A quick update of the Internet Gambling issue in the U.S. Congress:

Congressman Goodlatte continues to press the leadership of the House of Representatives to schedule a new vote on the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act. You will recall that Goodlatte's bill failed to pass the House earlier this summer under a procedural ploy designed to circumvent the amendment process.

Congressman Goodlatte has presented the leadership with a letter requesting that the bill be brought up again under regular House procedure. The letter has been signed by 233 other members of the House of Representatives, mostly Republican.

A House staff member intimately involved with the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act recently assured me that while leadership is not thrilled with Goodlatte's request, it is being seriously considered and could show up again on the House floor as early as the first week in September. This means that the bill will have a chance to go through the amendment process. All indications are that the vote will be close if this is the case.

One last note - Senator Kyl has been closely involved with House negotiations and is poised to introduced the House-altered legislation in the Senate as soon as it passes the House. The Clinton Administration has indicated that it is opposed to the measure, but has not issued a specific veto threat.

Simon Gros is Legislative Associate at Kessler and Associates Business Services, inc. He can be reached by email at SGros@kesslerassoc.com