We have exciting news to report! Today, a bipartisan team of senators introduced the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act (S. 2006) in the U.S. Senate. This lifesaving legislation, championed by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Susan Collins (R-ME), brings America’s equines one step closer to permanent protection from slaughter for human consumption. 

Earlier this year, another bipartisan pair of lawmakers, Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), introduced the SAFE Act (H.R. 961) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The House version of the SAFE Act, which targets the grave food safety risks that American horse meat poses to the public, is assigned to the Energy and Commerce Committee. As an influential member of this committee, Rep. Schakowsky is well positioned to fast-track this critical bill through that chamber. 

The Senate version of this bill targets the cruelty of horse slaughter, setting federal penalties for intentional participation in the horse slaughter industry. This bill is assigned to the Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Graham. As chairman, Senator Graham is in a unique position to advance the legislation. 

So far, the House version has attracted 155 cosponsors, a number that continues to grow. In the last Congress, more than half of all U.S. House members and 30 senators cosponsored the legislation, demonstrating serious traction and potential for passage in both chambers. We are confident that we will surpass that milestone in this Congress, paving the way for enactment of the SAFE Act. 

With these Congressional champions pushing this critical issue forward, we have genuine hope that Congress will finally bring this shameful practice to an end and protect American horses from the fate of the slaughterhouse once and for all. But we need your help to reach the finish line. 

Your lawmakers need to hear from you that equine welfare is a priority for their constituents. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center right now to urge your federal representative and senators to support and cosponsor the SAFE Act.