**Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-post)
 

[/i]This was in our NC thread, but I think most of you will agree this is not "No Content". If you haven't visted the legislation forum, now is the time. Look for 3 Key Names. Berge20, NatetheGreat, Mr. K[/i]


FROM THE PPA PRESIDENT:



This is going to our members ASAP


The U.S. Congress is Trying to Ban Online Poker TODAY!!!
THIS IS NOT A TEST -- Call Your Senator Now


U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is attaching the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act to a bill that is expected to be approved by the Congress early this evening. PLEASE call your Senators today and tell them that they should oppose the Internet gambling bill being part of Port Security legislation.

If the Port Security bill passes, with the Internet gambling language included, your ability to enjoy poker online will be at serious risk.

Each member of the Poker Players Alliance has two Senators which are listed below. They need to hear from you RIGHT NOW! Let them know that you care about your rights to play poker.

Please Call!!! Tell your Senators to oppose attaching Internet gambling to Port Security!

First Name Last Name State Phone Number
Ted Stevens AK (202) 224-3004
Lisa Murkowski AK (202) 224-6665
Richard Shelby AL (202) 224-5744
Jeff Sessions AL (202) 224-4124
Mark Pryor AR (202) 224-2353
Blanche Lincoln AR (202) 224-4843
John McCain AZ (202) 224-2235
Jon Kyl AZ (202) 224-4521
Barbara Boxer CA (202) 224-3553
Dianne Feinstein CA (202) 224-3841
Wayne Allard CO (202) 224-5941
Ken Salazar CO (202) 224-5852
Joseph Lieberman CT (202) 224-4041
Christopher Dodd CT (202) 224-2823
Joseph Biden DE (202) 224-5042
Thomas Carper DE (202) 224-2441
Mel Martinez FL (202)224-3041
Bill Nelson FL (202) 224-5274
Johnny Isakson GA (202) 224-3643
Saxby Chambliss GA (202) 224-3521
Daniel Akaka HI (202) 224-6361
Daniel Inouye HI (202) 224-3934
Tom Harkin IA (202) 224-3254
Charles Grassley IA (202) 224-3744
Michael Crapo ID (202) 224-6142
Larry Craig ID (202) 224-2752
Barack Obama IL (202) 224-2854
Richard Durbin IL (202) 224-2152
Richard Lugar IN (202) 224-4814
Evan Bayh IN (202) 224-5623
Pat Roberts KS (202) 224-4774
Sam Brownback KS (202) 224-6521
Mitch McConnell KY (202) 224-2541
Jim Bunning KY (202) 224-4343
David Vitter LA (202) 224-4623
Mary Landrieu LA (202) 224-5824
Edward Kennedy MA (202) 224-4543
John Kerry MA (202) 224-2742
Barbara Mikulski MD (202) 224-4654
Paul Sarbanes MD (202) 224-4524
Olympia Snowe ME (202) 224-5344
Susan Collins ME (202) 224-2523
Carl Levin MI (202) 224-6221
Debbie Stabenow MI (202) 224-4822
Norm Coleman MN (202) 224-5641
Mark Dayton MN (202) 224-3244
Christopher Bond MO (202) 224-5721
James Talent MO (202) 224-6154
Thad Cochran MS (202) 224-5054
Trent Lott MS (202) 224-6253
Conrad Burns MT (202) 224-2644
Max Baucus MT (202) 224-2651
Richard Burr NC (202) 224-3154
Elizabeth Dole NC (202) 224-6342
Kent Conrad ND (202) 224-2043
Byron Dorgan ND (202) 224-2551
Chuck Hagel NE (202) 224-4224
Ben Nelson NE (202) 224-6551
John Sununu NH (202) 224-2841
Judd Gregg NH (202) 224-3324
Robert Menendez NJ (202) 224-4744
Frank Lautenberg NJ (202) 224-3224
Jeff Bingaman NM (202) 224-5521
Pete Domenici NM (202) 224-6621
John Ensign NV (202) 224-6244
Harry Reid NV (202) 224-3542
Charles Schumer NY (202) 224-6542
Hillary Clinton NY (202) 224-4451
George Voinovich OH (202) 224-3353
Mike DeWine OH (202) 224-2315
James Inhofe OK (202) 224-4721
Tom Coburn OK (202) 224-5754
Gordon Smith OR (202) 224-3753
Ron Wyden OR (202) 224-5244
Arlen Specter PA (202) 224-4254
Rick Santorum PA (202) 224-6324
Lincoln Chafee RI (202) 224-2921
Jack Reed RI (202) 224-4642
Jim DeMint SC (202) 224-6121
Lindsey Graham SC (202) 224-5972
Tim Johnson SD (202) 224-5842
John Thune SD (202) 224-2321
Bill Frist TN (202) 224-3344
Lamar Alexander TN (202) 224-4944
Kay Hutchison TX (202) 224-5922
John Cornyn TX (202) 224-2934
Robert Bennett UT (202) 224-5444
Orrin Hatch UT (202) 224-5251
George Allen VA (202) 224-4024
John Warner VA (202) 224-2023
James Jeffords VT (202) 224-5141
Patrick Leahy VT (202) 224-4242
Maria Cantwell WA (202) 224-3441
Patty Murray WA (202) 224-2621
Russell Feingold WI (202) 224-5323
Herb Kohl WI (202) 224-5653
Robert Byrd WV (202) 224-3954
John Rockefeller WV (202) 224-6472
Michael Enzi WY (202) 224-3424
Craig Thomas WY (202) 224-6441


