The Political Process.

Hey y’all, I got an answer from my elected representative, Rick Renzi, of the 1st district of Arizona. Well, actually, I didn’t elect him because I didn’t vote for him because, well, he’s a Republican who supports the war in Iraq and is pro-life and pro-development and I don’t and I’m not. But last month, the RQ suggested that her readers write to their congresspersons asking them to support Rep. Heather Wilson’s (NM) initiative to extend the deadlines for renewal of the I-171H forms for adoptive parents. So, I did.

Here is the short (but promising) email I received back from Renzi’s office:

My name is Jim Lester, an aide to Congressman Renzi. Thank you for emailing concerning legislation offered by Rep. Wilson. Rep. Renzi is in Arizona currently, but will return to Washington after Labor Day. I will discuss this issue with him and review the legislation. As an aside, my cousin has adopted a child from overseas, so I have an idea how difficult the process is. Time is running short in Congress this year, but I will check in with Rep. Wilson’s office on what Rep. Renzi can do to help in her effort.

Thanks again for your email. Jim

Jim Lester, Legislative Director, Office of Congressman Rick Renzi

Even if Wilson’s proposed legislation makes it through congress, I am not optimistic that they will be able to extend the deadlines long enough–like, say, to three years–to make it meaningful for China’s a-parents. But it’s a start.