Kyls online casino restrictions rebuffed
Kyl tried to attach an online gaming restriction to a federal spending package but an unnamed Democrat objected to such a move and stalled the effort.
Kyl wants to require U.S. banks and credit card companies to reject gambling payments to offshore casinos. That is aimed at cutting off U.S. consumer access to offshore casinos.
Kyl worries those casinos are tied to organized crime, drug cartel and terrorist network money laundering operations.
Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., announced the objection that halted Kyls effort but would not name the lawmaker.
The Arizona Republican pledged to keep working on the issue, which has failed to gain final passage out of Congress in recent years.
Kyl is also pushing for additional federal funds to help investigate fake IDs produced by illegal immigrants and smugglers.
Meanwhile, Kyl and fellow Arizona Sen. John McCain helped defeat a proposal that would have prohibited the weakening of U.S. laws that protect against unfair trade practices.
Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., pushed for the trade protection, arguing it help protect U.S. businesses and markets from unfair import dumping. Free trade skeptics worry about the Chinese and others dumping cheap products on the U.S. market in order to gain advantages over U.S. firms.
Business groups, free trade advocates and the Bush administration opposed the measure, arguing it will hamstring free trade negotiations and agreements.
Kyl and McCain -- both Republicans -- are strong free trade backers.
2005-09-12
