ISTOOK AMENDMENT

[Robert J. Lavenberg]

I've called the offices of both of California's senators.  Senator Feinstein
supports the ISTOOK AMENDMENT, and as of 11:53 am (PST)
Senator Boxer has not taken a position.

Any California's out there get on Senator Feinstein.

>On Thu, 9 Nov 1995, Elaine Hoagland wrote:
>
> The House of Representatives passed a "Continuing Resolution"
>last night to keep the government funded during budget negotiations.
>The ISTOOK AMENDMENT to restrict "political advocacy" by the
>not-for-profit community, including universities and museums,
>was attached to the resolution.  The amendment was very
>controversial, but it passed, and is being considered by the Senate THIS
>>AFTERNOON!
>
>We urge U.S. citizens to CALL your US Senators right now, this afternoon,
>to express opposition to the ISTOOK Amendment and to any
>Continuing Resolution which includes the Istook Amendment.
>There is no time for letters. Call the Senate switchboard at
>202-224-3121 to be connected to your Senator's office.  If you don't
>know the names of your Senators, the switchboard operator can
>help you.  Once you reach your Senator's office, ask to speak to the
>person handling the Istook
> Amendment and the Continuing Resolution.
>
>If this amendment passes, you and your institution will be severely
>restricted in your ability to talk with federal and local agencies
>(including NSF), to present scientific information to policymakers,
>and even to write letters to the editor.  You will be saddled with
>crippling record-keeping requirements and reporting.
>If you think grant applications are cumbersome now, you haven't seen
>anything yet!  You will be open to potential harassment and legal
>action from individuals who disagree with your positions on such
>things as biodiversity protection.  Organizations such as ASC will be
>prevented or severely restricted in their ability to represent you on
>such issues as federal regulations and science policy.
>
>PLEASE TAKE THE TIME RIGHT NOW TO CALL YOUR SENATOR;
>YOU KNOW THE RESULT WHEN WELL-INTENTIONED PEOPLE
>DO NOT ACT.

>Spread the word to others.
>
>202-224-3121:   SENATE SWITCHBOARD
>
>Message forwarded from the Association of Systematics Collections
>

Robert J. Lavenberg
Chair, Section of Vertebrates
Natural History Museum of LA County
Los Angeles, California 90007-4000
Voice (213) 744-3446
FAX  (213) 748-4432
E-mail: rlavenbe at usc.edu