Say No to Captive Primate Safety Act

  This was provided by Brett MacDonald on social media:

1. Go here: https://naturalresources.house.gov/about/members.htm

2. Locate a member of Congress in your state who serves on the committee.

3. If you do not see one, select Chairman Bruce Westerman.

4. Contact his office -- The DC office is typically where legislative work takes place, but local offices are fine to call as well if you have trouble reaching someone in DC. The important thing is that you get SOMEONE on the phone. 

Numbers for both of these offices will be listed on the legislator's website.

5. Read one of the scripts below OR write your own.

[SCRIPT ONE]

Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City or County]. I’m calling regarding the "Captive Primate Safety Act," introduced by Representative Nancy Mace, which I believe is due for consideration by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

First off, I would like to ensure that the committee, particularly its Republican majority, is fully aware of the potential implications of this legislation.

[Pause for response]

I strongly oppose this bill and urge the committee to consider rejecting it. My opposition is based on the considerable regulatory burdens it would impose on private primate owners and small educational organizations. These groups are often highly committed to the welfare of their animals and operate under rigorous care standards. The act threatens to impose restrictions that could curtail their operations significantly without providing substantial benefits in animal welfare or public safety.

This legislation represents an overreach that could set a concerning precedent for future regulations affecting personal freedoms and small-scale operations. As such, it’s crucial that the committee recognizes these concerns and acts to protect the interests of private citizens and small organizations.

[Pause for response]

Could you please share if there are any discussions within the committee about the economic and personal freedoms impacts of this bill? It is essential for constituents like myself to know that our concerns are not only heard but actively considered in the legislative process.

[Pause for response]

I appreciate your taking the time to discuss this with me. I hope the committee will see the merit in opposing this bill, and I look forward to hearing about any decisions or discussions related to this matter.

Thank you for your time.

[SCRIPT TWO]
Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City or County]. I’m calling today to discuss a piece of legislation that I believe will soon be under your committee's consideration, the "Captive Primate Safety Act," recently introduced by Representative Nancy Mace.

Firstly, I want to ensure that the members of the House Committee on Natural Resources, especially its Republican majority, are aware of this bill and have started to form an opinion on it.

[Pause for response]

As someone who is concerned about legislative impacts on personal freedoms and the operations of small entities, I oppose this act. My primary concerns are that it may impose unnecessary regulatory burdens on responsible primate owners and caretakers, including many small educational and conservation-focused organizations. Such regulations could hinder their ability to operate effectively without significantly enhancing the safety or welfare of the animals.

Given the committee's commitment to balanced environmental legislation and economic freedom, I am interested in knowing how the Republican members, including [Specific Member's Name if applicable], view this bill. Are there considerations or discussions already underway that take into account the potential economic and regulatory impacts of this legislation?

[Pause for response]

I appreciate your attention to my concerns and would be grateful if you could keep me updated on the committee's stance and any developments regarding this act. It’s crucial for constituents like myself to feel that our perspectives are considered in these discussions.

Thank you for your time.