Thanks to those who have called their Congressmen this week to support Congressman Ron Paul’s amendment!  We have heard that many Congressmen are sitting up and taking notice of this issue.

The vote on Ron Paul’s amendment to the Agriculture Appropriation Bill (H.R.5384) was delayed.  It is now scheduled for Monday or Tuesday, May 22 or 23.  Whatever the outcome of the vote, FARFA will report back so that you know where your Congressman stands on this issue.

Please continue to contact your representatives and urge them to support the Paul Amendment, and block all funding for the National Animal Identification System.  And please continue to spread the word to everyone you know.

Here, again, are some of the reasons you may wish to use:

1. NAIS will be too costly and burdensome for farmers and ranchers.

2. NAIS invades the privacy of every American who owns even one livestock animal, whether a horse, pet pot-bellied pig, chicken, cow, goat, sheep, etc.

3. NAIS will not protect us against disease or bioterrorism because (a) it does not address the causes of disease; (b) it does not address how diseases are transmitted; (c) we already have sufficient means of tracking diseases and controlling outbreaks; and (d) the recommended technology (ISO radiotags) can be easily reprogrammed, so that it is ineffective against intentional introductions of disease.

4. NAIS will greatly expand the government bureaucracy, at the cost  of individuals' rights and the free market.

5.  NAIS will raise the cost of food, while not providing any additional food safety.

6.  NAIS has been developed by the USDA without Congressional hearings or debate, and without any real involvement of the tens of thousands of individuals who will be affected.

The Capitol Switchboard number (202) 225-3121.  If you don't know who to call, go to http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/  and enter your zip code in the box on the left-hand side of the screen.  Your official's contact information will be provided. 
For more information on NAIS and how you can help fight it, go to   www.farmandranchfreedom.org

If you have questions, please contact judith@farmandranchfreedom.org  

Judith McGeary
--
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
www.farmandranchfreedom.org