We continue to gain cosponsors on the
AHSPA, but always need more, especially some from the House Energy
and Commerce Committee http://energycommerce.house.gov/.
This is the primary committee of jurisdiction for the AHSPA and
last year a majority of its members cosponsored the bill. Everyone
should contact members of this committee who haven't cosponsored the AHSPA
and ask them to do so this year. The chairman of this committee is
Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX). Everyone should contact him and
politely ask that he hold hearings as soon as possible.
Everyone has to remember that this is going to
take some time. Working on federal legislation is a much longer
process than that witnessed in Texas or
in any state. The US Congress is in session basically year
round. Each Congress is made up of two sessions lasting a year each
(there are recesses, but none are set in stone and can change).
Currently we are in the first session of the 109th
Congress. We can never let up in contacting members and spreading the
word about this bill. The more people learn about this bill the better
our chances are to pass it swiftly.
In addition to writing your legislators and
spreading the word, it is important to contact your local television
and print media. This will help to inform a wider audience as well. Refer
to our site for facts and materials on the issue so we all present a unified
message.
If
there are veterinarians and organizations interested in helping support the
bill please have them contact me directly at chris@saplonline.org.
We have a growing list of organizations and veterinarians which is very
helpful when talking to members of Congress. A
few pro-horse slaughter organizations such as the American Veterinary
Medical Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners are not
representing their membership on this (which is supportive) and continues to
mislead Congress about the issue of horse slaughter.
I will be sure to keep you informed for
when we need an all out push as we did towards the end in Texas. In
the mean time, we can not let up.
Feel free to give anyone my email address to
answer any questions. I also try to keep our website up to date on
the AHSPA and legislation restoring protections to our wild horses.
People can find a link to the bill and an up to date list of cosponsors.
http://www.saplonline.org/horses.htm.
Thanks again, if we can duplicate the incredible
efforts from Texas horse slaughter will no longer exist in the US.
Best, Chris
________________________
Chris Heyde
Policy Analyst
Society for Animal Protective Legislation
Tel: (703) 836-4300
Fax: (703) 836-0400