PORTER VOTES AGAINST INTERNET GAMBLING BAN – Continues fight for comprehensive study of online wagering
Tuesday July 11, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Third District Congressman Jon Porter voted against H.R. 4411, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act. The bill, which makes online wagering illegal and increases penalties for violations, passed the House by a 317 – 93 vote and now awaits action in the Senate.
“The impact of Internet gambling reaches far and wide, which is why we need to have a comprehensive understanding of its effects, both socially and economically, before making any rash decisions about its future,” said Porter. “Unfortunately, a majority of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle chose to move forward with an online gaming ban despite having limited information on this evolving technology. Regardless of today’s vote, I will continue to drum up support for an Internet gaming study.”
In late May, Porter introduced H.R. 5474, the Internet Gambling Study Commission Act, which establishes a commission to examine the impact of online gambling. Nevada Representatives Jim Gibbons and Shelley Berkley are original co-sponsors of the bipartisan legislation, which will result in the first study of its kind.
H.R. 5474 will establish a bipartisan Internet Gambling Study Commission, which consists of nine appointed members. The Commission will conduct a comprehensive study of Internet gambling, including the existing legal framework that governs activities and transactions. Within eighteen months, the Commission will submit a report on their findings and conclusions to the President and Congress, which will contain recommendations, if any, for legislative or administrative action.
The Internet Gambling Study Commission Act currently has 47 co-sponsors.