Let me weigh in on the HR669 effort. I am a herper who is also senior policy aide to a member of Congress. Here are some tips that may be useful in addressing this issue and in communicating with representatives and senators:



First, realize that the senator or representative is very unlikely to read your letter or e-mail personally. The mail volume is just too great. Instead, aides who handle correspondence and legislative aides read and tabulate mail and craft responses. This does not mean your communication efforts are in vain. It is very common for legislators facing a vote on a bill to ask “how is the mail running?” They also meet with staff before floor votes to go over pending legislation, asking for pros and cons. You want a staffer to say “We have had a number of letters opposed to this and they make some very sound points.”



Second, and this is perhaps the most important tip, they listen to the views of the people who elect them. That means mail from the home Congressional district for representatives or the home state for senators is given added weight. That does not mean you should not write to those in other districts or states, especially if they are involved in committee action on the bill. Just realize that a return address from the home turf says “read me!”



Third, a personal meeting with staff is also very effective. Make an appointment with the district director or constituent services chief in your home district congressional or senate offices. Bring some friends. Go over the issues in person and a memo will likely go to the rep or senator summarizing your views.



Fourth, don’t be nasty or abusive. “You tyrant!” letters are basically ignored or discarded. “I will never vote for you again if you support this bill” sounds petty and childish. Appreciate the truth that most Congressmen and senators really aren’t focused on this issue . . . use your message to educate rather than confront.



Fifth, couch your argument reasonably. The best points on HR669 are that this is an issue that should be left to the states, that it is unnecessary (Burmese pythons are unlikely to be roaming New Hampshire) and that it is a shotgun deployed against a mouse. In general, Republicans are more likely to oppose “nanny state” and excessive intrusions like HR 669 represents, while Democrats are more liberal, government-action oriented. However, a number of Democrats represent districts and states where voters are more conservative, and they would be amenable to the same arguments on this issue that apply to gun control.



Finally, Congressmen and senators hold town hall meetings in their home areas during recess periods. Get a group and attend one. Ask to speak briefly with the rep or senator after. You may have to visit with a staff member instead, but turning out shows you are serious. If you are involved with a local herp group or even a zoo or other permanent display location, invite someone from the rep or senate home office to come visit and see a presentation. They love people who visit schools and such.

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