Write your Representatives!!!!
Heather Wilson introduced a bill to help us with the I-171H. You can read the details here.
We all need to get our Representatives behind this. You can email your representatives from this link: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Something to the effect of:
We have contacted you before with our concerns about the expiration date of the I-171H and the burden this will place on our family as well as an extra burden on the USCIS. Heather Wilson has introduced legislation that will give us relief. It is called the Helping Families Adopt Orphans Act. Can you see what you can do to help this bill make it through the house? You can read about it at the following link: http://wilson.house.gov/NewsAction.asp?FormMode=Releases&ID=1284
Thank you for your help getting this important piece of legislation passed. It will help tens of thousands of families as well as keep the already backlogged USCIS offices from having to renew the paperwork for tens of thousands of families.
C’mon everyone – it’ll take three minutes. Do it!!!
Please.
July 26th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
I just submitted mine for VA :)
Hope this goes through!!!!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Me too…for MO!!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
me to for NC!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:20 pm
oops -me too
July 26th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
I submitted mine for Michigan, hope other Michiganders do the same!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
Ay caramba, it’s a relief to be able to do SOMETHING constructive during this interminable wait.
July 26th, 2006 at 3:38 pm
I wrote to mine again (kentucky). I received a response from his office this week regarding the first email I sent about extending the I-171H. The letter I received was a joke! There was NO mention of the I-171H, nothing related to international adoption, USCIS, etc. It did mention the tax associated with the Spanish-American war ????? tho!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Hi all – I just registered to suggest that you add Congresswoman before Heather’s name. Not trying to make it seem too formal but in my experience in lobbying on the state level is that you always err on the side of formality. I sent mine in for Missouri! I hope it works, Gina
July 26th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Just sent mine off to Ander Crenshaw in Florida. Included a personal note that I am currently reading the book is wife co-authored.
The last time I wrote, I received a warm response. Here’s hoping for some financial relief for us all.
Ciao for now!
jasmith1125- I cracked up with the Ay Caramba! As a high school Spanish teacher, I hear it all year long from my students.
July 26th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Hi,
Just sent mine to Don Young for Alaska!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
Just sent a note to my rep. in California!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
done — I wrote to Rep. Israel on Long Island (I asked for a response — will let you all know if I hear something and if so what it is).
July 26th, 2006 at 3:48 pm
Done for Jim Ramstad in Minnesota – thanks for the heads up!
July 26th, 2006 at 3:51 pm
Note to my rep in Louisiana has been sent..
LID 7/28/05 (one year on Friday – does one celebrate? Not sure what I should feel…)
July 26th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
I just spread the word on my various Yahoo groups, here’s hoping the reps are INUNDATED with requests to support this bill.
Mom2Isabel, something nothing says it better than a good “ay caramba!” :o)
July 26th, 2006 at 3:53 pm
I mean SOMETIMES nothing says it better… Gads, I am so excited about this bill I’m completely inarticulate.
July 26th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
Just sent mine for MS
July 26th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
Wrote to my rep in Vermont, but am not especially hopeful. As progressive as he is, AND with an adopted Chinese grand daughter, I would have expected at least *some* response from his office to my letter of 4/20/06. I even spoke with his local Chief of Staff at a fundraiser for his Senate campaign. No word.
OTOH, both my Senators wrote responses, one of whom had clearly spoken to several offices on my behalf (Dept. of State, U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, etc.), and although both were supportive, especially if legislation were introduced — there was no clear action taken.
Here’s hoping this particular campaign is successful (no doubt tgredthread and others hope so too!).
July 26th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
Come on EVERYONE!!! Let our concerns be heard!!! Like RQ said, it only take a few minutes. Click, copy & paste, submit and you’re done!!!
