WASHINGTON (September 12, 2024) – Today, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the nation’s leading animal protection organization, announced its endorsement of U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski for re-election to Illinois’ 13th Congressional District.
“In her first term in Congress, Nikki Budzinski joined many of our efforts to protect companion animals, wildlife, equines, and more,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “She has shown a commitment to the protection of all animals. We urge Illinois’ voters in the 13th District to re-elect Rep. Budzinski this November.”
In the 118th Congress, Rep. Budzinski earned a score of 100% on HSLF’s 2023 Humane Scorecard. She has cosponsored a variety of pro-animal bills including 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., and 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.
Additional pro-animal actions taken by Rep. Budzinski 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 address serious gaps in welfare standards for tens of thousands of breeding dogs and puppies at large-scale breeding operations licensed by the USDA.
- 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 Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788).
- Voted against an amendment to the FY 2024 Interior-Environment appropriations bill that aims to undermine the Endangered Species Act (ESA), by prohibiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from implementing commonsense, science-backed regulations to prevent species from reaching endangered status.
- Requested provisions in the fiscal year 2024 funding bill for enforcement of the AWA, HPA, Humane Methods of Slaughter Act and federal animal fighting law, and for programs to promote alternatives to animal testing, to provide shelter for domestic violence survivors with pets, to address the needs of animals at zoos and other AWA-regulated facilities in disasters, and to encourage veterinarians to locate in underserved areas.
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.
