Letter from my Democratic Senator

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Dear Ian,



Thank you for contacting me about legislation limiting the importation and transportation of pythons and boa constrictors.



Over the years, I have enjoyed the companionship of many family pets. I understand your strong feelings about protecting your ability to keep and care for your pets.



As you may know, Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida) introduced a bill (S.373) that would ban the importation of constrictor snakes and pythons into the United States. This bill passed the Environment and Public Works Committee on December 10, 2009, and is currently pending before the Senate. Should this legislation come before me for a vote, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.



Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.



Sincerely,

Debbie Stabenow

United States Senator

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I hope she does actually think before voting

The fact that she is noncommittal speaks volumes.

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

The fact that she is noncommittal speaks volumes.

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Amen to that!!

Here is the letter i received from one of my state senators..

Dear Michael:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding S. 373, a bill that
would list python constrictor snakes as an "injurious" animal under the Lacey
act. I appreciate hearing from you.

Across our nation, invasive species are taking their toll on our native
wildlife populations and habitats. In Rhode Island, for example, invasive
Asian shore crabs have almost completely replaced the native crustaceans of our
beaches and Phragmites, an invasive marsh weed, has overtaken native estuarine
plants. The detrimental effects that invasive species may have on the natural
environment, and, in some instances, on public health and safety, are real and
profound.

The Lacey Act, enacted in 1900, is one of our nation's preeminent wildlife
protection statutes. Under this Act, those animal species determined by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to cause significant harm to humans,
agriculture, or wildlife in the United States are deemed "injurious," making
them subject to a strict ban on the importation into the U.S. or transportation
of the species between states. USFWS conducts a data-intensive, and usually
lengthy, review process with public input before making a final determination.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida introduced S.373 in response to potentially
dangerous non-native constrictor snakes that are rapidly populating Everglades
National Park. This legislation would immediately add constrictor snakes to
this "injurious" list and prevent further imports of these species into the
United States. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) --
of which I am a member -- took up the bill earlier this month and amended the
legislation to limit its application to just nine specific species of
constrictor snakes, identified by the USFWS as the greatest risk, as
injurious.

I understand your concern for those who own one of these snakes and may need to
transport the animal across state lines. However, it is important to note that
the USFWS does grant permits that allow injurious species to be transported to
different states. I have included a fact sheet from the USFWS that addresses
the injurious species provisions of the Lacey Act. More information can be
found on their website as well: www.usfws.gov. Rest assured, your concerns are
well heard and I will keep them in mind should this legislation come before the
full Senate for a vote.

Once again, thank you for contacting me about this matter. I hope you will stay
in touch about this or any other issue of concern to you.


Sincerely,
Sheldon Whitehouse
United States Senator
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I don't understand how any python could be considered "injurious" in my state of Rhode Island, of all places, it gets ridiculously cold out side during the winter, and as far as i am aware none of the snakes on the list could possibly live out one of our winters. I really hope this silly bill does not pass, It doesn't seem fair to me that all responsible pet owners should have to suffer for the mistakes of a few. Nor do i think it is the right way to go about the fixing real issue of "feral snakes" in certain states. I really hope that my senators and the rest of the state senators accross the country really think before they vote.

PLEASE EVERYONE DO YOUR PART AND LET CONGRESS KNOW THAT WE WILL NOT JUST SIT AND LET THEM DESTROY OUR PASSIONS, HOBBIES, LIVELYHOOD, OR OUR PETS!! WRITE TO YOUR STATE SENATORS OPPOSE S.373

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dragon76

Here is the letter i received from one of my state senators..

Dear Michael:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding S. 373, a bill that
would list python constrictor snakes as an "injurious" animal under the Lacey
act. I appreciate hearing from you.

Across our nation, invasive species are taking their toll on our native
wildlife populations and habitats. In Rhode Island, for example, invasive
Asian shore crabs have almost completely replaced the native crustaceans of our
beaches and Phragmites, an invasive marsh weed, has overtaken native estuarine
plants. The detrimental effects that invasive species may have on the natural
environment, and, in some instances, on public health and safety, are real and
profound.

