Frist Tries to Tie Online Gambling Restrictions to Defense Bill

WASHINGTON – As reported by the Associated Press: "Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is trying use a bill authorizing U.S. military operations, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, to prohibit
Frist succeeds in getting anti-online gambling bill passed.  people from using credit cards to settle Internet gambling debts.

"Frist, R-Tenn., and his aides have been meeting with other lawmakers and officials in both the House and Senate to get the measure attached to a compromise Defense Department authorization bill, according to a Senate GOP leadership aide.

"The House passed a version of the Internet gambling measure in July, but the Senate has taken no action on similar legislation. Neither of the defense bills passed by the House and Senate mention it.

"Frist is pushing for an approach that isn't quite as sweeping as the House measure, said the leadership aide and lobbyists following the issue. All spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing negotiations.

"Frist, eyeing a 2008 presidential bid, recently discussed the online gambling measure in the politically important state of Iowa. He also called it a legislative priority in a recent speech on the Senate floor.

"The measure's supporters include the National Football League as well as conservative and antigambling groups. Some banking groups are lobbying against it.. . "