Political Quotes

“this legislation has language in it which I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall) and also Senator Judd Gregg dealing with conflict diamonds which are resulting in men and women in Sierra Leone having their arms cut off. When one is out buying diamonds this Christmas, if one gets a good price and one does not know where the diamonds are coming from, one is probably buying diamonds from Sierra Leone and supporting people having their arms and legs cut off. The other issue, Mr. Speaker, in addition, this conference report contains a provision that deeply troubles me. I want Members of this body to be aware that section 629 of the conference report would legalize interstate pari-mutuel gambling over the Internet. Under the current interpretation of the Interstate Horse Racing Act in 1978, this type of gambling is illegal, although the Justice Department has not taken steps to enforce it. This provision would codify legality of placing wages over the telephone or other electronic media like the Internet.”