A bill introduced by New York Congressman Rep. Jerrold Nadler allows Congress to reverse the now former President Bush’s last minute rush to push into action several dozen laws, including the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA).

This has been held up for several years now due to the fact that the rules have been in the process of being written and amended by government departments.

Bush had ordered that the rules be speedily implemented in November. This is despite the fact that the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve still argue that the UIGEA law is too ambiguous to be capable of ending internet gambling (including poker) in the US.

It is normal for leaving presidents to push through laws through the various government departments prior to vacating office. The UIGEA was just one that President Bush was trying to finalise. Currently, the UIGEA will be able to be enforced by the end of 2009.

Congressman Nadler had brought in the 1st version of his Midnight Rule Act late last year to warn Bush, but had to re-introduce the bill after the new Congress convened. All legislation that have been introduced to a previous Congress must be reintroduced to the new one. The Midnight Rule Act allows new government to overturn controversial new laws.

The act states that any law adopted by an agency within 90 days of the exiting president’s end of term would be reviewable by the incoming president.