As the day to implement the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) rules quickly approaches, efforts to delay that implementation have become more frequent and aggressive.

The latest action taken by the pro-poker side: A formal request from Representative Barney Frank (D-MA), along with 18 other representatives, to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernake, requesting that the their bureaus delay implementation of the proposed UIGEA rules. This delay will give UIGEA opponents time or legal maneuvering without the prospect of the deadline being just six week away.

Frank’s letter comes on the heels of a similar letter issued by a league of organizations including the Poker Player Alliance (PPA) and American Greyhound Track Operators Association. In fact, the sent by the Congressman mentions the PPA’s petition specifically, urging Geithner and Bernake to use the Administrative Procedure Act to delay the implementation of the UIGEA rules by one year to December 1, 2010.

Frank’s letter goes on to argue that the current economic downfall makes implementation of the rules especially inadvisable. With banks already facing turmoil, Frank asserts, subjecting them to the additional burden of complying with the UIGEA will only exhaust resources that are needed elsewhere.

Miss B says: I’m pulling for you Mr. Congressman. The UIGEA is all screwed up. It’s ambiguous and needs to be overturned!