Debbie
DTC for Darci 3/7/06
July 26th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Done for Degette in Colorado. Only the THIRD time I have contacted her, maybe she will respond this time!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
Rep. Wu of OR – check
July 26th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
I wrote my Congressman quite a few months ago. His office staff seemed very interested. Well, they petitioned to my local USCIS to get ***MY*** I-171h extended! That’s not what I asked! Mine is not due to expire till after the first of the year! They even wanted me to send a hardcopy via mail and personalize it. (it was sent email originally) I even talked with the woman on the phone for quite some time. Did she not listen to or read ONE word I said?
I got a generic response from one of my Senators. Form letter, but first paragraph “personalized”.
Does anyone in government really care?
July 26th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
I wrote to Jeff Flake of Arizona. I also posted earlier that I called Senator Dick Lugar’s office today. I say let’s keep bugging these “people in power” that WE elected. Go DEMOCRACY!!!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:08 pm
Bernie Sanders in Vermont just got one from me, too.
July 26th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
I just contacted Congressman Garrett in NJ. My wife received a reply from VP Cheney a few days ago…it contained very neutral language that it would be passed along to the proper authorities…as an English Teacher, I was shocked to find it riddled with grammatical errors. Let’s hope we can get this bill passed!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
I did it and it took less than (3) minutes!! It feels good to do something constructive while I wait and wait and wait!!! Hoping that my rep in Florida will do something to help.
Just wanted to say congrats to all who got their long awaited stork alert and to those of us left waiting.. just think we all moved up 1/2 inch in that long line to China… wish I had a “fastpass” (that’s for all my Disney fans!)
July 26th, 2006 at 4:12 pm
Thanks for the heads-up. I called my contact at Senator DeMint’s office and she thanked me for the info—RQ you rock!! She was amazed at how I can find out things b/f she does. They have sent two letters and made contacts but not heard anything back yet and she said the Senator was urging them to “make something happen on this” Yea!! I emailed the press release to her and also to the gentleman from the Foreign relations committee. I am probably in denial but I am holding out for the extension and if we make enough noise it is possible! And RQ THANK YOU–the money does matter…it is more time at home with my baby and more for her college fund and besides it is the prinicple of the thing….adoptive parents deserve some relief when through NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN (no yelling intended) they face a slowdown and have enough to deal with without redoing everything…
I feel better now—thanks for letting me vent!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
Can someone please hum the National Anthem? It feels so good to be able to take a proactive approach when we have absolutely no control over so much that is going on in our lives!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
done for Georgia, hope it helps.
lid 10/9/05
July 26th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Does this have a house bill number associated with it? I searched the House site and couldn’t find it. If anyone knows I would like to refer to it specifically if I can, if not I will send anyway!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:20 pm
The bill hasn’t made it to Thomas yet – it’s too new – LOL.
Bill # H.R.5888
Once it’s there we can look it up and track it at:
http://thomas.loc.gov/
July 26th, 2006 at 4:22 pm
Just sent mine to Congressman Weldon in Florida. His office was very helpful when I was trying to get my I-171H a few months ago! I, too, will cut and past this link to my various Yahoo groups. Can you hear the internet space buzzing!!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:22 pm
I did it and posted it everywhere that I could. I know most of us are fed up, totally understandable, but I’m also fed up waiting for some miracle to occur out of nowhere. Plus it just me feel better doing something constructive. As for responses, I received only one the last round and it was a very generic email. It aggravated the @@@ out of me but so did the LID cut-off announced today. BTW, Congrats to all who received referrals and best wishes to those next in line:)
July 26th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
This is what I got back on it from the Foreign Relations Committe.
Bill # H.R.5888
Title:To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that an individual may file an orphan petition for at least 2 years after approval of an advanced processing application.
Sponsor: Rep Wilson, Heather [R-NM-1] (introduced 7/25/2006) Cosponsors: (none)
Committees: House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 7/25/2006 Referred to House committee.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary
PS– He also asked me to please help him with the 2-3 calls a day he is getting about this issue and tell people they are being heard….POOR GUY
July 26th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Did my part for Massachusetts. We’re LID 7/5/05 and I hope we hear about our second daughter from China SOON!! I’m hoping for some good karma to come our way on this. Thanks for making the contact process easy with the links RQ…
July 26th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Done for MO
July 26th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Like Jasmith1125, I just posted on all the Yahoo groups I am a part of…I was very surprised that there was no info on any of them!
