As many of you know, I am also a steamboat enthusiast. America's last original overnight Steamboat, the Delta Queen has been docked since November 2008, having run afoul of the Safety for Ships At Sea law. An exemption for her has passed the House, and it is right now going through the Senate. While this is a non-partisan issue, there is a cruise company paying a lobbyist to appose the bill, as they fear competition for the faux paddle wheel boat. WE have no money behind us, just enthusiasm; so we need ALL the support we can find. Following is quoted from the save-the-delta-queen.org site;
Important legislation allowing the DQ to return to overnight service is working its way through the Senate and we urge you all to call or email your Senators urging them to support S. 1022!
We need you to call your two U.S. Senators to tell them that you support the Delta Queen Steamboat. S. 1022 will save the Delta Queen and allow her to operate on inland waterways. Ask them to think of a way to get the Senate to vote on S. 1022, because it will probably pass by a wide margin. It passed the House last year 280 to 89. Call (202) 224-3121.
Again, the time has finally arrived. Call, write, fax, email or stop by your Senator's office right away. Ask all your family and friends to do the same. Last year the House of Representatives approved the bill, so this year if the Senate can pass it, put them together, the House will sign off. The bill will go to the president, and American history will benefit.
Let's work all together and make sure the Senate gets the same message the House did. It's a non-partisan issue.
The text of S. 1022 is actually pretty simple, not a big deal anyway: “To amend title 46, United States Code, to extend the exemption from the fire-retardant materials construction requirement for vessels operating within the Boundary Line.”
Call up your Senators and tell them that you support S. 1022 to preserve a worthy historic boat. If you have a quick personal story, be sure to tell it. Whether you went for a cruise or just waved to the boat from the shore, throw that in.
Also, you may add that having a genuine historic vessel traveling the rivers means something to you, even if you would prefer to travel on a more modern vessel. Like our national parks and open land, it is nice to know it's out there, and thriving.
You can reach your two Senators here: (202) 224-3121. Have their names ready so the switchboard operator can connect you immediately.
Find your two U.S. Senators by state: http://www.senate.gov/
Done, sent em an email.
I just found out I have a typo in my second paragraph that could be a little confusing. It should read, ". . . as they fear competition for THEIR faux paddle wheel boat."
Thank you everyone for your support!!
David, Memphis has hit the big-time with your picture! I know exactly where that is. I'll e-mail our two senators.
Bill,
Thanks, yep Mud Island, March 2007 trip.