Washington, Jul 11 -  An agenda item that was included in Congressman Shadegg’s reform platform in his race for Majority Leader in January passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. H.R. 4411, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act of 2006 passed the House easily with bipartisan support.

In 2000, the House voted on a similar ban on Internet gambling. However, the bill failed to overcome procedural hurdles set in place thanks to the disgraceful plotting and manipulation of the legislative process by former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

“Putting a stop to internet gambling is a necessary reform that targets flagrant violations of state and federal laws,” said Shadegg, a cosponsor of the bill. “It is sound public policy that would have been passed years ago, but for the manipulative actions of a disgraced lobbyist. Passing the ban on Internet gambling sends a clear signal that the era of Jack Abramoff’s influence is over.”

H.R. 4411 will provide new enforcement mechanisms that develop, target and cut off financial transactions related to illegal Internet gambling. The bill enjoys widespread support from family groups, professional and amateur sports leagues, law enforcement, the financial community, Internet service providers, and e-commerce companies.