It’s been posted to APC, August2005DTC, My agency’s AugDTC as well as its paperchasing group, and finally my local FCC.
Folks, let’s get everyone we can to get involved. For thsoe of us with websites or Blogs, let’s let others know. My 171-h doesn’t expire until 2/1/06 but with a 8/30 LID and, hopefully an October referral, I’ll be cutting it REAL close.
Oh oh say can you see…
It really IS empowering to know that we can be proactive in our government.
Thanks to all who have emailed.
July 26th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
all done here in FL! We will see what happens…didn’t get a very favorable response when I wrote to my rep b/f but have tried again. Hope it works this time!!!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Mom2 Isabel, I also have an 8-30-05 LID, but my I171H expires in December, so I am trying not to hold my breath, but still very hopeful. I have written and called everyone I can think of to help with issue. I won’t post to the August yahoo group since you already did and thanks for spreading the word. Sure hope we travel together!!!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:41 pm
Congressman Jay Inslee in Washington State…CHECK!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Mom4Tori-
Yea!!! Another 8/30. Thought I was the only one. Sure nice to meet you!
BTW, I just was informed by the APC moderator that she is reviewing my post. I feel like a junior high kid being called before the teacher.
When I just checked back, someone else had already got the information out there.
Folks..this is exciting!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:45 pm
I just sent mine to Congresswoman Ginny Waite-Brown in FL. Hopefully all of the different states are getting represented in force!
LID 8/24/05
July 26th, 2006 at 4:50 pm
I left an email to Representative Henry Waxman (California). I also wrote a letter, which I faxed, and plan to send snail mail as well. Can’t hurt! I wrote Rep. Waxman’s a few months ago and someone from his office phoned me directly to ask more about the issue and to see if they could help!
So, our representatives are listening… some of them, anyway. Thanks, RQ, for the heads up on this!
LID 2/06/06
July 26th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
I just checked the APC group, the AugustDTC group, and my agency group and all of them had the Rumor Queen info posted on them. Since our agency isn’t doing anything to keep us informed or help us in any way, it is great we can do it ourselves!
July 26th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
If any of you are on a local FCC group, maybe you could post it there?
Also, ask your friends and family to do this as well. Reword it so they just have to copy and paste and it is applicable to them (my daughter is adopting a child from China and this is a very important issue to our family : My neighbor is adopting a child from China and….)
We need VOLUME here. Lots of NOISE!!!!
July 26th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Someone wrote above that this is in Foreign Relations and House Judiciary. I just spent some time making a list of all the addresses for everyone on the committee. Here they are if you want to use them to send letters to. I figure the more the better.
Foreign Relations Committee
U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-6225
Senator Richard G. Lugar, Chairman
Foreign Relations Committee
U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-6225
Senator Joseph R Biden Jr., Ranking Minority Member
Foreign Relations Committee
U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-6225
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary
2138 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Honorable John N. Hostettler, Chairman
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
1214 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2435 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Steve King
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
1432 Longworth Office Building
Washington DC 20515
Honorable Louie Gohmert
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
508 Cannon House Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Lamar S. Smith
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2184 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Elton Gallegly
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2427 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-0523
Honorable Bob Goodlatte
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2240 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Daniel Lungren
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2448 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Jeff Flake
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
424 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-0301
Honorable Robert Inglis
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
330 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Darrell Issa
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
211 Cannon House Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Howard L. Berman
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2221 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Honorable Zoe Lofgren
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
102 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Linda T. Sanchez
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
1007 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Maxine Waters
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2344 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Honorable Martin T. Meehan
Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims
2229 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
July 26th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
I just sent an email to all my coworkers and to all my friends and family and my FCC group. One friend already sent the email in. It took a little more time as I wrote about our situation and asked for their help and then wrote this slightly reworded from RQ–that they can cut and paste:
(same as RQ with the links above)
Something to the effect of:
We support all efforts to extend the I-171H due to the burden this will place on adoptive families as well as the extra burden on the USCIS. Heather Wilson has introduced legislation that will provide relief. It is called the Helping Families Adopt Orphans Act. Can you see what you can do to help this bill make it through the house? You can read about it at the following link: http://wilson.house.gov/NewsAction.asp?FormMode=Releases&ID=1284
Thank you for your help getting this important piece of legislation passed.
