Articles About Government Affairs

Please see the below articles about Government Affairs from past editions of the AWI Quarterly magazine.

A Salute to Animal Champions Exiting Congress

Every two years, Congress loses members who retire from politics, run for another office, or lose their reelection bid. Unfortunately, the end of the 117 th Congress brings with it the loss of several long-time...

Legislators Urge Rule Revisions for Right Whales

Vessel collisions are one of the main threats facing critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, of which only an estimated 340 remain. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) led a letter from...

PAST Act Passes House

On November 14, by a resounding 304-111 vote, the US House of Representatives passed the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act. The legislation would end the barbaric practices associated with soring—the act of intentionally injuring...

Congress Passes the Big Cat Public Safety Act

We are pleased to report that, after years of hard work and determination, AWI and allies have succeeded in securing House and Senate passage of the Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA)! As we go...

Booting Cyanide Bombs off Public Lands

On July 21, Canyon’s Law (HR 4951/S 4584), a bill to outlaw the use of M-44 devices (a.k.a. cyanide bombs) on public lands, received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans...

Horse Protection Bills Gallop Forward

On June 23, both the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (HR 3355) and the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (HR 5441) were unanimously approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Consumer Protection...

Bill to Bar Big Cats in Private Homes Passes House

On International Tiger Day (July 29), the House of Representatives passed the Big Cat Public Safety Act by a vote of 278–134, aiming to end several abusive practices associated with keeping big cats in captivity...

Preventing Pandemics, Protecting Wildlife

Language from the AWI-endorsed Preventing Future Pandemics Act (PFPA) was successfully adopted as an amendment to the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act. The PFPA recognizes the urgent need for a global approach...

House Makes Ample Room for Animals in Minibus

In July, the House of Representatives passed HR 8294, a “minibus” package of six spending bills for fiscal year 2023 that includes many wins for animals. For starters, the bill provides funds for Animal Welfare...

Hearing Held on Big Cat Public Safety Act

The Big Cat Public Safety Act (HR 263/S 1210) received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee on May 12. This bill would prohibit private ownership of big cats and outlaw direct public contact...