Online Poker Ally Alfonse D'Amato: Part II of Our Interview
Alright Gambling911 readers, it's time for a short civics lesson. Many of you have been wondering how likely the internet gambling legislation currently floating around Congress is to pass. As we mentioned in our interview with former Senator (and current Poker Players Alliance Chairman) Alphonse D'Amato, Gambling911 has been given the inside scoop on the path a bill follows as it moves closer to becoming law.
Our source (who wishes to remain anonymous) said that the current internet gambling lesgislation stands little chance of passing, and that while the current climate in congress seems to be warming towards acceptance of online gaming, there was still a very long way to go.
Dr. Ron Paul, 2008 Presidential candidate and Texas Senator, reinforced this sentiment when we spoke with him at his rally in Pennsylvania. However, he also agreed that acceptance and regulation was only a matter of time.
Dr. Paul is co-sponsoring a bill (H.R. 2046) with Barney Frank (D-MA). This bill seeks to repeal the UIGEA passed in early 2007. This bill, and the other internet gaming bills, are currently in "Committee" - the first place a bill stops on its way to becoming law.
The Constitution outlines the general process for making a bill into a law. However, the Constitution provides only an outline, leaving the details to the lawmakers we vote into office. The simplified steps spelled out in a clause of the Constitution do not provide a realistic view of the complicated process a bill goes through on its way to being signed into law.
Card Player Magazine interview with Alfonse D'Amato. A good video
STEP 1: A Bill is Submitted
Generally, bills are submitted by individual members of Congress; however, they may originate from several different sources. These sources include constituents (members of a Congressman's jurisdiction), a state legislature, the President or the President's administration.
STEP 2: Committees
As mentioned above, all the Internet gambling legislation is in Committees. Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee. For example, H.R. 2046 has been referred to the following committees:
House Financial Services
House Energy and Commerce
House Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection
While in subcommittee, bill is scheduled to have hearings, at which time witnesses may be called to testify as to why a bill is needed. Subcommittee members may interview witnesses to get a better feel for the importance of the bill. After the hearings are completed, the members of the subcommittee will then vote on the bill to see if it should be considered for a vote by the full committee. If the vote fails, then the bill dies. If the scope of a bill is broad enough, it may be considered by the full committee (not just the subcommittees). The procedures are the same; if the vote fails, the bill dies.
Bills in this stage are often subject to a great deal of revisions or "mark-ups". The majority of bills never make it out of committee. It is very important to track the bills one is interested in and contact the committee members responsible for their fate. Unless Congress hears from its "constituents", these bills will more than likely never see the light of day.
STEP 3: Passing the House and the Senate
The bill passes through a few different phases once it reached the main floor of the House. Amendments can be placed on the bill in this phase that make it undesirable. Once the final language (including amendments) has been approved, it is voted upon by all members of the House. If a bill passes, it is organized and published. The House uses blue paper for approved bills. The bill is then sent to the Senate for further discussion, amendment and a vote. After all amendments are offered and voted upon, and all Senators who wish to talk have had a chance to, the bill is put forth for a vote.
STEP 4: Presidential Approval
Once the bill is presented to the President for signature, he has 10 days to sign or veto it. If this 10 day period passes without any action by the President, the bill is automatically considered law (unless a pocket veto tactic is used). The President is generally aware of what bills have been passing through Congress, thus, nothing that hits his desk is a surprise. He's often indicated whether or not he will sign a particular bill before it even gets out of Congress.
That ends this year's civics lesson. Hopefully it has inspired many of you to become active in voicing your support of these bills. To summarize the bills currently in play:
H.R. 2046 - To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing of Internet gambling facilities by the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
H.R. 2607 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to regulate internet gambling. Sponsored by Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
H.R. 2610 - Skill Game Protection Act - Sponsored by Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)
H.R. 2140 - To provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences to identify the proper response of the United States to the growth of Internet gambling - Sponsored by Rep. Shelley Berkely (NV)
Take the time to familiarize yourselves with these bills and contact your local representatives to voice your support!
Online Poker Ally Alfonse D'Amato: Part II of Our Interview