It will help tens of thousands of families as well as keep the already backlogged USCIS offices from having to renew the paperwork for tens of thousands of families.
Please take 3 minutes to click on the link to your representative and send an email. You can copy and paste or personalize it. Our voices can be heard and you can make a difference for so many families.
C’mon everyone – it’ll take three minutes. Do it!!!
July 26th, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Here what I received, kinda of neutral!!!
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns on federal policy. I am pleased to receive correspondence from all Oklahomans. I am currently looking into the issue you mentioned and will respond to your concerns more specifically as soon as possible. However, if you currently reside outside of the First Congressional District, I am not able to assure a
response. Again, thank you for contacting me.
Debbie
DTC for Darci 3/7/06
July 26th, 2006 at 5:14 pm
adoptingliberty, great idea. For those who want to e-mail the Judiciary Committee members, here’s a link to a page that lists them all. You can click on their names to get to their web pages where the contact link is.
http://judiciary.house.gov/CommitteeMembership.aspx
July 26th, 2006 at 5:21 pm
jasmith1125- thanks for the link. I just sent an email there also!
July 26th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
Apparently my rep doesn’t have email so I called his local office and talked to his staffer who works with this area and she wrote down the information. She said that she would tell him it would be nice if he signed on as a co sponsor. We’ll see. For the record that is Roger Wicker of Mississippi.
Lori
LID 7/8/05 GRIN :-)
July 26th, 2006 at 5:26 pm
sent mine – VA. got no response to my earlier letters to him. And, with a 4/2006 LID and this long slow referral wait I think I should ask for a longer extension, who knows how much worse it can get!! If it really goes to 18 months, even 2 years may not be long enough. Guess I better start saving my pennies now.
I hope they get this passed soon so many wont have to do the refiling. This is GREAT news after the small dismal referral dates.
Congrats to all who are getting their referral this time :)
July 26th, 2006 at 5:26 pm
Just recently started reading your site, and I love it. Thanks for all the info.
I have heard that writing via snail-mail gets more attention, so I have letters prepared and will mail tomorrow (for Western MA). My question is though, should we be writing to more than our House rep? What about Senators?
July 26th, 2006 at 5:27 pm
DONE for Joel Hefley in CO….
The more they hear–the more they are likely to MOVE on something so volume is important.
Cheer!
Liz in CO
LID 8-30-05
July 26th, 2006 at 5:29 pm
This may be a silly question, but does this legislation address those of us that already have their I171H or just those who will get theirs in the future? When I wrote to all these people I didn’t think to include to “Grandfather” those of us holding expiring forms.
July 26th, 2006 at 5:32 pm
I just emailed my congress woman, Melissa Bean of the IL . She’ s usually very supportive as she’s an adoptee. She is also a co-sponsor of the bill to increase the amt. for the tax credit, so I asked her about that as well.
July 26th, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Here is my letter to my governor, senators, representatives and the foreign relations and judiciary committee. I am sending via snail mail so I can include a copy of the press release from Wilson’s website.
My husband and I are currently in the process of adopting our first child. We have completed all paperwork and are waiting to receive the referral of our daughter from China’s Center for Adoption Affairs. I am writing to ask your assistance with an important matter affecting all international adoptive parents. A critical form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the I-171H (or I-797C), has a life span of only 18 months. A recent backlog of adoptions from China has created a situation where this important form will most likely expire, despite the adoption being approved by the Chinese Government. The total cost of updating this U.S. Immigration form is substantial and burdensome, and may delay the dream we have of bringing our first baby home.