I JUST CALLED THE TWO FROM FLORIDA, IT TAKES 15 SEC, JUST MAKE SURE AND KNOW UR ZIP CODE. TELL THEM U DISAGREE WITH ONLINE GAMBLING BEING ADDED TO A PORT SERCURITY BILL.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Voted on Today (cross-post)
 

Yeah, I just called my senators. You get their representatives, they ask you what your opinion is, and they say they will convey it. Very easy.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Voted on Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
Friday has been quite a roller coaster for all of us following the internet gambling legislation/language.

Senate Majority Leader Frist and House Speaker Hastert continue to attempt to attach extraneous matters to bills moving through both chambers.

It appears for the moment that the only viable vehicle for this is the legislation dealing with port security. The remainder of the bills that will be considered before breaking for the elections have been finalized or passed (DoD Approps, DoD Authorization, DHS Approps, etc.)

As of 4:45pm est, it appears as if the Senators from Louisiana are attempting to hold up all legislation until they get a vote or deal on their offshore drilling legislation.

What can you do at this point? Please feel free to continue to call the chief authors of the port security legislation and hope they can be convinced to not add extraneous matters to this important bill. In addition, you should call your own Senators and Representative to reinforce this message.

Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) (202) 224-3004
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) (202) 224-3934
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) (202) 224-2523
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) (202) 224-4041
Rep. Peter King (R-NY) 202-225-7896
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) 202-225-5876

Senate Homeland Security Committee
Majority: 202-224-4751
Minority: 202-224-2627
Senate Commerce Committee
Majority: 202-224-5115
Minority: 202-224-0411
House Homeland Security Committee
Majority: (202) 226-8417
Minority: (202) 226-2616

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Today? Wow. I'm not from the US, so I'm not totally sure about how your legislation works, but I thought I read that it was going to be some time until this would come before the senat.

I keep my fingers crossed, since I don't have a senator to call.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Senator Frist has attempted to attach the senate version to the DOD Authorization bill. He failed, now he is attempting to attach it to the must pass port securtity bill.

Btw...calling literally only takes about 2 mins per senator in your state. I don't mean to sound like the worlds going to end here, but the online poker world for many americans may. People are taking this far to casually imo.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
Senator Frist has attempted to attach the senate version to the DOD Authorization bill. He failed, now he is attempting to attach it to the must pass port securtity bill.

[/ QUOTE ]

As a German I am not familiar with your legislative process, so please explain: Can he keep on trying to amend his **** ideas indefinitely to any bill that's up for a vote? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Can't someone show this guy the FOLD button, please!?!? [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

-Thrakkar

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
As a German I am not familiar with your legislative process, so please explain: Can he keep on trying to amend his **** ideas indefinitely to any bill that's up for a vote? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]
Long story short, yeah, until Congress convenes. They have today and possibily tomorrow and then a lame duck session after our November elections. If they don't get anything passed by the end of this year, they won't be able to look at internet gambling again until at least June/July.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
They have today and possibily tomorrow and then a lame duck session after our November elections.

