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Schiavo to chamois, bills reflect a style

By BILL ADAIR, ANITA KUMAR and WES ALLISON
Published January 22, 2006

WASHINGTON - There wasn't much fanfare last September when Rep. Mike Bilirakis introduced "The Chamois Truthful Labeling Act." He didn't give a speech or issue a press release.

But the bill was important to the tiny sponge and chamois industry, which includes a Tarpon Springs company whose founder has known Bilirakis for years. The proposal would forbid companies from calling something a chamois - a product used to clean cars and lenses - unless it is made from sheepskin that's been tanned in fish oil.

H.R. 3902 was just one of 8,319 bills and resolutions introduced last year. Like most, it is stuck in committee and may never become law.

It and the 331 others authored by members of the Florida delegation provide a glimpse into their priorities. Some are innocuous resolutions that name post offices, promote sun safety and commend Iraqis for holding an election. Others are meatier proposals that would help hurricane victims, promote water projects or tweak the flood insurance program.

The bills also reflect lawmakers' personal styles. Some introduce lots of bills on many topics. The most prolific Floridian, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Miami, wrote 30 last year.

Others rarely introduce anything. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores, authored just two - and one was the defense appropriations bill he must file each year as a subcommittee chairman.

Young said he doesn't need to write bills because he can attach amendments to his spending bill. "That gives me a perfect vehicle for doing things that need to be done," he said. Last year, for example, he included an amendment to make it easier for donors to give gifts to injured soldiers.

Only 16 percent of all bills and resolutions became law last year, which shows they face difficult odds. Yet the simple act of introducing one allows a member to take a stand or support a constituency.

Some are resolutions that face little opposition. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, wrote one honoring surveyors "and recognizing their contributions to society." Republican Sen. Mel Martinez got a bill passed honoring Hispanic scientists. Bilirakis authored one that declared the House of Representatives "supports the goals and ideas of National Sun Safety Week."

Some members use their legislative muscle to name post offices after local residents.

Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, named one in Spring Hill after Staff Sgt. Michael Schafer, a Hernando County resident killed in Afghanistan. Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson named one in Altamonte Springs after Arthur Mastrapa, an Apopka soldier killed in Iraq.

When they deal with more weighty issues, the 27 Floridians often focus on parochial topics such as veterans benefits, flood insurance and military bases.

Brown-Waite, who introduced bills on issues such as homeowners insurance and sexual offenders, says she often finds her inspiration from conversations with constituents. She says her goal is to "be progressive and think ahead to my constituents and the needs for Florida."

Even when lawmakers tackle national issues, their interest often has local roots. Putnam introduced a bill that requires more frequent audits of local Head Start programs after hearing of problems with the program in Polk County.

"Digging into our local problems, it became clear this was national problem," he said.

When the Pentagon suggested decommissioning the USS John F. Kennedy, an aircraft carrier based in Jacksonville, Nelson and Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Jacksonville, filed bills requiring the Navy to maintain a fleet of 12 carriers. That, combined with other legislative maneuvers, helped to save the Kennedy.

Martinez's best-known bill involved a local dispute over the fate of Terri Schiavo, but it became a national controversy. His bill to move the case to federal court passed Congress and was signed into law, but federal courts declined to intervene.

Yet most bills, like the Chamois Truthful Labeling Act, don't attract much attention. They simply show that lawmakers pay heed to their constituents.

Jim Cantones, who helps run the family's Tarpon Springs business, Acme Sponge & Chamois Co., said Bilirakis has a unique appreciation for the chamois business. "Mike," he said, "has a better understanding than any other congressman."

[Last modified January 20, 2006, 19:15:04]