Growing Support for Frank's Bill

Congressman Barney Frank had introduced the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act, HR2267 in the House earlier this month. This much delayed bill seeks to overturn the UIGEA and legalize and regulate online gambling in the United States. 

The bill is already gathering support in the Congress. As of now 23 members of the Congress have come forward and stated that they would vote for the bill. They include Shelley Berkely from Nevada, New York Democrats Joseph Crowley and Michael McMahon, and Bob Filner who is a Democrat from California and also chairman of the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs. Democrat Steven Rothman from New Jersey has announced his support. So has Florida Democrat Robert Wexler, who had supported Barney Frank in his earlier attempts to repeal the UIGEA. Democrat Jim McDemott of Washington is also a former ally who is behind the bill, and who like last time has launched a companion taxation proposal. Two prominent Republicans have also indicated their support to Barney Frank. They are Congressmen Ron Paul from Texas and Peter King from New York. Independent Gregorio Sablan from Manila Islands is also behind the bill. Other sponsors include Democrats Steve Cohen (TN), Melvin Watt (NC), Gary Ackerman (NY), Robert Scott (VA), Tim Bishop (NY), Mike Capuano (MA), Tom Perriello (VA), Andre Carson (IN), George Miller (CA), Joseph Crowley (NY), Jim McGovern (MA), Bill Delahunt (MA), Alcee Hastings (FL) and Luis Gutierrez (IL). 

In his previous attempt, which proved unsuccessful, Barney Frank had been able to obtain almost 50 co-sponsors for his bill. The current number falls short of that but Frank is hopeful that he will be able to garner more support.