Thank you for contacting me regarding HR 5767. It is a pleasure to hear from you.
HR 5767 was introduced in April 2008 and has been referred to the House committee on Financial Services. As you know, this bill would forbid the Secretary of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from proposing, prescribing, or implementing any regulation that requires the financial services industry to identify and block internet gambling transactions. This bill would effectively repeal the ban on illegal Internet gambling that we worked so hard to enact in 2006.
I supported the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) when it came before me in 2006 and I still support it. UIGEA addressed the need for enforcement of internet gambling laws by amending the federal criminal code to prohibit persons engaged in the business of betting or wagering from knowingly accepting credit, electronic fund transfers, or any other financial transaction in connection with unlawful Internet gambling. These provisions effectively curb unlawful Internet gambling.
I understand the concerns of some financial institutions on the burden of new regulations. However, the proposed rules provide exemptions for U.S. financial institutions that participate in designated payment systems, if the regulators jointly determine that it is not reasonably practical for these firms to prevent illegal transactions. This exemption ensures that financial institutions are not burdened with implementing impossible or impracticable standards. But the rules should make clear that exempted financial institutions that do become aware of restricted transactions should be required to block them.
I feel strongly that our Internet gambling laws should be followed and as such, I oppose HR 5767. The unlawful operation of Internet gambling services is very troublesome and it is my sincerest hope that the UIGEA will serve to end all such operations.
I was really heated to get this response! I really wanted to respond calling him a close minded bastard but I didn't think that was the best tactic:)
Congressman McKeon,
I find it intersting that you use the word "I" in your response:
"I feel strongly that our Internet gambling laws should be followed and as such, I oppose HR 5767. The unlawful operation of Internet gambling services is very troublesome and it is my sincerest hope that the UIGEA will serve to end all such operations. "
I would like to politely remind you that this is not a nation of "I". We are embedded and have grown as a nation using the word "We". If there are voters in your district that are asking you to openly consider this as a legitimate issue I would ask that you remain open for discussion. "You" represent "The people"! What makes a great leader is one that sets aside his own moral beliefs and embraces the views of everyone.