TheVipersHouse Reptiles & Exotics

Averted Floor Vote on HR2811- Python Ban:

While USARK has been focused on assisting Florida residents and stake holders regarding recent proposals by some state legislators to BAN or more strictly regulate all Reptiles of Concern, some U.S. Congressmen recently moved to force a floor vote on the US House Bill HR2811; aka The Python Ban.

HR2811 is a federal bill sponsored by Congressman Kendrick Meek (D- FL) that in its original form would have BANNED import and interstate trade of the genus python in the U.S.  USARK worked with the Bill sponsors and relevant Committee staff to amend HR2811; taking all pythons except the African Rock Python and the Burmese Python off of the proposed Bill.  The committee staff and sponsors refused to remove the Burms and Afrocks, but agreed in principle to further amend HR2811 to limit the Bill to import ONLY, and allow the continued trade in captive bred specimens already in the U.S. to continue.  The Bill in its current amended state addresses ONLY Afrocks and Burms, but the USARK proposed amendment to allow captive bred trade to continue has not yet been adopted.

The recent move to force a floor vote on the bill would not have included the proposed amendment to allow the continuation of captive bred trade. The issue of allowing the captive bred trade in the Burmese Python and the African Rock Python is a priority for USARK. Fortunately USARK’s Washington, DC representatives were alerted to the attempted move and took steps to head it off. They worked closely with Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX) and his staff to hold off a floor vote on the Bill.  Congressman Gohmert, the Ranking Member of Judiciary Subcommittee, advised that he has objections to the Bill moving to the floor in its current draft and is seeking a public hearing to further educate the Committee on the implications.

The ability of USARK to position itself as a professional entity exerting real influence on the ‘Hill’ has proved an invaluable asset to the Reptile Nation. Without the direct actions of USARK at the federal level, our recent good work with the State of Florida regarding Reptiles of Concern would be a moot point. USARK averted a major setback by maintaining vigilance on this issue.

USARK would like to thank Congressman Gohmert for his help in keeping the debate on HR2811 fair and equitable.

If you are able, please come to the Gila Productions Tampa Show next weekend September 26-27 at the state fairgrounds and sign letters to Congressman Meek, Congressman Rooney and Governor Crist. There may be a special guest in attendance; one of the fathers of the industry. Join Us. There is Strength in Numbers… Protect Your Rights!