| Good afternoon, Knowing of your interest in animal welfare issues, I wanted to email you to update you on my bipartisan legislation that would outlaw a heinous form of animal abuse known as "crushing," where deranged individuals maim and torture animals. It's called the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, and it would be the first ever federal law to grant all animals federal protections against cruelty and abuse. This commonsense legislation has been endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States and a variety of law enforcement organizations. As you may know, on two separate occasions this year, my Senate Republican colleagues and I attempted to pass this bill by unanimous consent but were blocked by our Democratic counterparts. Unfortunately, by the time the Senate finally passed the PACT Act late Friday night, the House of Representatives had adjourned for the year. As such, this bill will need to be re-introduced next Congress. Like almost all Pennsylvanians, I believe there is absolutely no place for the crushing of animals in our society. It's blatantly inhumane and astonishingly cruel. This abhorrent practice must end. While it is disappointing that partisan politics prevented us from passing this bill in a timely manner, I remain hopeful that we will finish the job and get the PACT Act signed into law next Congress. I also appreciate your taking the time to contact my office about animal welfare issues. I hope you will continue to keep in touch with my office, and please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be of assistance. You can watch a recent speech I gave on the Senate floor about this legislation here. Best,
Pat Toomey | 
