Throughout America's history, gambling has undoubtedly been the cause of serious social problems. In some unfortunate cases, the wage earner loses whatever they have and the family in the end suffers.

The most significant destroyer is pathological gambling. What begins as entertainment gradually becomes an addiction. The addict will use anything to feed the destructive habit for the "high" of winning. They will spend their paycheck, put their family in debt, take out a second mortgage on their home and sometimes engage in illegal activities, all to obtain money.

I was pleased to see a report released last June by the National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC) that recommended a suspension on the expansion of legalized gambling. This postponement will enable researchers to learn more about its consequences on the family and society. The NGISC also reported that there are more than five million pathological or problem gamblers. Another 15 million are at risk of falling into the same category.

Credible research shows that cities with legal casino-style gambling have higher rates of crime, bankruptcy, divorce and suicide. I will continue to work along with other pro-family Members of Congress to curb gambling and the devastating effects it has on the family and society.