As reported by: AP Wire via Philly.com
Congressional Republicans attached a measure cracking down on Internet gambling to a bill aimed at enhancing port security that passed Saturday.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., pushed for the gambling provision to be added to the larger bill.

Online gambling is generally illegal in most circumstances, but it is something that is difficult to enforce. The new measure tackles that by prohibiting gamblers from using credit cards, checks and electronic fund transfers to settle their online wagers.

"The enforcement provision provided by this bill will go a long way to stop these illegal online operations," Kyl said late Friday.

Kyl and Frist previously tried unsuccessfully to put the measure on a bill authorizing funding for the military, but critics said the Defense Department bill was no place for the gambling measure.

Similarly, Democrats complained Friday that Republicans had used the port security bill as a vehicle for other GOP-backed measures.

The House passed a version of the Internet gambling bill in July, but the Senate has taken no action on similar legislation.


Article By: AP Wire via Philly.com