Political Quotes

“I indeed rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 263, the Big Cat Public Safety Act. In the 116th Congress, we passed this legislation overwhelmingly with a vote of 272-114. So, apparently, there are a significant number of Republicans, at least a quarter of the caucus, that think this is a good idea. Sadly, the Senate didn't take the bill up then, but since that vote, we have been able to work with our colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure we don't forget this important legislation because law enforcement and our communities deserve better. Today, I am grateful that this body has had an opportunity to vote on this bill once again, and I am grateful to Mr. Grijalva and the House Natural Resources Committee for their continued support and their efforts to protect our neighborhoods from the threat of wild animals being held captive in dangerous conditions. This legislation is about public safety and the safety of our first responders. Indeed, it is inherently inhumane and dangerous to keep big cats in private residences. In 2011, as Mr. Case detailed, more than 50 animals were released from their enclosures into the streets of Zanesville, Ohio: 18 tigers, 3 cougars, and 17 lions. This was just one horrific example of how first responders in our communities are put in danger when big cats are held captive in substandard living conditions by private, unregistered, unprepared owners.…”