SAVE THE MUSTANGS: How A Federal Law is Passed

by Ann E. Weiss ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 18, 1974

The style tends towards gee-whiz enthusiasm, but the save the mustangs campaign did have that kind of popular appeal and was an instructive if unusual example of the lobbying power of schoolchildren. Conservationist Velma Johnston had already laid the groundwork for strong law protecting wild horses, who were hunted on public lands and sold for dog food. But the pressure on Congress built steadily after Jean Bolsinger's fourth grade class began a ""pencil war"" in the mustangs' behalf and while bills were being debated two of the youngest lobbyists ever -- 10 and 11 year-olds Greg Gude and Lynn Williams -- had testified before House and Senate subcommittees. The bill's progress is followed in the context of the legislative mechanics of committees, amendments, and objections by special interest groups with terms like ""marking up,"" ""engrossed copy"" and ""pocket veto"" defined along the way, and though this background sometimes intrudes on the narrative, the subject's appeal is overriding.

Pub Date: March 18, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Messner

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1974

Categories: NONFICTION