I had this forwarded to me:
Senator Bill Nelson of Florida has Proposed a FEDERAL BAN on ALL Pythons. S373 is a Very Simple Bill that calls for no Appropriations (funding). That makes it Dangerous because it would be so easy to pass without any real consideration. We must take Action NOW to try and STOP this Bill from passing as written.
What it is:
S373 is a Federal Ban that would effect ALL pythons in EVERY State.
This Bill is an effort to bypass the established process of 'Rule Change' to the Injurious Wildlife List of the Lacey Act that was initiated by the South Florida Water Management District last year. This process is moving into it's second year and is ongoing. USARK warned last April at the 'Herp Summit' in Chicago that a political move was afoot to go around the normal 'Rule Change' process. Although ridiculed by some as "Not Possible", S373 proves that prediction true.
This is an issue regarding Burmese Pythons living feral in South Florida. No other species. No where else. Other pythons have nothing to do with feral populations of Burmese Pythons in South Florida.
S373 has been moved into the Water & Wildlife Sub- Committee. It will be heard there and if given a favorable rating move back to the full Environment & Public Works Committee. (see contact info below)
What it isn't: This is NOT HR669 the other Federal Bill that we have been campaigning against.
There is NO Scientific Evidence to support the premise that passing S373 will have any impact whatsoever on the Burmese Python situation that is confined to the Southern tip of Florida.
There is absolutely NO Evidence of any kind to support that this is a problem anywhere outside of South Florida.
What Can You Do Today to STOP S373? Call, write, email & fax the Sponsor and the Sub-Committee for S373. (contact info & sample letter below) Be Polite & Professional. If you can't do this don't bother because it will damage our efforts. ***Forward this to everyone on your email list, post it on every forum/ social networking site.
When you have finished with the steps above, send an email to
senate373@yahoo.com with 'No on S373' in the Subject Line
Sample Letter (cut & paste):
Subject: NO on S373
I oppose S373 as written. The Burmese Python issue is a South Florida issue not a National one. There is No credible evidence to show that these animals can exist north of Lake Okeechobee. Many different species of Pythons have been imported into the US over the last 50 years. The only pythons that have been established have been Burmese Pythons, but only in South Florida; no where else.. No evidence exists anywhere to suggest that Banning all Pythons will have any positive impact on the effected area in the southern tip of Florida.
Banning all pythons nationwide would have a devastating effect on an already troubled economy. It would destroy thousands of hardworking American families and small businesses. Not just the breeders and dealers but hobbyists, dry goods, equipment manufacturers, food providers, shippers, trade shows, hotels and restaurants. To overlook the crushing blow this would have to an entire segment of the economy is irresponsible.
(add what S373 would mean to you and your family)
Sincerely,
(signature line)
Contacts:
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