There have been conflicting reports and misunderstandings regarding the bill posted on this forum numerous times since the hearing on the 23rd of April. I wanted to clarify the status of the bill.
- The bill is not dead. This was just a hearing to let people bring information to the subcommittee. It had no possibility of passing on April 23, and it had almost no possibility of being eliminated on April 23.
- The bill has not yet been amended in any way. This means the version this forum is opposed to is still the version on the table.
- The hearing did not result in a "victory" for the pet industry. The Chairperson did comment that the bill needs to be amended to be more sensitive to the pet industry, but that could mean anything.
- We need to remain vigilant in getting our views out to the local representatives of our districts. It also doesn't hurt to continue to bombard the Natural Resources committee and the Subcommittee with letters. Make your voice heard.
- This bill must first pass the committee and be scheduled for debate on the house floor. If it makes it to a debate on the floor, it may be voted on. If it passes it will then go to the Senate where the same process must occur. If it eventually passes the senate, it will most likely be in an amended form. Then the Senate and the House must reconcile the differences in Committee again, and finally it has to be signed by the President.
- We are nowhere near a positive or negative resolution on this bill as it stands right now. I encourage you to continue to inform fellow hobbyists and inform and persuade your local congressman.
