URGENT NOTICE!

Please see the latest post on my sister's blog. The timetable to contact your senators and congressman has been moved up to: now. New legislation apparently has been passed in Guatemala, and the Joint Council on International Children’s Services is advising to contact as suggested by tomorrow, October 5. There is still need to add a grandfather clause for existing adoptive families. The U.S. State Department is considering getting involved. I think it would be a measure of good faith on the part of the Guatemalan government before final passage of the bill. Thank you for your help.

*****UPDATE*****

I placed calls this morning (10/5) to Sen. Barack Obama's Washington office (202-224-2854), Sen. Dick Durbin's Springfield office (217-492-4062), and Rep. John Shimkus' Washington office (202-225-5271). Blaire at Obama's office was somewhat helpful. She didn't seem too aware of the issue, and I may not have explained it that well. The lady at Durbin's office (I didn't get her name) was very helpful and understanding (the Washington line was busy and recording suggested to call back). She stated they have a staffer working on this issue. Scott at Shimkus' office was not familiar with the newest developments, and he offered for the congressman to return his thoughts in writing. I explained the pressing deadline, and he seemed disaffected of the urgency (I'll reserve my already held notions of Shimkus at this time -- actually, that applies to all three).
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I called UNICEF (212-326-7000) and was transferred to the voice mail for Kate(?) Donovan. She is in media relations, and she is out of the office until Wednesday. The recording stated if you are calling regarding Guatemalan adoptions to fax a letter to: 212-326-7518 or 212-326-7768 (different fax numbers than provided by JCICS).