[/ QUOTE ]
I've read about this on several occations. What's a lame duck session?

[ QUOTE ]
If they don't get anything passed by the end of this year, they won't be able to look at internet gambling again until at least June/July.

[/ QUOTE ]
Could you please quickly explain why for someone not knowledgable in US legislation?

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

lame duck. after an election but before the new congress is sworn in. Basically if there's going to be a change in which party's in charge, the party losing power tries to get all their sacred cows/special interests passed before they leave office.

Since a new congress will be sworn in next year, the whole process will have to start over again regardless of which party has control of one or both houses.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

sarsen, thanks.

In my country it's considered very bad style when the old leaders in parliament try to pass bills before the new ones take over. That doesn't mean it never happened.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
They have today and possibily tomorrow and then a lame duck session after our November elections.

[/ QUOTE ]
I've read about this on several occations. What's a lame duck session?

[/ QUOTE ]
Not sure where the name comes from but it is a session that takes place after the elections, but before the newly elected members take their seats. In other words it gives the outgoing members one last chance to pass their priorities without having to worry about getting elected.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If they don't get anything passed by the end of this year, they won't be able to look at internet gambling again until at least June/July.

[/ QUOTE ]
Could you please quickly explain why for someone not knowledgable in US legislation?

[/ QUOTE ]
When the new congress is elected and seated, everything that was in the works during the previous session goes away. This gives the new congress a chance to set its own priorities based on the results of the elections. It will probably take until June or July for the new congress to get organized, set it's priorities and so on. Then they can start working on new bills.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Another extremely positive thing you can do is make folks aware of this bill. Tell people at your tables about this bill You'll be suprised how few know whats going on. Heck, how many of us didn't know until this was posted in the legislation forum.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Update from Berge20. he expects the bill to be voted on in the next 3-4 hours. Frist has managed to attach the IG bill to the must pass port security bill. We have long shot odds now.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

OK, so if this bill passes, it will become more difficult for casual players to get money into poker sites. Yes?

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

I'm usually the calm voice of reason in situations like these, but I feel like the sky is falling.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Me too, but there's almost no way out of us being totally [censored]. The senate isn't even planning on having a roll call vote on it apparantly. They are just planning to pass it by unanimous consent.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm usually the calm voice of reason in situations like these, but I feel like the sky is falling.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
Me too, but there's almost no way out of us being totally [censored]. The senate isn't even planning on having a roll call vote on it apparantly. They are just planning to pass it by unanimous consent.

[/ QUOTE ]

All I know is Commerce is gonna have to put my name on some [censored], the amount of time I'll be spending there. And it would really help make me feel at home if everybody could wear hats with their names on 'em.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

AIM chatroom "bangambling", currently starring bozlax, paxosmotic, eeegah, and wookie. Join us!

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
AIM chatroom "bangambling", currently starring bozlax, paxosmotic, eeegah, and wookie. Join us!

[/ QUOTE ]

I am trying to join this, but the chat room window keeps popping up off my screen. [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

I don't know why. I think anyone can join, I honestly don't know anything about AIM chats. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

how do I join an AIM chatroom that has already started without being invited?

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know why. I think anyone can join, I honestly don't know anything about AIM chats. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

will you invite nikeozz please?

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

I wrote my senator, Allard, about HR4411. Here is his reply:

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you for taking the time to write to me about Internet gambling. I
appreciate you taking the time to write and share your thoughts on this
issue.

Off-shore internet casinos continue to multiply and illegal internet
gambling persists even though no state has yet authorized a virtual
casino. The very ambiguous nature of the internet-lacking actual
boundaries- makes regulation of internet activities nearly impossible on
both the state and federal levels. Currently, the appropriate regulatory
and law enforcement oversight of internet gambling does not exist. The
only available means of effective prohibition is through the internet
service provider (ISP), or the payment system provider. Internet gambling
also increases the potential for criminal activities, including money
laundering, and abuse by site operators.

Representative James Leach (R-IA) introduced the Unlawful Internet
Gambling Enforcement Act of 2005, H.R. 4411, on November 18, 2005. This
bill would prevent the use of certain payment instruments, credit cards,
and fund transfers for unlawful Internet gambling. H.R. 4411 has been
referred to the House Committee on Financial Services where it awaits
further action. Should this legislation reach the Senate floor for a
vote, I will keep your comments in mind.