We are asking that you lend your support and influence by encouraging Emilio T. González, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to immediately extend the life span of U.S. Immigration form I-171H from 18 to 24 months and grandfather those I-171H’s already active. Additionally, Congresswoman Heather Wilson has recently introduced legislation, called the Helping Families Adopt Orphans Act, that will give adoptive families much needed relief. Please read the attached press release as it explains in detail what many adoptive parents are faced with.
We, and all adoptive families in our situation, would greatly appreciate assistance in the formation of our much desired forever families.
July 26th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Ok, mine is off to my Missouri Rep Roy Blunt!
July 26th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
done for puerto rico, although we only have a resident commissioner. however I do know his brother adopted a chinese baby, so he may want to help. odemaris
July 26th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
Long-time lurker, first-time poster, and adoptive grandparent. I’ve written our congressman, Bill Jenkins, from East Tennessee.
July 26th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Have we hit all 50 yet?
July 26th, 2006 at 6:13 pm
done for Congressman Jim McDermott (WA) – sent it to the staffer who sent me a nice-ish email before.
July 26th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
Done for Michael G. Fitzpatrick (8th District, PA).
July 26th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
mom4tori, I thought you raised a good point about the legislation covering all of our I171H’s, and not just those that would be issued after legislation is passed.
I emailed Heather Wilson’s office and made an inquiry about that. I’ll let y’all know if I hear anything back.
July 26th, 2006 at 6:41 pm
Emailed Rep. Dave Weldon 15th District in Florida. He is also my neighbor. Next time he is home, I will walk over and talk with him about it. He has two adopted children and his wife has said he will help out.
AdoptingLiberty – Awesome letter!
Caroline
LID 1/24/06
July 26th, 2006 at 6:44 pm
Sent to Rep. Tom Feeney of FL.
July 26th, 2006 at 6:44 pm
Done and done for Todd Platts in PA
July 26th, 2006 at 6:53 pm
Another one sent for Michigan!
July 26th, 2006 at 7:08 pm
Made a phone call to JoAnn Davis – VA. Her office has been in contact with me several times over the letter we wrote regarding this issue, so they were very excited to hear this.
July 26th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
Another one to Sanders in Vermont.
-LID 4/10/06
July 26th, 2006 at 7:19 pm
Did mine this morning….West Hollywood, CA
and
I modified the article and letter, attached the website link to the represntatives e-mails, and forwarded it to all my family and friends.
no reason why they can’t send it to their representatives too!
July 26th, 2006 at 7:34 pm
Done! Sent to Congressman Mark Foley in Florida
LID 7/20/05
July 26th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
Culprits—I am sorry, but I just had to chuckle at the fact that the rep. from Mississippi didn’t have email. I am a teacher here in FL and we always say thank God for Mississippi or we’d be 50th in the way we do things……No insult intended at all, it just made me laugh. I needed it…….cuz I still don’t have a TA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(
July 26th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
Sent to:
Colorado – Tom Tancredo
New Mexico – Tom Udall
July 26th, 2006 at 7:43 pm
got a really quick and very positive response back from Jim McDermott’s staffer. Made my day!
July 26th, 2006 at 7:48 pm
Done for VA – Frank Wolf
Awesome letter AdoptingLiberty! :-)
July 26th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Oops. Also Colorado – Wayne Allard
July 26th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
Sent off an email to Judy Biggert in IL.
Incidentally, her website actually recommends email over snail mail due to the significant delay apparently due to all the anthrax scares: “All mail sent to the U.S. Capitol complex – including all Member offices – is required to go through an irradiation process prior to delivery. To avoid this significant delay, we recomend that you do not send hard-copy mail to Judy in her Washington office. Instead, we encourage you to use one of several other options: e-mail. . .”
