A Democratic congressman proposed a controversial name change for a Republican-sponsored bill aimed at protecting service animals during a hearing on March 12, 2025. Congressman Ken Calver suggested renaming House Resolution 4638 to the “Kristi Noem Canine Relief Act” as a pointed critique of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The legislation, officially titled the “Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act,” seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. It would render any individual, including foreign nationals, who has been convicted of or admits to harming law enforcement animals inadmissible to the United States or subject to deportation. This bill was prompted by an incident at Washington Dulles International Airport, where an Egyptian man was charged with kicking a Customs and Border Protection dog while attempting to smuggle over 50 pounds of food products into the country. The dog, a five-year-old beagle named Freddie, suffered bruised ribs and took two weeks to recover.
During the hearing, Freddie was present, highlighting the emotional weight of the discussion. Democrats, including Congressman Dan Goldman, voiced their concerns that the bill could impose penalties on individuals who have not been convicted of any crime. Goldman pointed out that the man involved in the incident has already been jailed and deported under existing laws.
Goldman further linked the proposed legislation to a controversial episode from Noem’s book, where she recounted shooting and killing a dog she owned. “Make no mistake. I am strongly against anyone assaulting dogs,” he stated. “I want to know how, if at all, it would apply to cabinet members who have admitted that they have shot and killed a dog.”
Democratic Congressman Jared Moskowitz added to the critique by referencing the dog from Noem’s past, urging committee members to acknowledge its name, “Cricket.” He read passages from Noem’s book discussing the event, further intensifying the scrutiny of her actions.
On the opposing side, Republican Congressman Lance Gooden used humor to deflect criticism, employing dog-themed puns to describe Democratic committee members. He characterized Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett as “all bark and no bite,” and suggested that Congressman Moskowitz was “fetching amendments.”
Despite the spirited debate and the proposed name change, the legislation ultimately advanced out of the committee following a party-line vote. The House Judiciary Committee GOP later issued a statement framing the Democrats’ votes as a failure to protect animals, stating, “Democrats just voted to allow illegal aliens to kick dogs. Republicans wanted to deport illegal aliens for kicking dogs. Guess Dems hate man’s best friend!”
This exchange illustrates the intersection of animal welfare and immigration policy, highlighting the polarized nature of current U.S. political discourse. The implications of this legislation and the responses from both parties underscore the complex dynamics surrounding issues of enforcement and compassion in American law.
