Just thought that I would share what my congressman (Jim McDermott)
wrote in response to me writing him.

When I contacted him, I tried to be very factual and respectful. I
"took the tack" that while the basic intention of the bill to preserve
our eco-system may indeed be well-meant, the wording of the bill would
have unfortunate consequences. I included a short list of pets that
would be effectively banned, with the implication that there might be
more than those, and I politely pointed out that caring for "hamsters,
gerbils. . ." is not the same as owning, say, an ocelot kitten or a
Tasmanian devil. . .and then said that I myself had two domestic
ferrets.

I totally agree 100% that this is NOT "just about ferrets" and
didn't want him to get the impression that I was some kind of crazed
ferret-owner, instead of being a concerned citizen worried about the
impact this would have on many, many common household pets, their
owners, and the stores that provide the necessary elements to care
for them.

Here is his reply. Disclaimer: because he's in Congress, and subject
to "disclosure" I don't think it's a violation to quote a message from
him--unlike if someone I knew sent me a personal message. I find it
encouraging that he promises to consider "my opinion" and am hoping
that, as he looks into it, he will see exactly what I was trying to
convey.

Kate

"Thank you for contacting me about the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion
Prevention Act. I appreciate the time you took to communicate your
position on this issue.

As you know, thousands of animal and plant species around the world are
currently endangered or threatened with extinction of which invasive
species are a contributing factor. The threat of non-indigenous species
and the adverse effects they inflict on our ecosystem is clearly a
critical issue that demands American leadership.

Currently H.R. 669, the Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act,
is being considered by the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans
and Wildlife and I will continue to monitor its status as the 111th
congress progresses. Please be confident that if the bill is introduced
to the floor I will review it with your thoughts in mind.

I assure you that I, along with my colleagues in the Democratic
majority, I will continue to insist on greater U.S. leadership in
wildlife protection. Again, thank you for contacting me. As your
Representative in Congress, it is critical that I understand the views
of my constituents. I look forward to hearing from you in the future."

[Posted in FML 6311]