That makes a lot of sense. AMA wasn't happy with what they were hearing from the FAA, and rather than work with them, they did an end around with the Senator - winning a battle but perhaps losing the war as they P'd off the regulators in the process.
I have worked for the government and I can say many in government think they can do no wrong. I would say the AMA was right to be proactive. It may take some legal fees to sort things out, but I'm betting they will win most of what they (AMA) wants.