Last minute lobbying push on Port Security act

With President Bush reportedly set to sign the Port Security Act into law on Friday, rumors are flying that several key components of attached legislation are likely to be vanish from the final product or be watered down. Specifically, some observers think that a requirement that banks block transactions involving illegal gambling sites is likely to disappear. A similar provision that could force internet service providers (ISPs) to block traffic to illegal sites is also said to be the object of a serious lobbying push.

It's hardly surprising, of course, that internet companies and banks are worried that they may have to do the government's dirty work. That's par for the course. American business has a long history of resisting the regulation of cyberspace.

Of course, any serious changes would render Washington's new internet gambling law essentially toothless, making it technically illegal for Americans to gamble online, but providing no mechanism for enforcement.