Is HR 669 dead?
Although this is still unconfirmed, the United States Association of Reptile Keepers is reporting that HR 669, the "Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act," which was heard before the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife of the Committee on Natural Resources today, may be dead, at least in its present incarnation.
According to USARK, it was the overwhelming numbers of faxes, letters, and phone calls the committee members received from concerned pet owners that made the difference:
Delegate Faleomavega from Samoa said, "The letter and phone campaign hit the subcommittee
like a BUZZ SAW". Harry Burroughs, of the subcommittee staff said, "I haven't seen a letter writing campaign like this in 30 years! You should be proud of yourselves."
[....]
Senior Democrat staff from the House Committee on Natural Resources advised Subcommittee Chair Madeleine Bordallo that if she wants something to go forward she will have to go back to square one and draft a new bill. Then have another subcommittee hearing.
Read their full report, including comments from their lobbyist, here, and watch stop669.org and our Twitter and Facebook feeds for confirmation and additional news.
