The U.S. House of Representatives today passed HR 3004, more commonly known as The Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001, but removed all references to Internet gambling from the final bill.
Earlier drafts of the anti-terrorist legislation included two provisions that would have banned the use of credit cards and other financial instruments in 'unlawful Internet gambling.'
These provisions did not sit well with a sizeable number of representatives, however, and had delayed the bill's progress through the House.
Opponents of the anti-gambling provisions criticized their inclusion in the anti-terrorist bill, suggesting that such legislation was not related to terrorist activities and actually threatened the constitutional rights of American citizens.
After considerable debate, the two provisions were withdrawn last night to the relief of the online gambling industry. The amended bill passed this morning by a vote of 412-1.
The new legislation is intended to fight international money laundering, prevent terrorist organizations from receiving funding, and protect banking institutions in the U.S.
This latest setback is unlikely to deter anti-gambling forces in the House. Rep. Leach, who pushed for the inclusion of the two anti-gambling provisions, can be expected to reintroduce new prohibition legislation when the House returns to regular business.
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