Quote:
Originally Posted by Sid Lambert
Wow.. That is depressing.
Prognosis 14% chance of getting past committee.
3% chance of being enacted.
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Don't get depressed - rejoice! What that says is 97% of legislation doesn't make it - which is probably great for all us - I think it was Jefferson who said something to the effect that liberty was only in jeopardy when Congress was in session.
Now the odds here seem generic and this isn't a lottery where we can't beat the odds. If your congressmen know there's widespread support for the Bill, it will become law. This Bill should have bi-partisan support and I can see where a strong majority could be formed that would skew these odds significantly.
It's time to push hard to make this happen. I'm not just writing my representatives, I'm planning to meet with at least one, if not all of them (locally not in Washington). I'm also exploring inviting one to our local pilots association meeting so he can meet 30 or so folks who strongly support the Bill. I may push to get other airmen friends at airports in other districts to do this too. I encourage everyone to invite your representatives to come to your public use airport and meet pilots, family and friends, who support this.
Politicians live and die on votes. 16,000 people cared enough to comment on the original FAA proposal that got shelved. If 16,000 people actually took the time nationwide (320 per state on average), this thing would sail through Congress - and that's not optimism. The question is whether 6 or 8 people per state will invite their Congressman to a meeting at their local airport to talk about the Bill.
This is where the EAA could (and I hope they will) become an effective lobbying machine. Headquarters could encourage and enable local chapter leaders to organize these meetings and get as many pilots to attend as possible - and family members that vote and support GA, too. I think the AOPA could lend support to EAA chapters by supporting these sorts of meetings.
This Bill shouldn't be controversial like health care reform, gun control, balancing the budget, or a host of other topics that have rabid voices on both sides of the issue. This is a benign topic where a legislator can support their local constituents - nary a single party platform has ever mentioned support or opposition to the 3rd Class Medical for airman. Both parties will support aviation safety and rational regulations. This basically means Democrats, Republicans, and Tea Party members of Congress should all be able to support this.
For all of these reasons, I think they odds shown on that website under estimate this specific Bill's chances of passing. But, don't be complacent. Act to garner the support of your congressman - don't just write - meet with them personally and set up public meetings that they will be comfortable hearing your comments and supporting them. Remember - they live and die by the vote and pilots have a lot of votes they want.