Karyn LID 12/16/05
July 26th, 2006 at 8:00 pm
Also done for Culberson in TX
July 26th, 2006 at 8:01 pm
I just finished sending an e-mail to Hillary Clinton in NY – can’t wait to see if I get a response.
July 26th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
E-mailed Allyson Schwartz in PA.
July 26th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
Sent one to our Rep in AZ who has responded to us before and to one of our Senators who also wrote us back. I know this is jumping ahead a bit in the process but I figure it can’t hurt to give them the heads up. If this bill could get passed it will ease our pain a little. Not much, but a little. Thanks RQ for letting us know about this. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we all work together.
July 26th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
I wrote too and we are in New York
July 26th, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Long time lurker – first time poster – just e-mailed Jeff Flake in AZ – thanks RQ for all you do – making this so easy!
Mom4Tori – our LID is 08/30 also – we are in Gilbert are we neighbors?
July 26th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
I sent a message out to Curt Weldon in PA. I will send the same out tomorrow snail mail just to make sure it gets some attention. If this gets passed we should all buy drinks for the Honorable Congresswoman Heather Wilson. It this happens there must be some way to flood her office with many forms of thank you. Congrats to all those who are about to see their beautiful children for the first time.
July 26th, 2006 at 8:28 pm
I’ve contacted Oklahoma congressman Dan Boren. Best of luck to us all!
LID 3/7/06
July 26th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
Culprits – you can send Roger Wicker an email from this link:
http://www.house.gov/wicker/Message.htm
sorry dunedin….
July 26th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
I too want to thank you for all you do. It is hard waiting for a SN TA and you help us get through each passing day. I have contacted Rep. Shadegg and Senators Kyl and McCain from AZ.
I hope this helps.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Rep Jenkins for TN, check
July 26th, 2006 at 9:37 pm
Did my part…hope Rep Mica of FL hears our call
July 26th, 2006 at 9:47 pm
I contacted Ander Crenshaw…Florida Representative!!
July 26th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
First time poster! Another email from Kentucky is on its way.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
Done for 6th district of MD. Here is hoping it works…..
July 26th, 2006 at 10:28 pm
Just sent email to Allyson Schwartz
in PA.
Hi toc1124, are we neighbors?
i didn’t even know I was in the
13th district !?!
I thought Stuart Greenleaf (whose biio says he is an attorney specializing in adoption law) was our rep. i had emailed his office when it was taking forever for us to receive our initial approval. Not an impressive or interested response – form email. But now I get his newsletter, even though they said I am not in his district. LOL !
July 26th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
mom222b- let us know if ‘Hil’ responds !
July 26th, 2006 at 11:21 pm
Adopting Liberty posted the members of the Immigration commitee above and those are the most important people to contact.
I got advice from someone with experience dealing with legislation and he said that timing can be a huge factor. We particularly need to get the attention of the Chair of the committee or subcommittee. Agreement by all would allow the legislation to move quickly (under suspension of the rules in the House and an equivalent procedure in the Senate) or to be attached to legislation that is sure to pass. Otherwise, moving the legislation on its own could take longer than the validity of the 171H.
July 27th, 2006 at 12:08 am
Ditto Michael G. Fitzpatrick (8th District, PA).
DaveandKymm, we must be neighbors!
LID 7/22/05
July 27th, 2006 at 12:28 am
Folks- SOunds like we are all getting the info out to our respective congressmen. I think it is important for us to let Heather Wilson know just how much we appreciate her proposing this. I emailed her already. The link is:
http://wilson.house.gov/Contact.asp
And congrats to all of you with new referrals!!!
July 27th, 2006 at 7:35 am
Cosmicthing~
I received a standard e-mail stating that my message was received but due to the overwhelming amount of e-mails that she receives, it might take some time to get a response.
I hope some of those e-mails are about the I-171H’s :)
July 27th, 2006 at 7:42 am
RQ,
Just sent mail to our NY congressman.
