The America COMPETES Act of 2022 (HR4521) emerged in the House on January 28. The America COMPETES Act mutated into a 3,000-page mockery of the U.S. political process that sailed through the House in a week, passing on 2/4/22 with a 222-210 vote. The House deceptively hid within the bill, advertised as an economic and national defense initiative were Lacey Act amendments that will have shattering impacts on the pet community and trade, as well as other industries.

 Millions of pet owners will be harmed by this misuse of the Lacey Act. If these amendments pass, the Lacey Act will leave pet owners everywhere unable to move across state lines with their family pets. This restriction would include prohibitions on interstate travel for veterinary care, for educational programs, and for relocation of family. The impact will be disproportionately felt by military service members, who are often relocated multiple times during a pet’s lifetime.

This is another attempt at a power grab by the Federal Government. Incorporating interstate movements into the Lacey Act will turn law-abiding pet owners into potential criminals. State agencies should decide which species should be regulated on matters including invasive or injurious risks.