Frist Seeks to Attach Internet Gambling Legislation to Defense Bill

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is attempting to use a bill authorizing U.S. military operations, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, to prohibit people from using credit cards to settle Internet gambling debts.

Sen. Frist, Republican from Tennessee, and his aides have been meeting with other lawmakers and officials in both the House and Senate to get the measure attached to a compromise Defense Department authorization bill, according to a Senate GOP leadership aide.

The House passed a version of the Internet gambling measure in July, but the Senate has taken no action on similar legislation. Neither of the defense bills passed by the House and Senate mention it.

Frist is pushing for an approach that isn't quite as sweeping as the House legislation, said the leadership aide and lobbyists tracking the issue. All spoke on condition of anonymity because of the continuing negotiations.

Frist, eyeing a 2008 presidential bid, recently discussed the online gambling measure in the politically important state of Iowa. He also called it a legislative priority in a recent speech on the Senate floor.

The measure's supporters include the National Football League as well as conservative and anti-gambling groups. Some banking groups are lobbying against it.