the more difficult path in order to try and get Congress to pass the new bill, it is certainly the honest path to take. Whether individuals are in support of the bill itself, or not, no-one can fault Frank for keeping the lines of communication open and honest. Mr. Frank believes that it would be a mistake to follow in the unsuccessful and sneaky footsteps of the UIGEA. He has said that he would like the bill to be passed in the correct way, with hearings, discussions and also votes."

It would make sense that a bill such as this one, which will affect large numbers of people in many different walks of life, should either rise, or fall, entirely on its own merit. The vice president of the Christian Coalition of America said "I think it is good that Congressman Frank is not trying to attach [the bill] to a fast-track bill."

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Barney Frank Bill Still on Its Way

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