That greatly concerns me, as well. The transcripts for 7/29/09 clearly show Congressman Rooney's amendment limiting the bill to Burmese and African Rocks as being voted in by the full Judiciary Committee. So how can it move backwards to a subcommittee in its original form??? Somehow, there seems to be a breech of procedure totally disregarding the amendments already approved by the full Judiciary.



Pg 156. "Mr. Rooney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am honored to be a cosponsor of the underlying bill, and I am offering the amendment today to narrow the scope of the bill to two Pythons that we know pose a real threat to human safety and specifically to the South Florida Everglades restoration, the Burmese Python and the African Rock Python"



Pg 158. "My amendment will specify that Burmese and African Rock Pythons will be listed. There is no controversy that these two types of snakes pose a real threat to health and human safety. While I continue to support the underlying bill, this amendment addresses the concerns of many that listing all Pythons is too broad and may include snakes that don't pose a threat."



pg 158 "Chairman Conyers. And thank you very much. All in favor of the amendment, say, "Aye." All opposed? The ayes have it, and the amendment is carried. The Chair makes a point of order. A quorum isn't present, so we can't vote for final passage."



Pg 166. "We will now vote on the Python measure. A reporting quorum being present, all who support the bill, as amended, will indicate by saying, "Aye." All those opposed, say, "No." Ayes have it. And the bill, as amended, is ordered to be reported favorably. And the staff is authorized to make technical, conforming changes. Members will have 2 days to submit views."



I don't want to "throw them under the bus" and I made my calls, but at least the existing amendment to the bill must be recognised.

Paul

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