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The SPF Board Visits Capitol Hill
On Thursday, February 19th, 2009 Larry Asbury and members of the
Tiber Creek staff held a series of meetings on Capitol Hill to garner support
for H.R. 804 from new sources and to use our old friends to continue to advance
the cause of SPF in Washington and nationwide.
Our initial
meeting was with Laura Hooper-Broyles of Congressman Mel Watts' office. Mel
Watt, is a subcommittee chairman on Financial Services and a member of Congress
since 1993 has experience on a broad array of issues. His staff seemed very
receptive to our requests and she said she will discuss sponsorship of
Congressman Baca's bill with her boss upon his return to DC.
We then met
with Lisa Salerno of Congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts office.
Congressman McGovern is the Vice-Chair of the House Rules Committee. Lisa was
great, very helpful and concerned about the needs of our organization.
Congressman McGovern is already a cosponsor of our bill and Lisa was very
helpful offering to take the lead speaking with other members of the
Massachusetts delegation and providing assistance on an as needed basis.
We had a
significant meeting with Brenda Villanueva of Congressman Baca's office. We
don’t need to tell you how instrumental he has been to our cause. We spoke
extensively about creating letters for programs which increase SPF awareness as
well as the Congressman’s efforts to further connect with other members on the
House floor.
Finally, we
met with Congressman Van Hollen's office and spoke with Ray Thorn. Ray was very
interested in our issue since their district holds NIH. Congressman Van Hollen
is a member of Democratic Leadership and carries a lot of weight with freshmen
and newer members. We hope that Ray will pass along a favorable recommendation
to his boss that will lead to his support.
It was an
effective legislative activity day. Larry represented the board very well and
we look forward to implementing the ideas brought up yesterday and seeing these
members sign onto our bill.
Thanks for taking the time to support this most worthy cause. Go
here for instructions on writing a letter to your
members of Congress.
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