The Lacey Act, enacted in 1900, is one of our nation's preeminent wildlife
protection statutes. Under this Act, those animal species determined by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to cause significant harm to humans,
agriculture, or wildlife in the United States are deemed "injurious," making
them subject to a strict ban on the importation into the U.S. or transportation
of the species between states. USFWS conducts a data-intensive, and usually
lengthy, review process with public input before making a final determination.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida introduced S.373 in response to potentially
dangerous non-native constrictor snakes that are rapidly populating Everglades
National Park. This legislation would immediately add constrictor snakes to
this "injurious" list and prevent further imports of these species into the
United States. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) --
of which I am a member -- took up the bill earlier this month and amended the
legislation to limit its application to just nine specific species of
constrictor snakes, identified by the USFWS as the greatest risk, as
injurious.

I understand your concern for those who own one of these snakes and may need to
transport the animal across state lines. However, it is important to note that
the USFWS does grant permits that allow injurious species to be transported to
different states. I have included a fact sheet from the USFWS that addresses
the injurious species provisions of the Lacey Act. More information can be
found on their website as well: www.usfws.gov. Rest assured, your concerns are
well heard and I will keep them in mind should this legislation come before the
full Senate for a vote.

Once again, thank you for contacting me about this matter. I hope you will stay
in touch about this or any other issue of concern to you.


Sincerely,
Sheldon Whitehouse
United States Senator
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't understand how any python could be considered "injurious" in my state of Rhode Island, of all places, it gets ridiculously cold out side during the winter, and as far as i am aware none of the snakes on the list could possibly live out one of our winters. I really hope this silly bill does not pass, It doesn't seem fair to me that all responsible pet owners should have to suffer for the mistakes of a few. Nor do i think it is the right way to go about the fixing real issue of "feral snakes" in certain states. I really hope that my senators and the rest of the state senators accross the country really think before they vote.

PLEASE EVERYONE DO YOUR PART AND LET CONGRESS KNOW THAT WE WILL NOT JUST SIT AND LET THEM DESTROY OUR PASSIONS, HOBBIES, LIVELYHOOD, OR OUR PETS!! WRITE TO YOUR STATE SENATORS OPPOSE S.373

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I looked up this permit the Senator is speaking of. It is for zoological, educational, medical, or scientific purposes only. Not for hoobyists or business owners to buy or sell to other American citizens.

I wonder if the Senator knows that, or if it is his scapegoat.

Those letters are depressing. I was looking into this bill alittle more b/c all I ever read is burmese python and other snakes. So I found the snakes being banned.
"The snakes that would be banned: Burmese python, northern and southern African pythons, reticulated python, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Beni or Bolivian anaconda, DeSchauensee’s anaconda, and boa constrictor."
Don't understand about the boa constrictors though, but I thought the ball python was on this list if not it makes me alittle more happy.

At least you know the Senators are reading your letters. Some of them are actually adding bits and pieces of personal experience into their responses, so at least we know it didn't just spit out an automated reply letter.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dragon76

Here is the letter i received from one of my state senators..

Dear Michael:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding S. 373, a bill that
would list python constrictor snakes as an "injurious" animal under the Lacey
act. I appreciate hearing from you.

Across our nation, invasive species are taking their toll on our native
wildlife populations and habitats. In Rhode Island, for example, invasive
Asian shore crabs have almost completely replaced the native crustaceans of our
beaches and Phragmites, an invasive marsh weed, has overtaken native estuarine
plants. The detrimental effects that invasive species may have on the natural
environment, and, in some instances, on public health and safety, are real and
profound.

The Lacey Act, enacted in 1900, is one of our nation's preeminent wildlife
protection statutes. Under this Act, those animal species determined by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to cause significant harm to humans,
agriculture, or wildlife in the United States are deemed "injurious," making
them subject to a strict ban on the importation into the U.S. or transportation
of the species between states. USFWS conducts a data-intensive, and usually
lengthy, review process with public input before making a final determination.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida introduced S.373 in response to potentially
dangerous non-native constrictor snakes that are rapidly populating Everglades
National Park. This legislation would immediately add constrictor snakes to
this "injurious" list and prevent further imports of these species into the
United States. The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) --
of which I am a member -- took up the bill earlier this month and amended the
legislation to limit its application to just nine specific species of
constrictor snakes, identified by the USFWS as the greatest risk, as
injurious.

I understand your concern for those who own one of these snakes and may need to
transport the animal across state lines. However, it is important to note that
the USFWS does grant permits that allow injurious species to be transported to
different states. I have included a fact sheet from the USFWS that addresses
the injurious species provisions of the Lacey Act. More information can be
found on their website as well: www.usfws.gov. Rest assured, your concerns are
well heard and I will keep them in mind should this legislation come before the
full Senate for a vote.

