The House Financial Services Committee has sent a dangerous pro-gambling bill to the full House for a vote that could come next week.
H.R. 6870, which passed 30-19, would undermine regulations put in place two years ago by the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The act gives financial institutions a government go-ahead to block payments to off-shore Internet gambling interests.
The new legislation is the latest attempt by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., to undo the regulations — which took family groups nearly a decade to put in place.
Chad Hills, analyst for gambling research and policy at Focus on the Family Action, said: "If Rep. Frank is willing to gamble with our families by passing laws that enable predatory adults to access our homes and children for 'legalized' exploitation, then it's time to replace Rep. Frank and company with leaders of character and integrity who will create policy to defend — not assault — families."
TAKE ACTION
H.R. 6870 — the so-called Payments System Protection Act of 2008 — is headed to the House floor soon. Please call your U.S. representative to request a vote against H.R. 6870. You can find contact information through our Action Center.
— Jennifer Mesko
