As a member of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, I continue to fight to see that all animals are treated humanely and are protected from any undue harm or abuse. I have consistently supported efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to achieve this goal, and it remains a priority of mine. In that vein, I have co-sponsored a number of pieces of legislation regarding animal rights issues.

Among them is the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (H.R. 137) which came to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on March 26, 2007. I was proud to vote in favor of the bill, which passed by a vote of 368-39. This measure was subsequently passed by the U.S. Senate and now has become law (Public Law:110-22).

I have also co-sponsored Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (H.R. 249), which seeks to reinstate the ban on slaughter of America’s wild horses and burros for human consumption. The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on April 26, 2007, by a vote of 277-137 and now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.

Additionally, I am a co-sponsor of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503), the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 (H.R. 891), and the Downed Animal Protection Act and Food Safety Protection Act (H.R. 661).

As we move forward in the 110th Congress, I will continue to work with like-minded colleagues in support of polices and programs that ensure the appropriate protection of animals worldwide.