WASHINGTON (Sept. 12, 2024) – Today, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading animal protection organization, announced its endorsement of U.S. Representative Don Beyer for re-election to Virginia’s 8th Congressional District.
“Don Beyer doesn’t just talk about animal protection – he takes action,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “He is leading the fight to end new cosmetics testing on animals. And, he stands up for our nation’s equines and companion animals. We urge Virginians to re-elect this humane leader in November.”
In the 118th Congress, Rep. Beyer has earned a perfect score of 100+ on HSLF’s 2023 Humane Scorecard. He is the sponsor of the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 5399) to phase out testing of cosmetics on live animals and sales of animal-tested cosmetics in the U.S. He is a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, which works to promote animal protection initiatives to other members of Congress.
Rep. Beyer has also opposed the inclusion of the dangerous and overreaching “Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression” (EATS) Act (H.R. 4417 and S. 2019), or anything like it, in the next Farm Bill by signing onto a letter sent to the House Agriculture Committee leadership.
Additional pro-animal actions taken by Rep. Beyer in the 118th Congress include:
- Cosponsored the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act (H.R. 5041) to give the U.S. Department of Justice the tools it needs to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and help deter perpetual violators.
- Cosponsored the Puppy Protection Act (H.R. 1624) to update federal standards of care for dog breeders.
- Cosponsored the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3475) to prohibit the reopening of horse slaughter plants in the U.S. and the export of American horses to slaughter for human consumption.
- Cosponsored the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act (H.R. 3090) to crack down on “soring,” in which trainers deliberately inflict severe pain on the hooves and legs of Tennessee walking horses.
Media Contact:
Emily Ehrhorn | eehrhorn@hslf.org
HSLF is a nonpartisan organization that evaluates candidates based only on a single criterion: where they stand on animal welfare. HSLF does not judge candidates based on party affiliation or any other issue.
Paid for by Humane Society Legislative Fund and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. HSLF, 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 455, Washington, DC 20037.
