US Congress · 119th Congress (2025-2026)

HR 4638In Second Chamber

Federal Working Animal Protection Act

Source of recordUS Congress · congress.govLast synced Aug 11, 2026

Chamber

House

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became Law

Overview

This bill changes U.S. immigration law to address the harm of animals used in law enforcement. Specifically, it makes an alien inadmissible to the United States and deportable if they have been convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement, as defined under federal law. The bill focuses on prosecuting individuals who commit offenses against these animals. It aims to deter such actions and ensure the safety and well-being of working animals involved in law enforcement.

Key provisions

Adds a new category of inadmissibility for aliens convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement.
Adds a new category of deportability for aliens convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement.
Specifically references section 1368 of Title 18, United States Code, which relates to harming animals used in law enforcement.
Applies to acts that constitute the ‘essential elements’ of the offense.
The bill is also known as the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act or the BOWOW Act.

Who is affected

Aliens seeking to immigrate to the United States
Aliens currently residing in the United States
Law enforcement agencies
Animal welfare organizations
Individuals convicted of offenses against animals used in law enforcement

Notable changes

Bill text

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Jul 23, 2025XMLView source

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Legislative history

19 recorded actions · showing the most recent 12

Dec 12, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-407.

Dec 12, 2025

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-407.

Mar 16, 2026House

Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1115 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.

Mar 17, 2026House

Rule H. Res. 1115 passed House.

Mar 19, 2026Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Mar 19, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Mar 19, 2026House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 190 (Roll no. 96). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2600)

Mar 19, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 190 (Roll no. 96). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2600)

Mar 19, 2026House

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

Mar 19, 2026House

DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4638.

Mar 19, 2026House

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.

Mar 19, 2026House

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2600-2606)

Votes

Recorded roll calls and chamber actions on this bill.

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Nay

Yea

Floor votes and chamber actions

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Recorded roll calls

Geography

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No public positions recorded for this legislation.

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Federal Working Animal Protection Act

Progress