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We need many more calls for the CALL CAMPAIGN OPPOSING HR2811 organized by USARK. We saw many email lists forwarding our phone and fax campaign all around the Reptile Nation. Kingsnake.com, ReptileRadio and many others helped spread the word, but today's turn out was less than stellar. Our work is not done. Please continue to call all day tomorrow. A link to the remainder of the list of House Judiciary Committee Members is below. Call everyone. If you have not contacted the key members indicated by USARK please do that first. Most members are not very aware of HR2811.

We have been in communication with the offices of Congressman Kendrick Meek and Congressman Tom Rooney since early this morning. They want to amend HR2811. Originally they agreed to the USARK proposal on an amendment. It has since become unclear the direction this proposed amendment might take. Tomorrow there will be a subcommittee mark up. There will be no amendment allowed tomorrow, but we will find out what the proposal for amendment will be. If it is out of line with what we have proposed we will fight it. It is possible that an amendment will be introduced on Wednesday during the full House Judiciary Committee mark up.

Make your phone calls... send your faxes. If you want to be successful we will have to do much better than today. We are potentially facing the end of the python trade. What are you personally prepared to do to stop that from happening? The people that do nothing will have themselves to blame if this bill goes south. Don't sit around and procrastinate and later wish you had done your part. Tomorrow is your last chance to have an impact on an amendment. Make your phone calls... send your faxes!!!

BEWARE OF RUMORS... do not contribute to the rumor mill. USARK will make a statement tomorrow updating the situation!

Click here for script and call list.
usark.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=88

Click here for expanded call list.
usark.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=89

Click here to donate $10 with dollar for dollar matching from Zoo Med
http://usark.org/donate.php

CALL...CALL...CALL!!

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Andrew Wyatt
President USARK

Folks,

I was able to call the entire list of "key members" in about thirty minutes. Each of us ought to be able to spare thirty minutes to save our hobby. If you aren't entirely comfortable with the script, speak from the heart as long as you speak courteously and intelligently. Most of the office staff who answered my calls were very friendly. They weren't always very aware of this bill, but they were nice.

In addition, you need to call your own House of Representatives member. Even though the issue doesn't go before the entire House of Representatives this week, members will notice if they get large numbers of calls on a particular topic. If they sense that the issue could be a problem in their district, they may say something to the judiciary committee members. Four or five of the staff members who answered my calls suggested that I call my district representatives. If they give you this advice, thank them and tell them either that you have or will call your House member.

Thanks,

Bill
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It's not how many snakes you have. It's how happy and healthy you can keep them.

Good advice, Bill. Your input is very much appreciated.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer