Congressman Proposes “Kristi Noem Canine Relief Act of 2025” Amid Controversial Bill Hearing
In a recent House committee hearing, Congressman Ken Calver proposed an intriguing name change for a significant piece of legislation aimed at protecting service animals. He suggested that the bill be renamed the “Kristi Noem Canine Relief Act of 2025,” a jab directed at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Understanding the Proposed Legislation
What is House Resolution 4638?
House Resolution 4638, also known as the “Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act,” aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill seeks to ensure that any individual—referred to as an "alien"—who is convicted of or admits to harming law enforcement animals, such as police dogs, becomes inadmissible to the United States or faces deportation.
- Key Features of the Bill:
- Applies to individuals who harm working animals.
- Proposes punitive measures, including deportation.
- Has gained support from over a dozen Republican co-sponsors.
Catalysts for the Bill
The impetus for this legislation stemmed from a disturbing incident at Washington Dulles International Airport, where an individual from Egypt kicked a Customs and Border Protection dog named Freddie while attempting to smuggle more than 50 pounds of food into the U.S. The five-year-old beagle, Freddie, suffered bruised ribs and took two weeks to recover.
The Committee Hearing Highlights
During the hearing, Freddie even made an appearance, drawing attention to the bill’s urgency. Despite its noble intent, the legislation faced significant opposition from Democratic members of the committee.
Concerns Raised by Democrats
Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill could impose harsh penalties on individuals who have not been convicted of a crime. They highlighted that the individual in Freddie’s case has already been jailed and deported under existing laws, questioning the necessity of additional measures.
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Congressman Dan Goldman’s Critique:
- Goldman articulated his strong stance against animal assault but questioned if the bill would link to cabinet members who have admitted to harming animals. He emphasized, “Is this just broadly against any assault on dogs?”
- Congressman Jared Moskowitz’s Remarks:
- Moskowitz added to the debate by reminding everyone that the puppy in the discussion had a name—Cricket—and quoted passages from Noem’s book that described her own experiences with harming dogs.
Republican Responses
In a playful rebuttal, Republican Congressman Lance Gooden employed dog-themed puns to describe the Democratic committee members:
- "Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is all bark and no bite."
- "Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal thinks we’re going to lie down."
- "Mr. Moskowitz is fetching amendments."
Despite the push from Democrats to change the bill’s name, the proposal was rejected, leading to a party-line vote that allowed the legislation to advance out of committee.
GOP’s Escalation Tactics
Following the hearing, the House Judiciary Committee GOP issued a statement asserting, “Democrats just voted to allow illegal aliens to kick dogs. Republicans wanted to deport illegal aliens for kicking dogs. Guess Dems hate man’s best friend!”
Conclusion
The hearing surrounding House Resolution 4638 encapsulated a broader debate about immigration, animal rights, and the responsibilities of lawmakers. While the proposed legislation aims to protect service animals, the discussion brought to light underlying political tensions and personal stories that resonate with both lawmakers and their constituents.
For those interested in animal rights and immigration reform, updates on the progress of this bill can be found through various legislative resources.
Relevant Links
For more on this evolving story, stay tuned for updates from congressional committees and the ongoing discussions that shape animal welfare and immigration policy in the United States.
