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Opportunity to Support Increased ANSS Appropriation for FY2005
A letter has been generated in the U.S. House of Representatives urging a funding level of at least $10 million for ANSS in FY 2005. You can help by contacting and persuading your Representative to sign on to this "Dear Colleague letter" before the end of May 2004.
Background
On April 2, 2004, Representatives Nick Smith (R-MI) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) wrote a "Dear Colleague" letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, describing the importance of ANSS and urging "a funding level of at least $10 million" for FY 2005 (click here for copy of letter in Microsoft Word or PDF format).The President's FY 2005 budget request for ANSS is $4.4 million (the same level as for FY 2004) compared to $35 million authorized under Public Law 106-503, Section 13.
A nearly identical Smith-Lofgren letter in support of ANSS in 2003 was signed by 27 House Members (click here for list). Last year, a $1.9 million budget cut was restored and an added $0.5 million gained. Once again, ANSS advocates have the opportunity to influence the House mark for ANSS's FY 2005 budget by persuading other House Members to sign on to the Smith-Lofgren letter. (Smith chairs the House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Research, and he and Lofgren are champions for NEHRP reauthorization and increased ANSS funding.)
Congressional staffers are optimistic that, although it is a difficult budget year, a good showing on the ANSS Dear Colleague letter can gain an incremental increase for the program.
How to Help (Instructions & Deadline)
In order to sign on to the Smith-Lofgren letter, members of the House (or their staff) should contact James Hague of the Science Committee (phone: 202-225-7858) or David Carreiro of Representative Lofgren's office (phone: 202-225-3072).
The end of May 2004 has been set as the deadline—but early action is urged.
One straightforward way to proceed is to:
- Telephone or visit the Washington DC or district office of the House Member you wish to approach (click here for info on House Members by state)
Identify the legislative assistant responsible for science issues
Provide an information copy of the Smith-Lofgren letter (either directly or by fax or e-mail)
Describe why ANSS is important to [state, region, Nation]
Urge that the House Member consider signing on to the letter
Provide instructions and deadline
- Follow up with a later phone call or e-mail—either again urging consideration if no action has been taken or to offer a "thank you"
Corresponding With House Member(s)
- AVOID sending any communications to a Congressional office by regular mail (because of long delays due to anthrax screening). Use phone, fax, and/or e-mail (or ideally visit the Representative's DC or district office in person)
For added effect, fax a copy of any sign-on request letters you send to a House Member to the House Science Committee Staff at fax number 202-225-7815
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Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0111 «» Phone 801-581-6274 «» Fax 801-585-5585 E-mail UUSS! |
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