Big Cat Public Safety Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, today we are considering the Big Cat Public Safety Act. I have some concerns.

First, this is not what most Americans are concerned about right now. People outside of the Beltway are worried about the cost of living. Food prices are way up. Gas prices are nearly double what they were last year. Crime is skyrocketing. Drought and wildfire are ravaging my State of Oregon, and the Biden administration denies responsibility; and, worse, has no plan.

Americans aren't fooled. They know that the priority number one should be lowering the cost of living.

Second, I have concerns about the Big Cat bill itself. This is a State issue, not a Federal issue. Most States already have restrictions on keeping big cats as pets, if not outright bans. In fact, 38 States have already addressed the issue.

For example, my home State of Oregon has already banned private possession of big cats. Other States can legislate on this issue as they see fit. It is not appropriate for Congress to intervene, and this would certainly be an improper expansion of the Lacey Act.

We should, instead, focus upon the most important issues facing our Nation: inflation, the price of fuel, wildfire, and drought.

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