Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-02) announced Friday that she has launched a “bipartisan Congressional Pet Caucus” with Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS-01).
Craig’s office said the new caucus will support “policies that benefit our furry friends.” Craig is a supporter of the PAWS Act, which seeks to provide funding for service dogs for members of the military experiencing PTSD.
“I am honored to announce the Congressional Pet Caucus today alongside my co-chair, Rep. Roger Marshall,” Craig said in a statement. “Dogs, cats, and all pets bring joy to our lives, which in our family includes Summitt, a 12-year-old golden retriever, and Sophie, a rescue cat who joined our household last year.”
She said what “matters most” is the “companionship that pets can provide for our returning veterans, those with different abilities and for victims of violence.”
“I was proud to support the PAWS Act earlier this year and look forward to working on legislation that benefits the hard-working folks in Minnesota’s Second Congressional district and our furry friends,” she added.
The new pet caucus will focus on legislation regarding the health and well-being of companion animals, commonsense legislation supporting pet ownership, and “science-based and transparent regulations.”
“Like so many Americans, my family and I cherish our pets – my wife and I have two labs, Razor and Choco, and a yorkie, Pepper – and recognize the benefits companion animals have for Americans of all ages,” said Marshall, who offered some more details on what exactly the caucus will do.
“Pet owners value the health and well-being of their animals and want safe, nutritious and affordable food and care options. Through the Congressional Pet Caucus, we will promote sensible legislation, communicate the benefits of the human-animal bond and share resources with caucus members related to pet health and ownership,” he explained.
The lawmakers said that about 67 percent of American households own at least one pet, which is more Americans than ever before.
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
