River boats have always fascinated me.  As a kid I remember reading about the Delta Queen and I always wanted to see her in person.  I started following her years ago, driven thousands of miles and have hundreds of pictures of her on the rivers she travels.  My wife and I were able to take a cruise on her in 2007 and loved every minute we were on her, met and made some great friends.  Her crew is made up of special people who also love this boat.  It is sad that one or two congressmen have the power to decide on an exemption for this national treasure.  I feel safer on this boat than I do in my car.  American jobs will be lost because of Congress' inaction.  Future generations will have lost a chance to experience cruising overnight on her and I will lose a hobby.