Thank you for writing to share your concerns. I look forward to hearing
from you again. If you would like more information on issues important to
Colorado and the nation, please log on to my website at
http://allard.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
A
Wayne Allard
United States Senator

WA:nz

[/ QUOTE ]

Here was my reply:

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you for your considered response to my email. It was nice to see an issue specific response, rather than a canned reply.

You mentioned that regulatory oversight does not exist. There is no reason for it to not exist. Regulation of online gaming is already in effect in the UK. With it comes taxation, which supports the regulatory body. Operators of reputable online gaming sites have publicly stated that they would welcome US regulation and oversight.

ISPs and payment system providers would bear the burden of law enforcement if such legislation passes. This type of unfunded mandate is putting the onus of enforcement on private entities. I do not recall any such corporation taking an oath of office for such police powers.

There is always potential for criminal activity in every facet of our lives. Money laundering is done even now after passage of the AML. Even politicians have been known to use their office for personal gain. I sincerely hope that this is not a reason for outlawing political activity. Rather, there are ethics oversight committees to regulate and ameliorate such behavior.

HR 4411 has been passed by the House and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. This legislation would have the same effect as the Vollstead Act. America recognized that legislation as a mistake, which required that a Constitutional amendment be enacted to rescind a previous amendment that infringed on the rights of the citizens of "the land of the free."

Senator Frist of Tennessee is attempting to tack his anti-gaming agenda to the Department of Defense appropriations bill, which is totally inappropriate. Any elected representative of the people who votes against the bill because of his chicanery will be seen as anti-military. Failing that, his other targets are the Department of Homeland Security appropriations, and border defense. This behavior from your majority leader is appalling.

It is because of the efforts of people like Messers Leach, Goodlatte, Frist and Kyl, who favor a faith-based agenda that excludes and alienates those who do not subscribe to such agendas, that such misapplied initiatives exist. If laws were based on common sense instead of perceived religious dogma there would be less strife in this land of the free and the world in general.

Thank you for your time and be well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

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Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

so if noone can withdrawl, is ther going to be one champion of online poker with all the money, or will the rake be the final undertaker?

I guess all the non us players could take it all. one bad beat at a time. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Damn it all to hell. I'm getting myself a drink.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

i guess by eeeeeegad's & drwookie's response, it passed? [censored] sucks

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
i guess by eeeeeegad's & drwookie's response, it passed? [censored] sucks

[/ QUOTE ]
-> NC thread or legislation forum

I sympathize with my American friends.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Yes, it passed. Even Rep. Berkley, the rep. from NV and one of our biggest advocates, voted for passing this bill (although she did deride the presence of the gambling language. Re-elect Berkley).

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
Damn it all to hell. I'm getting myself a drink.

[/ QUOTE ]

Already with ya on this one mate. I was going to buy a six pack and watch the footy, now I got 12 for the footy and mourning.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-post)
 

Today is the day when Poker officially jumped the shark.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

Pisses me off. Frist couldn't even get support when it was ridered into the Defense bill. Clearly an unpopular idea that never would have passed without that asses last ditch cramjob into the Port Security Bill.

Makes me wish the 4th plane made it to Washington.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

What makes matters much worse....Frist will champion this as a moral victory when he runs for president.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]


Makes me wish the 4th plane made it to Washington.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that's taking it a little too far. [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

This sucks a lot. Hopefully it's a prelude to effective regulation, but I'm not holding my breath.

<insert caustic comments about elephants rolling over here>

Gads. Get your house in order guys.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

This is the only thing that's been able to make me laugh tonight:

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showfl...part=1&vc=1

See Knives_Out's post.

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
Makes me wish the 4th plane made it to Washington.

[/ QUOTE ]

ysscky

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

What is everyone's plan?
Are people cashing out?
Gonna keep playing?
I'm not sure what I'll do...

Re: **Important** Gambling Legislation Being Reviewed Today (cross-pos
 

[ QUOTE ]
Pisses me off. Frist couldn't even get support when it was ridered into the Defense bill. Clearly an unpopular idea that never would have passed without that asses last ditch cramjob into the Port Security Bill.

Makes me wish the 4th plane made it to Washington.

[/ QUOTE ]

youre a [censored] piece of [censored]