Howdy, y'all. It is a crisp Autumn day and the leaves this past week and this week were at a peak. Even with no rain that was around this fall.
Just thought I'd share a note paraphrased by our Indiana Senator Richard Lugar. He is widely respected in our nation and in the world. I asked if he'd think about sponsoring the bill in the Senate. He's aware of the exemptions in the past and had this to say dated October 25, 2008:
"Thank you for contacting me. I appreciate your support for H.R.3852, which would extend the fire-retardant materials construction exemption from 2008 to 2018.
'While the U.S. Coast Guard is the federal entity that is responsible for issuing safety and operating permits for commercial vessels traveling o our nations's waterways, Congress has provided a waiver to permit overnight cruises on the Delta Queen since 1966. The current waiver expires November 1, 2008.
'H.R. 3852 has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Transportation and Science has not yet held hearings on the Coast Guard Reauthorization bill. I will be mindful of your thoughts should this bill be considered by the full Senate.
'Again, thank you for contacting me".
Richard G. Lugar/United States Senator
I contacted our Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Senator Richard Lugar. Our Governor did send my informtion to the Senator. So, kids, the first thing is to see if the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure does anything or if it is needed to get a lot of co-sponsors in the House.
After talking with our country's Department of Commerce it is in their eyes a US Coast Guard issue. So, at least our state has some interest and just waiting from the Senator what the House does. It seems to be a waiting game til November 2008. Senator Lugar evidently feels that this issue is the same in years past. But, in today's times you can take things for granted. Just thought I'd share his letter with you.
Well, that is all I know for the moment. Hope everyone can enjoy some great weather, yep, some getting snow already, but bundle up and have some great coffee or cocoa. It's almost Thanksgiving, and good turkeys need to enjoy a good hot drink with some great hot brownies or some great dessert. You can't change the weather but you can still enjoy your surroundings. Have a good one! Keep up the work and faith. Mary
