While temperatures flare up outside, tensions heat up inside Congress over an Internet gambling ban.
The legislation would clarify existing law by declaring Internet gambling illegal. It would cut off payments to betting Web sites and would allow authorities to work with Internet providers to block access to gambling Web sites.
Although most banking institutions have already restricted transactions within the United States, it is questionable whether the brunt of policing should be placed upon Internet providers.
The House is scheduled to vote later today on the bill, sponsored by Reps. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and Jim Leach, R-Iowa. Some of the debate focused on whether the bill would truly amount to a ban.
Critics point to hypocritical bill exemptions that would allow online lotteries and horse racing to grow, yet ban games of skill such as sportsbetting and online poker.
Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., is leading support for the ban in the Senate. While Kyl has been thumping the bill on the grounds of morality, and the problems it causes American families, it's interesting to note that Kyl has been a fervent protector of State lotteries.
Kyl's strong support of State lotteries, and the tremendous revenue they generate, blows holes through his 'moral crusade.' State lotteries are considered the most dangerous form of gambling, as they are easily accessible, offer horrific odds on winning, and there is no skill involved.
The legislation would clarify existing law by declaring Internet gambling illegal. It would cut off payments to betting Web sites and would allow authorities to work with Internet providers to block access to gambling Web sites.
Although most banking institutions have already restricted transactions within the United States, it is questionable whether the brunt of policing should be placed upon Internet providers.
The House is scheduled to vote later today on the bill, sponsored by Reps. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and Jim Leach, R-Iowa. Some of the debate focused on whether the bill would truly amount to a ban.
Critics point to hypocritical bill exemptions that would allow online lotteries and horse racing to grow, yet ban games of skill such as sportsbetting and online poker.
Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., is leading support for the ban in the Senate. While Kyl has been thumping the bill on the grounds of morality, and the problems it causes American families, it's interesting to note that Kyl has been a fervent protector of State lotteries.
Kyl's strong support of State lotteries, and the tremendous revenue they generate, blows holes through his 'moral crusade.' State lotteries are considered the most dangerous form of gambling, as they are easily accessible, offer horrific odds on winning, and there is no skill involved.