[Jack Bando]

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I think Nate is right that opponents of the gambling legislation will see their equity either skyrocket or plummet by the latter part of next week. We are nearing decisive moments in this debate, although it isn't ever really over until the session is gaveled out for the year.

Here's an update from Congressional Quarterly:

"Lawmakers are dusting off proposals including Internet gambling curbs and gang violence crackdowns in hopes that lingering legislation can catch a ride on a must-pass defense bill. But negotiators on the fiscal 2007 defense authorization insist they want to keep it clean.

Several bills stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee have been mentioned as last-minute additions to the defense measure."

The article mentions legislation aimed at reducing gang violence (S 1555), legislation to reduce recidivism among newly released prisoners (S 1934), the Internet gambling measure (HR 4411), and offshore drilling legislation (S 3711). The article goes on to say that:

"Despite the maneuvering to include such legislation in the defense authorization bill (HR 5122), House Armed Services Chairman Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., said a conference report will be filed early next week.

'This is not going to be a Christmas Eve conference like it was last year,' said Hunter, referring to the fiscal 2006 defense authorization (PL 109-163), which was not cleared until late in the year due to negotiations over military detainee issues."

Commenting on defense-related issues in the bill that are still unresolved, the article says:

"Unresolved issues in this year’s version of the bill include provisions affecting military chaplains, prescription drug benefits for reservists and limits on predatory lenders."

The predatory lending piece is specific to military personnel, for those wondering.

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This sounds good, right?

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Seems that way. The #1 guy not to get mad regarding this bill would be the Duncan Hunter, he's the Armed Service Chariman, and the bill is prob his #1 yearly concern. He's saying don't lump anything in it, even stuff that sounds good like reducing gang violence.

But I am smart enough to defer to Nate, Mr. K, and Berge for their opinion. This is just mine.