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Gambling Bills "Not Top Priorities" Anymore for U.S. Congress

"`You'll know something on Tuesday,' a Goodlatte aide said -- referring to Sept. 11, the day terrorists killed thousands after hijacking four airplanes and attacking the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"`Last Tuesday's tragic events altered a lot of things, including legislative schedules,' Goodlatte said Wednesday. `I plan to introduce Internet gambling legislation in the near future.'

"…Before the terrorist attacks, legislation affecting the gambling industry already had stalled in Congress. Now, bills such as a measure to prohibit betting at Nevada sports books on college games seem even less likely to be considered until next year at the earliest.

"Supporters of the betting ban acknowledge this year's prospects look bleak.

"…While Frank Fahrenkopf, the industry's chief lobbyist in Washington, is not ready to declare the National Collegiate Athletic Association's betting ban proposal dead, he said the situation has shifted radically.

"…He said. "Congress is facing one of its greatest challenges ever, and it's clear that the NCAA bill and other bills of that nature are not top priorities."

"Those other bills include proposals to remove automated teller machines from gambling tables and increase the role of states in tribal gambling compacts…"

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