Online gambling to be attached to defense bill???- article Uh oh!!!

[UnitBubble]

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As such could you do the kindness of forewarning us with a * or something if your post is of the inane variety?

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gimme a break

[kickabuck]

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As such could you do the kindness of forewarning us with a * or something if your post is of the inane variety?

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gimme a break

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Relax bubble, just a little levity, although waiting for two days for a post from Berge to find an esoteric post was a bit disappointing.

[Mr.K]

Tuesday Morning Update:

CongressDaily's AM edition reports that negotiations have not moved much further on the DoD Authorization, and that a new issue concerning retirement of an aircraft carrier stationed in Florida may be holding up the bill. For those of you from FL, this might be something to address if/when you call Sen. Bill Nelson or Sen. Mel Martinez... I guess if you really wanted to be obstinate, lobby them to block the bill if it allow's the USS Kennedy to be retired.

Anyhow, the article closes by saying:

"Conferees on the bill have stressed that no decision on the FY07 defense authorization bill is final until lawmakers sign the conference report, perhaps later this week. Lawmakers still must negotiate several personnel and other issues left unresolved last week.

With the war on terrorism and election politics foremost on their minds, lawmakers consider both the defense authorization and appropriations bills must-pass legislation before leaving town later this month."

This comment seems to throw cold water on Nate's suggestion that the bill might spill over into the lame-duck session. I'm not sure what to think, though I do still rate the DoD Authorization bill as perhaps a 10 to 15% chance to get stalled until lame duck. These things happen when negotiations drag on and on, and there is no immediate urgency for passage (in this case there isn't).


EDIT: Congressional Quarterly is also reporting on possible delays, though with a somewhat different flavor. Here's what it has to say about progress on the conference report:

"Negotiators could file a fiscal 2007 defense authorization report as early as Tuesday that would crack down on bonuses for defense contractors — if they can resolve a dispute over how military chaplains pray.

The conference report on the bill (HR 5122) could reach the House floor this week, although that timeline could change because of a tight congressional calendar, congressional aides confirmed."

CQ lists the National Guard issue as a remaining sticking point, as well as a few other minor differences between the House-passed and Senate-passed bills.

So what does one conclude from all of this? Hurry up and wait, essentially. In the meantime, those opposing the Internet gambling legislation should probably continue to do the things they've been doing as far as expressing their opposition.

Also, I wonder how Mason's meeting with his attorney went? Any news on that front?

[Berge20]

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I know, I know. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[HSB]

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"Negotiators could file a fiscal 2007 defense authorization report as early as Tuesday that would crack down on bonuses for defense contractors — if they can resolve a dispute over how military chaplains pray.

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Is this really an issue that requires legislation?

[MiltonFriedman]

Is internet gaming germane to the Defense Appropriations bill ?

Berge, any word on whether the "chaplains" fight is being waged on non-germaneness ?

[Mr.K]

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Is internet gaming germane to the Defense Appropriations bill ?

Berge, any word on whether the "chaplains" fight is being waged on non-germaneness ?

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Note to forum: Germaneness is irrelevant here for all intents and purposes. The conferees can, in effect, do what they want whether it is germane or not. The few rules on germaneness that exist will not be enforced. Bet the farm on it.

[Berge20]

Exactly

If you guys think this is fun, wait til the end of the year Omnibus spending bill we will do.

[Mr.K]

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Exactly

If you guys think this is fun, wait til the end of the year Omnibus spending bill we will do.

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That's right. And poker players should not neglect this omnibus as another potential vehicle for online gambling legislation. If Frist & Co. fail to attach their language to the DoD Authorization, they may well find a more hospitable host in the year-end omnibus appropriations bill, as I've said several times before.

[MelchyBeau]

Berge and Mr.K,

How can you live in DC with the pugent aroma of [censored] coming from the capitol?