HOWLColorado has contacted all elected officials who serve in either the US House of Representatives or the US Senate for their official statement of position on the PAW act. As they respond, we will post their unedited responses on this page.

Michael Bennet (D – Colorado Senator)
Bennet’s official website 

The tradition and practice of responsible hunting, fishing and gaming is an important aspect of our heritage, especially in Colorado. However, I share your concerns about the practice of granting licenses to hunters chartering private aircraft in order to chase down and kill certain species.

S.1535, which aims to curtail the practice of privatized aerial hunting, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Although I am not a member of this Committee,… the input of fellow Coloradans is essential in considering the wide variety of important issues and legislative initiatives that come before the Senate.

Betsy Markey (D – Colorado District 4)
Markey’s official website 

“This legislation was introduced by Representative George Miller (CA) and would impose criminal penalties on anyone who violates regulations prohibiting airborne shooting or harassing of birds, fish, or other animals, and increases the monetary penalty for airborne hunting from $5,000 to $50,000.  This bill also modifies the exceptions to the prohibition against airborne hunting by requiring consideration be given to enhancing the propagation and survival of wildlife or preventing the extinction of a species threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. 

As you may know, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife on August 2, 2009. While I am not a member of this subcommittee, should it come to the floor of the House for a vote, I will be certain to keep your views in mind.”

Ed Perlmutter (D – Colorado District 7)
Perlmutter’s Offficial Website

“Preserving the natural world for our children and grandchildren should be one of our highest priorities. That is why I support strengthening conservation efforts to protect species near extinction.  The Paw Act was introduced to ban the practice of “aerial hunting” of wolves from aircrafts. Currently the bill is being considered by the House Natural Resources Committee. If this legislation reaches the House floor for a vote, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.”