July 27th, 2006 at 8:58 am
Thanks waiting mommy – I am usually pretty good at finding those kind of things. My brain is mush waiting for referrals! I think the telephone call was pretty effective since I have talked to this staffer about the I-171H before.
Dunedin – Funny part is I grew up in Florida and my parents still live there!
July 27th, 2006 at 9:21 am
Another long-time lurker, first time poster. I just sent my email to Rep. Ron Lewis from KY. I had called his office in May and received just your basic form letter in response.
July 27th, 2006 at 9:24 am
Mr. Tiberi in Ohio just got an email!
July 27th, 2006 at 9:32 am
Yet another long time lurker. Sent my email to Oklahoma Rep Tom Cole. :-)
July 27th, 2006 at 9:41 am
Peter Hoekstra in MI just got an email!
July 27th, 2006 at 9:43 am
Wanted to add this – click here to find your rep!!
Here’s a link from which you can e-mail a rep:
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
July 27th, 2006 at 10:13 am
This is my first post. My wife and I are LID 10/20/05. We already need to renew our fingerprints, and at the rate things are going, I would bet we will need to reapply for the I-171H. I just e-mailed our Representative John Shimkus in Illinois about this bill. Even if this doesn’t help us, I hope it gets through to ease the burden on all of the people coming after us.
July 27th, 2006 at 11:21 am
Sent an email yesterday to Dan Burton of IN!
July 27th, 2006 at 11:21 am
This is my first post and I hope I am doing it right .I have made a suggestion to the FCC in my area and the DTC February group on yahoo that we band together in our letter writing campaign. I am asking for waiting families in my district (for any international adoption) to send me a picture of the family members and a letter from family (one in an nursery would be great) to our congressman and put them in a photo album. His home office is in my neighborhood and I will take it there asking HIM to foward THE PHOTO ALBUM and a letter from him to Emilio Gonzalez.
My question how LOUD will we be if everyone out there with on their own or with the help of their agency (I have already contacted my local agency for ideas) makes a photo album. It is cheap thing to do and will take up alot more room than a buch of faceless letters. Lets make them look at our faces (I am going to hold a sign that asks for help) and say they are to busy to help us. Lets send 100’s of books for all areas of the country. Being a single mom in the Navy I learned alot about parents in need standing together as one voice when dealing with the government. Then it was quality available daycare, now it is red tape!!
mattandjamie2002@yahoo.com
DTC 2/2/06
LID 3/2/06
July 27th, 2006 at 11:49 am
I sent one for Illinios. We are not adopting fromChina at this time, but have adopted from South Korea and Ukraine.
We are considering a China adoption. Your site is the best. Hope this helps!
July 27th, 2006 at 12:36 pm
I wrote to Gwen Moore of WI.
July 27th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
I looked up the bill (H.R.5888) on us.gov and found out that it has just been assigned to the House Committee of the Judiciary. The good news is that Representative Wilson is a Republican and the committee has a republican majority membership with a republican chairperson. I don’t say this as political promotion for Republicans…it just helps as many times members may vote by party and if a bill doesn’t appear to have a lot of controversy or they haven’t heard from constituents regarding the issue, they will at least opt to support the bill to support a colleague of like party. In short, the bill looks to have a very good chance of moving along quickly…if they get to it. Those of you from Wisconsin with James Sensenbrenner, Jr. as your representative may want to encourage him as the Chair of the committee to help get it scheduled as soon as possible and, of course, to support it.
Since the bill has been sent to the Judiciary, it is extremely critical for members of that committee to hear from their constituents. If it is not passed in committee all the other representatives will not get a chance to vote on it. You can find out who the members are at http://judiciary.house.gov/CommitteeMembership.aspx . Go ahead and send your letters, though, even if you don’t have a rep on the committee–I am! However, hang onto your letter because you may want to send it again when it goes to the floor of the House. Your letter will come in handy again after it passes the House and goes to a committee in the Senate (if you have a senator on that); and then again when it goes to the floor of the Senate (your senators will need to hear from you). Then, the President finally signs it. Yahoo!
