House Passes Federal Working Animal Protection Act, Making Harming Law Enforcement Animals a Deportable Offense for Non-U.S. Citizens (228-190)
The House convened, approved the Journal, and engaged in a series of one-minute speeches covering various topics including federal worker pay, local tributes, and national economic concerns. The primary legislative action of the day involved the debate and passage of H.R. 4638, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act, which aims to make harming law enforcement animals a ground for inadmissibility and deportability for non-U.S. citizens. The chamber also passed S. 4138 by unanimous consent, waiving a notice requirement for a posthumous honorary promotion.
The passage of H.R. 4638 represents a legislative effort to strengthen immigration enforcement related to specific criminal acts, sparking debate over due process and the necessity of new legislation versus existing laws. The day also featured extensive floor speeches on pressing national and international issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and federal spending, highlighting ongoing political divides.
Federal Working Animal Protection Act
H.R. 4638Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 4638, to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an alien who has been convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement is inadmissible and deportable, and for other purposes.
The case for
Proponents, led by Mr. McClintock and Mr. Calvert, argued that the bill is a necessary measure to protect law enforcement animals and streamline the deportation process for foreign nationals who harm them. Mr. McClintock highlighted an incident where a CBP detector dog, Freddie, was violently kicked by an Egyptian national, emphasizing that current laws involving 'moral turpitude' can lead to lengthy legal proceedings. He asserted that the bill makes it clear that conviction or admission of harming a law enforcement animal should result in immediate expulsion and prevent re-entry. Mr. Calvert, the bill's author, stated that the legislation would make such an act by a non-U.S. citizen a deportable offense, covering various federal working animals including dogs, horses, and dolphins. He stressed that the bill provides deserved protection for these animals and ensures that such 'heinous acts' do not go unanswered. Mr. McClintock further clarified that the bill does not deny due process, as it requires either a conviction or an explicit, unequivocal, and unqualified admission of guilt, which is subject to rigorous standards by an immigration judge. He argued that the bill prevents delays and ensures that individuals committing such 'patently reprehensible' acts are not allowed to remain in the country.
The case against
Opponents, including Mr. Raskin and Ms. Jayapal, argued that H.R. 4638 is redundant, unnecessary, and erodes due process rights. Mr. Raskin pointed out that the specific incident involving Freddie the beagle, which inspired the bill, was already effectively handled by existing law: the perpetrator was arrested, charged, convicted, ordered to pay restitution for vet bills, and deported within three days. He contended that harming animals in law enforcement is already considered a crime involving moral turpitude, making the individual deportable under current Federal laws. Ms. Jayapal echoed these sentiments, stating that the bill is a distraction from more pressing issues like rising gas prices and healthcare costs, and is part of a pattern to vilify immigrants. She expressed concern that the bill removes the requirement for a conviction for deportability, meaning a green card holder could be deported without being found guilty in court. Both argued that due process is a bedrock principle and that removing the conviction requirement could lead to unjust deportations and undermine the legal system.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill was passed by the House of Representatives.
Yeas 228, Nays 190
Who is affected
- Non-U.S. citizens: Would face inadmissibility or deportability if convicted of or admitting to harming law enforcement animals, potentially without a full conviction process for deportation.
- Law enforcement animals (dogs, horses, dolphins): Would receive enhanced legal protection against harm from non-U.S. citizens, with clearer consequences for perpetrators.
- Federal law enforcement agencies (e.g., CBP): Would have a more direct and expedited legal mechanism for removing non-U.S. citizens who harm their working animals.
House Passes Federal Working Animal Protection Act
highThe House passed H.R. 4638, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act, by a recorded vote of 228 yeas to 190 nays. This bill makes non-U.S. citizens inadmissible and deportable if they are convicted of, or admit to, harming animals used in law enforcement. Proponents argued the bill simplifies and expedites the deportation process for such offenses, while opponents contended it was redundant with existing law and eroded due process by allowing deportation without a conviction.
Debate on Due Process and Redundancy of Immigration Law
mediumDuring the debate on H.R. 4638, a central point of contention was whether the bill was necessary given existing immigration laws. Opponents, including Mr. Raskin and Ms. Jayapal, argued that current law already allows for the deportation of individuals who commit crimes of moral turpitude, citing a case where an individual who kicked a CBP dog was swiftly deported. They also raised concerns that the bill's provision allowing deportation based on admission of guilt, rather than conviction, undermined due process. Proponents, like Mr. McClintock, countered that existing processes were lengthy and that the bill provided a clearer, more efficient mechanism for removal.
Unanimous Passage of Posthumous Promotion Waiver
lowThe House passed S. 4138, a bill to waive the 60-day notice requirement for the posthumous honorary promotion of Captain Cody Khork, United States Army, to the rank of major, by unanimous consent. This measure was introduced and passed without debate.
Extensive Floor Speeches on National and Economic Issues
mediumMembers utilized one-minute and special order speeches to address a wide array of topics, including the economic impact of the war in Iran, rising gas prices, federal debt, the influence of the crypto industry on Congress, and the need for reforms in education and social programs. These speeches highlighted significant concerns about national finances, foreign policy, and domestic affordability.