Sen. Feinstein Letter

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Dear Mr. XXXXXX:



Thank you for contacting me regarding Internet gambling. I appreciate you taking the time to contact me on this important topic and I welcome the opportunity to respond.



There is no doubt that the Internet and related technologies have had a remarkable effect on the U.S. economy in recent years. Commerce on the Internet has enhanced American industry's ability to distribute goods economically and efficiently. The continuing development of this industry in California has provided hundreds of thousands of new, well-paying jobs, and I am committed to strengthening online commerce and preserving and expanding this vital job base.



The advent of the Internet has clearly been beneficial to American society; however, I believe the same cannot be said for Internet-based gambling activity. Internet gambling has become too easily accessible to minors, too subject to fraud and criminal misuse, and too easily used as a tool to evade state gambling laws.



While I understand your thoughts on internet gambling, I have supported legislation aimed at curbing Internet gambling during my tenure in the Senate. For example, I supported the SAFE Port Act, passed into law as Public Law 109-347, which included (as Title VIII) Internet gambling restrictions.



While we do not necessarily agree on this particular topic, please know that I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind should legislation on Internet gambling be considered in the 110th Congress.



Again, thank you for your letter. I hop you will continue to keep me informed on issues of importance to you. Best regards.







Sincerely yours, Dianne Feinstein

United States Senator