Federal Legislation We Are Watching in the 119th Congress: |
H.R.181 — 119th Congress (2025-2026)To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that artificially propagated animals shall be treated the same under that Act as naturally propagated animals, and for other purposes. Sponsor: McClintock, Tom [Rep.-R-CA-5] (Introduced 01/03/2025) Cosponsors: (0)Committees: House - Natural Resources Latest Action: House - 01/03/2025 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. H.R.712 — 119th Congress (2025-2026)Child and Animal Abuse Detection and Reporting ActSponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2] (Introduced 01/23/2025) Cosponsors: (2)Committees: House - Education and WorkforceLatest Action: House - 01/23/2025 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act (H.R.1477) — 119th Congress (2025-2026)To establish an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Joyce, David P. [Rep.-R-OH-14] (Introduced 02/21/2025) Cosponsors: (3) Committees: House – Judiciary Latest Action: House - 02/21/2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Goldie's Act (H.R.349) — 119th Congress (2025-2026)Goldie’s Act Sponsor: Malliotakis, Nicole [Rep.-R-NY-11] (Introduced 01/13/2025) Cosponsors: (7) Committees: House - AgricultureLatest Action: House - 01/13/2025 Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. Redefines “violations” of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Removes distinctions between minor non-compliance and animal care violations. Allows for immediate seizure of euthanasia of animals suffering from “psychological harm” - a term that is undefined. Mandates the posting of images of unadjudicated violations on a public accessible database. Authorizes citizens suits to enforce the AWA allowing immediate standing in a court of law. H.R.297 — 119th Congress (2025-2026)HELP PETS Act Sponsor: Malliotakis, Nicole [Rep.-R-NY-11] (Introduced 01/09/2025) Cosponsors: (0)Committees: House - Education and WorkforceLatest Action: House - 01/09/2025 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. |
Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act: This bill aims to strengthen the USDA's oversight and enforcement of animal welfare requirements by revising the licensing process for animal dealers and exhibitors. LINK Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act: This bill modifies enforcement provisions under USDA’s Animal Welfare Act, including by allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring civil actions against violators of the act by removing animals, revoking licenses, issuing civil penalties. Department of Justice and USDA have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Civil Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. This is the weaponization of Government to Enforce the Animal Welfare Act. S.1454 - Sponsor: Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide for “greater protection for roosters.” LINK Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-risk Trafficking (F.I.G.H.T) Act has been reintroduced for this 119th Congress in the Senate, however a bill number has not yet been assigned. Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are the sponsors of this Senate Bill. Attacks what is already illegal while promoting actions that would harm lawful operators and is intended to challenge/disregard the U.S. Constitution’s 4th and 5th Amendments. Attempts to create standing to sue and pursue damages in civil court for the average citizen or NGO. Allows for authorities to take your land and property, legalizing civil asset forfeiture of not just one’s animals but their physical land and property where the alleged activity took place. Plus, fines and penalties. A complete violation of due process. Gives too much authority to USDA or DOJ (or whatever govt agency is tasked with oversight) allowing them to intervene, obtain discovery. |
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