Robert Wexler: “I oppose it because it prohibits Americans from using their credit cards for behavior that is entirely legal.…”

“I oppose it because it prohibits Americans from using their credit cards for behavior that is entirely legal. Pari-mutuels, horse tracks, dog tracks, and jai lai frontons are all legal in many States. They are heavily regulated. They pay taxes. They provide jobs, and in many communities are an important part of the tourism industry and local culture. That is why the National Governors Association is against this amendment. Pari-mutuels employ thousands of Americans and provide enjoyment to millions more. The horse racing industry generates $34 billion a year and creates 472,000 full-time jobs in America. Greyhound racing is a $2.3 billion industry creating over 30,000 jobs in America. They both provide very needed tax revenue to our States. It makes no sense for Congress to usurp States' rights with the result being a loss of employment of Americans and State revenue. The underlying bill rightfully bans credit card use for illegal gambling. Casino-style offshore Web sites are not regulated. They do not pay taxes, and they do not employ Americans. They are illegal, and American banks should not help facilitate them. But the issue here is whether Congress is going to make a policy that says Americans cannot use credit cards to engage in behavior which in their State is legal. Not illegal, but legal.”