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The House passed the Federal Working Animal Protection Act, which makes harming law enforcement animals a reason to deny entry to or deport non-citizens.
This bill, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act (H.R. 4638), seeks to change federal immigration laws. It would make harming animals used in law enforcement, such as police dogs or horses, a specific reason to block someone from entering the U.S. or to deport those already here. It specifically targets non-citizens who have been convicted of or admit to these offenses under federal law. This was a final vote on the bill in the House of Representatives. To pass, it required a simple majority, meaning more "yes" votes than "no" votes from the members present. Because it passed, the bill has completed its journey through the House and moves to the Senate. The bill passed 228 to 190. While the vote followed general party lines, it was not a strict party-line vote because 13 Democrats joined a unified Republican caucus to support the measure. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for review.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill expands the grounds for deportation and denial of entry, specifically linking immigration status to the protection of law enforcement animals.
Who’s affected. Non-citizens: Could face immediate denial of entry or removal proceedings if they harm law enforcement animals. · Law enforcement agencies: May see strengthened federal deterrence against harming police dogs or horses.
Democrats. A majority of Democrats (83) voted against the bill, while 13 voted in favor.
Republicans. The Republican caucus voted unanimously in favor of the bill (105-0).
On Passage
Mar 19, 2026
The House passed the Federal Working Animal Protection Act, which makes harming law enforcement animals a reason to deny entry to or deport non-citizens.
This was a vote on "passage," which is the final step for a bill to move out of the House of Representatives. A "yes" vote meant the member supported sending the bill to the Senate to potentially become law.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary for review.
This bill expands the grounds for deportation and denial of entry, specifically linking immigration status to the protection of law enforcement animals.
The bill passed primarily with Republican support, though a small group of Democrats crossed over to vote with the majority.
A majority of Democrats (83) voted against the bill, while 13 voted in favor.
The Republican caucus voted unanimously in favor of the bill (105-0).
The one Independent member present voted in favor of the bill.