Washington, D.C. – The Humane Society Legislative Fund has given Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, ranking member on the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, a perfect rating on its newly released Humane Scorecard for the recently concluded 111th Congress. The score reflects Grijalva’s support or co-sponsorship of 15 bills, including the Restore Our American Mustangs (ROAM) Act that he introduced with Rep. Nick Rahall.
Grijalva is one of only 18 Representatives to receive a “100+” score, indicating that he not only supported every major pro-animal bill before the House but took the initiative in sponsoring a bill considered a top priority by the Humane Society. The ROAM Act sought to restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros, and to replace the current system of roundups and warehousing in holding facilities with more humane and fiscally responsible management practices such as adoptions, sanctuaries, and birth control.
“I’m proud of my record on conservation, endangered species and other animal protection issues, and I gratefully accept the Fund’s support,” Grijalva said. “It’s important for every Member of Congress to consider his or her votes’ impact on wildlife and environmental quality. The Humane Society has given us a timely reminder of why it’s important to champion wild horse preservation, endangered species protection and other causes that often don’t receive the attention they deserve.”
The scorecard highlights three major legislative advancements from the 111th Congress, including the passage of the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, the Truth in Fur Labeling Act and the Shark Conservation Act. Several other initiatives, including the ROAM Act, passed the House but were never approved by the Senate.