H.R. 2811 aka ‘The Python Ban’ is a Bill sponsored into the US House of Representatives by Florida Congressman Kendrick Meek. As originally written it would have placed the entire genus python on the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacy Act. That would make the import, export and interstate transport of these animals a felony.
Fortunately USARK was able to convince Congressman Tom Rooney of Florida, who is championing this Bill in the House Judiciary Committee, to offer an amendment to H.R. 2811 limiting the scope of the Bill. H.R. 2811 was subsequently amended striking the genus python and inserting ONLY the Burmese Python and African Python. Committee staff also agreed in principle to further amend the Bill to allow for the captive bred trade and export of these animals to continue. USARK has provided language to Committee staff to further amend H.R. 2811 to reflect this agreement. As of today no additional amendments have been offered.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has just submitted a report to Congress regarding H.R. 2811. USARK was contacted to represent the industry, and some individuals were contacted as well. USARK was given only two business days to compile economic estimates. The CBO report was anecdotal and brief. The CBO concluded that H.R.2811, as written, would have no significant economic effect on the federal government. They also concluded that because the annual economic impact to the private sector fell below $139 million, that there was no significant impact to the economy. Apparently the Reptile Nation does not fall into the ‘Too Big to Fail' category. Click here to read the CBO Report on H.R.2811: http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/106xx/doc10654/hr2811.pdf
The political pressure that USARK and the Reptile Nation have been able to apply in regards to H.R.2811 has yielded tangible results. On November 5, 2009 there will be a Hearing on H.R.2811 in front of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism & Homeland Security. Committee staffers have approached USARK and indicated a willingness to reexamine proposals to further amend H.R.2811. In addition staffers have indicated that USARK will be invited to present testimony before the Committee as an expert witness.
Stay tuned… USARK will be spearheading a Call-In, Fax and Email Campaign on H.R.2811 for November 2, 3 & 4 leading up to the Subcommittee Hearing on the 5th. USARK is committed to protecting the rights of responsible Burm and Afrock owners.
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