Once again, thank you for contacting me about this matter. I hope you will stay
in touch about this or any other issue of concern to you.


Sincerely,
Sheldon Whitehouse
United States Senator
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Wow, I got the same letter, word for word. signed by my Senator.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

At least you know the Senators are reading your letters. Some of them are actually adding bits and pieces of personal experience into their responses, so at least we know it didn't just spit out an automated reply letter.

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They're not.

People are getting automated letters. The only thing that differs is the addressee.

Some Senators and Representatives are a little craftier - they send out pro and con letters: pro letters to supporters of the bill and con letters to people who are against it.

Make no mistake - either way - they are not reading your letters. For most of them - their minds are already made up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TJ'sHerps

Wow, I got the same letter, word for word. signed by my Senator.

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I rest my case.

The vast majority of these letters are form letters. Don't for a second give any of these stooges credit for keeping an open mind about this.

Tell me about it.

Here's one from Connecticut's Senator Dodd to me:

"Dear Mr. S.:

Thank you for contacting me concerning the treatment and protection of animals. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

I strongly support the Animal Welfare Act and similar measures that strengthen regulations relating to the care, handling, and treatment of animals. I believe that animals should not be forced to experience needless pain and suffering and have worked to advance legislation to protect animals throughout my career in public service. I have also long supported efforts to protect some of the world's most vulnerable species from extinction.

I am therefore proud to have supported a number of efforts during the 110th Congress to advance these goals. I supported legislation to increase penalties for animal fighting, prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption, and ensure that dogs and cats used by federal research facilities are obtained in a transparent manner. I additionally backed efforts to designate the polar bear as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act, as well as supported full funding for the Multinational Species Conservation Fund and other federal programs that seek to protect endangered species of animals. Please be assured that I will continue to advocate for policies that seek to protect all living creatures.

Thank you again for contacting me. If you would like to stay in touch with me on this and other issues of importance, please visit my website at http://dodd.senate.gov and subscribe to receive my regular e-mail issue alerts. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can be of assistance to you in any way.

Sincerely,

CHRISTOPHER J. DODD

United States Senator"

Hello? Mr. Dodd?? <Sigh> I think I need one of those tee shirts from Adam.

~Bruce

Here's two replies I got.

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Dear Mr. Lucadello:



Thank you for writing to express your opposition to legislation that would place large constrictor snakes on the injurious species list. I appreciate your correspondence and welcome the opportunity to respond.



As you know, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced S.373 on February 3, 2009. S. 373 and its companion bill in the House of Representatives, H.R. 2811, would amend the Lacey Act (42 U.S.C. w 18) to include constrictor snakes, such as the Burmese Python, as injurious species. Under the Lacey Act, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to regulate the importation and transport of species determined to be injurious to the health and welfare of humans. Currently, S.373 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Although I do not serve on this Committee, I will keep your opposition to this bill, as well as maintaining a science-based review process, in mind should S.373 or any similar legislation be considered by the Senate.



Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.





Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

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January 23, 2010





Dear Mr. Lucadello:


Thank you for writing about your concern regarding HR 2811, a bill prohibiting interstate transport of certain breeds of snakes.



I understand that peoples' pets are an important part of their lives. If this legislation comes to the House floor for a vote, I will keep your thoughts in mind.




Sincerely,

Pete Stark
Member of Congress

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I'd like to say that I won't vote for them if they approve these but most likely I won't vote for anyone who is currently in office regardless of legislation passed this year.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

I rest my case.

The vast majority of these letters are form letters. Don't for a second give any of these stooges credit for keeping an open mind about this.

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I think i'm going to start calling my Senators EVERY DAY until i get the chance to speak to them personally, I'll be DAMNED, If i'm gonna let my rights get trampled without being heard.

Good luck to everyone making the effort to be heard. Together there is a large enough community out there to be heard. Let's just be very LOUD!
Tragically, it appears that our voices fall on deaf ears as is evident from the cookie-cutter response letters.
Not to mention "I'll keep your thoughts in mind" does usually mean they have already made their decision, or they will flat out ignore any letters or statements they receive.

Make no mistake - either way - they are not reading your letters. For most of them - their minds are already made up.[/QUOTE]

You are absolutely right

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Originally Posted by withonor

Here's two replies I got.







I'd like to say that I won't vote for them if they approve these but most likely I won't vote for anyone who is currently in office regardless of legislation passed this year.

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i wouldnt vote for fineswine if she was the only politician left on earth.
she is one of the biggest pieces of trash out