If you would like to track the progress of the bill you can look it up periodically at http://thomas.loc.gov/. You have to search by selecting the drop-down menu under representative name and pick Heather Wilson. Her bill will be listed then in order by number. The bill number search says its an invalid number. I think its because the title of the bill was only introduced on July 25th and assigned to a committee. According to the tracking info the actual full language of the bill isn’t available yet. I believe you can hop around from here to see when it is scheduled and what the current status is.
These are only my amateur observations and theories. I frequently have to track emerging policies as part of my work in state government. However, I would bet on the success of this bill as it appears to have most everything going for it. The only thing that might impede or slow it down are all the huge issues with the Middle East and immigration, etc. that they are embroiled with right now. On the other hand, they may welcome a break from these hard decisions to make an easy one that helps orphans, families and really feel good. :)
July 27th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
I submitted a letter to our Rep for Alabama! HOpe this will help all of us!
July 27th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Question: Would it be advised for us to start writing letters to Sensenbrenner? If I’m hearing ya’ll correctly, we need him to want this to move forward, right?
July 27th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
RQ, if you hit the link in jeffstoll’s message you go to the page that lists all the committee members. If you click Sensenbrenner it pulls up a general “contact the Judiciary Committee” e-mail page–I pasted my letter there figuring it would go the entire committee. It might also be worth contacting him directory through his direct e-mail address… hmmm, I think I will go do that. Here’s his direct e-mail:
sensenbrenner@mail.house.gov.
July 27th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
Sent to my rep from Texas and I have sent a form letter to friends and family throughout the US. Already received about 20 responses that they have done it!
July 27th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
John Linder of Georgia now has an email waiting for him.
July 27th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I sent mine to Charlie Bass in NH. I don’t think I saw any other NH in the previous replies.
July 27th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
I just sent mine to our rep in NC!!!
July 27th, 2006 at 5:00 pm
Just sent to Randy Kuhl in upstate NY.
July 28th, 2006 at 5:24 am
Just sent mine to Rep Mark Souder of IN-3.
July 28th, 2006 at 10:47 am
Another 1st time poster. Sent an e-mail to Rep. Jim Walsh in Central New York.
July 29th, 2006 at 11:08 pm
I just emailed Senator Lieberman And Congressman Shays in CT. Tried to send one to Congressman Dodd but he dosn’t accept emails. I’m glad I didn’t vote for him. Shays was helpfull when we were waiting for the Ct Dept of Family Services to complete our back groud check in 04. Shortly after his reply we were cleared. We just started our new paper chase 2 days ago for a little sister. WOW have things changed. We were LID 4/2/04 Referral 10/28/04 traveled Thanksgiving Day For our first daughter. Now some say it will be 1 1/2 – 2 years for a referral!!!
July 30th, 2006 at 10:32 am
Pete DeFazio for OR We hold out for little hope as our LID is 8/8 and our 171-H expires Nov 23. Fingerprints will expire in two weeks.
July 31st, 2006 at 2:28 pm
I passed the information on to my adoption agency and they shared it with everyone in their China program. At least I feel like I am doing something while I wait.
July 31st, 2006 at 7:45 pm
Hey adoptingliberty thanks for the list of committee members. I sent eveyone of them a email.
August 3rd, 2006 at 11:26 am
Didn’t see this posted yet. Here is a link to the actual bill:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h109-5888
August 14th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Today I received a snail-mail response to my 7/26 message to Rep. Bill Jenkins of East Tennessee – canned letter, in its entirety:
“August 8, 2006… Thank you for contacting me in support of H.R 5888, the ‘Helping Families Adopt Orphans Act,’ introduced by Representative Heather Wilson of New Mexico. This legislation would extend the validity of the I-171H form to at least two years. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, of which I am a member. I appreciate having the benefit of your views on this matter and will keep them in mind as this bill moves through the legislative process. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of further assistance in any way.”
He is leaving office at the end of this term, so probably won’t even cast a vote in Committee. Frustrating…