- Joined
- Jul 1, 2009
- Messages
- 520
Just got this from Dina Titus... can't even remember when I emailed her, but I know it was a really long time ago!! lol this is her email back to me
" September 22, 2010
Mrs. IXXXXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
Dear Mrs. XXXXXX,
Thank you for contacting me about transportation of live tarantulas through the United States Postal Service (USPS). I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
As you know, current USPS guidelines prohibit the shipment of what it classifies as poisonous animals. The USPS has classified tarantulas under these guidelines. Critics of this rule argue tarantulas should not fall under this category because they are not dangerous to humans and the prohibition hinders many scientists who use tarantulas to perform medical research. As you may know, scientists at the University of Buffalo have recently found that the protein in tarantula venom could potentially serve as therapy to patients who suffer from muscular dystrophy.
I recognize your concerns regarding the shipment of tarantulas through the USPS. I believe the advancement of scientific research for a range of diseases is critical for the welfare of patients throughout this country. Moreover, I share your concerns regarding how important it is to make certain that whenever new legislation is reviewed that its consequences are carefully considered, especially when a proposal could have significant economic implications. I will be certain to keep your thoughts in mind as my colleagues and I weigh federal oversight of the USPS on the House floor.
Thank you again for taking the time to get involved. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of future service.
Sincerely,
Dina Titus
Member of Congress "
" September 22, 2010
Mrs. IXXXXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
Dear Mrs. XXXXXX,
Thank you for contacting me about transportation of live tarantulas through the United States Postal Service (USPS). I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.
As you know, current USPS guidelines prohibit the shipment of what it classifies as poisonous animals. The USPS has classified tarantulas under these guidelines. Critics of this rule argue tarantulas should not fall under this category because they are not dangerous to humans and the prohibition hinders many scientists who use tarantulas to perform medical research. As you may know, scientists at the University of Buffalo have recently found that the protein in tarantula venom could potentially serve as therapy to patients who suffer from muscular dystrophy.
I recognize your concerns regarding the shipment of tarantulas through the USPS. I believe the advancement of scientific research for a range of diseases is critical for the welfare of patients throughout this country. Moreover, I share your concerns regarding how important it is to make certain that whenever new legislation is reviewed that its consequences are carefully considered, especially when a proposal could have significant economic implications. I will be certain to keep your thoughts in mind as my colleagues and I weigh federal oversight of the USPS on the House floor.
Thank you again for taking the time to get involved. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of future service.
Sincerely,
Dina Titus
Member of Congress "