Congressman Barney Frank’s latest attempt to scupper the UIGEA, his Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, HR2267 is gathering momentum following its launch earlier this (May) month.
Thus far 23 Congressmen and women have indicated their support for the bill, including Nevada’s Shelley Berkely, New York Democrats Joseph Crowley and Michael McMahon, and Bob Filner – a Democrat from California who is also chairman of the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs.
From New Jersey comes the support of Democrat Steven Rothman, and it is understood that Florida Democrat Robert Wexler, who has supported previous Frank atempts to repeal the UIGEA, has also signed up. Democrat Jim McDemott of Washington is behind the Bill, and has launched a companion taxation proposal, as he did last time around.
On the Republican side of the House, Congressmen Ron Paul (Texas) and Peter King (New York) have also indicated they stand with Frank on the new bill.
Other sponsors include: Steve Cohen (D-TN), Melvin Watt (D-NC), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Robert Scott (D-VA), Tim Bishop (D-NY), Gregorio Sablan (Ind. Manila Islands), Mike Capuano (D-MA), Tom Perriello (D-VA), Andre Carson (D-IN), George Miller (D-CA), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Bill Delahunt (D-MA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL).
Last year’s unsuccessful attempt by Congressman Frank to regulate and license online gambling in the United States attracted almost 50 co-sponsors. Frank has frequently appealed to US players to write their Congressional representatives urging them to support his legislation, emphasising that such recommendations are definitely influential in persuading politicians to make the right decisions.