If you were paying attention to the news recently, “dumpster fire” might be an appropriate description for the beginning of the new Congress last month. Sara has been advocating in the halls of Congress since 1988 and she has a different — and more optimistic — assessment.
Sara noted that some of the most significant advances for animals have come during divided government. Part of the key is how the issue is framed. She mentioned several Republican House members with strong animal welfare credentials, some in leadership.
Turning to the Michigan delegation, Sara related her recent hour-long(!) discussion with newly-elected U.S. Representative John James, whom she believes may be an ally. More importantly, she called on his constituents (parts of Macomb County including Rochester, Warren, and St. Clair Shores) to contact him and use her name to urge him to become a leader in supporting animal welfare bills:
“I understand you met with Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund [the week of Jan. 30]. I live in your district and I’ll be watching. I strongly urge you to jump on board as quickly as possible to show support for animal protection issues.”
Sara Amundson, Lunch + Legislation, February 6, 2023
Find out if you are in Rep. James’s district.
The animals gained some great victories during the last session of Congress:
- Shark Fin Elimination Act
- END Wildlife Trade Act
- Big Cat Public Safety Act
- Revenue bills to enhance Animal Welfare Act enforcement, and FDA non animal testing.
View the full interview here; and our Lunch + Legislation Archive here.