Special Interests Push For S373

Special Interests Push For S373
While all of the Reptile Nation was focused on making public comment on the proposed Rule Change, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), under pressure from the Humane Society of the United States, Defenders of Wildlife & The Nature Conservancy, added Senate Bill 373, aka Python Ban, to the Senate legislative calendar. These organizations fear the shaky science fielded by US Fish & Wildlife Service and US Geological Survey is not holding up under close scrutiny in the wake of a 36 page Information Quality Act challenge filed by USARK.

Attempting a legislative 'End Run', Senator Nelson is likely trying to get S373 added to the ‘Unanimous Consent’ calendar. The bill could be brought to the Senate floor and passed by unanimous consent as soon as Monday afternoon. But for unanimous consent to work there can be no objections by Senate members.

When USARK found out about this move by Senator Nelson we immediately contacted the offices of Senator Jim Inhoffe (R-OK) and Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK). Both of these stalwart Senators have opposed S373. Senator Inhoffe who is also the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Environment & Public Works (EPW) cast an opposing vote when S373 passed out of the EPW Committee. USARK also urged key Oklahoma constituents to contact these Senators personally to ask that a ‘Hold’ be placed on the bill blocking it from the ‘Unanimous Consent’ calendar. Senator Coburn’s office has agreed to ‘Block’ S373 by raising an objection.

USARK believes that the issue represented by S373 is a states issue. A problem that has occurred in only 3 counties of south Florida does not merit federal legislation. This legislation would devastate thousands of businesses and American families during a time of economic hardship. USARK and the Reptile Nation would like to give a heart felt thanks to Senators Inhoffe and Coburn for standing up for small business and states rights; especially Senator Coburn for agreeing to take action to stop this unfair bill. Thank you very much!

Stay tuned for developments as they happen… There is Strength in Numbers... Protect Your Rights!