Planning for Animal Wellness Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 4205) to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish a working group relating to best practices and Federal guidance for animals in emergencies and disasters, and for other purposes.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: S. 4205

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Planning for Animal Wellness Act'' or the ``PAW Act''. SEC. 2. WORKING GROUP GUIDELINES.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:

(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(2) Working group.--The term ``working group'' means the advisory working group established under subsection (b).

(b) Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an advisory working group.

(c) Membership.--The working group shall consist of--

(1) not less than 2 representatives of State governments with experience in animal emergency management;

(2) not less than 2 representatives of local governments with experience in animal emergency management;

(3) not less than 2 representatives from academia;

(4) not less than 2 veterinary experts;

(5) not less than 2 representatives from nonprofit organizations working to address the needs of households pets and service animals in emergencies or disasters;

(6) representatives from the Federal Animal Emergency Management Working Group; and

(7) any other members determined necessary by the Administrator.

(d) Duties.--The working group shall--

(1) encourage and foster collaborative efforts among individuals and entities working to address the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals, as appropriate, in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and

(2) review best practices and Federal guidance, as of the date of enactment of this Act, on congregate and noncongregate sheltering and evacuation planning relating to the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals, as appropriate, in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

(e) No Compensation.--The members of the working group shall serve on the working group on a voluntary basis.

(f) Guidance Determination.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the working group shall determine whether the best practices and Federal guidance described in subsection (d)(2) are sufficient.

(g) New Guidance.--Not later than 540 days after the date of enactment of this Act, if the Administrator, in consultation with the working group, determines that the best practices and Federal guidance described in subsection (d)(2) are insufficient, the Administrator, in consultation with the working group, shall publish updated Federal guidance.

(h) Sunset.--

(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the working group shall terminate on the date that is 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

(2) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the date described in paragraph (1) if the Administrator determines an extension is appropriate.

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Ms. NORTON. 4205.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 4205, the Planning for Animal Wellness Act. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up the companion bill, H.R. 7789, introduced by Representative Titus earlier this summer.

This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency to establish a working group of experts to review and, if necessary, update its guidance for addressing the needs of animals and pets before, during, and after disasters.

Animals are among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes. Like people, they may be displaced or require evacuation and sheltering. However, disaster shelters are often unable or unwilling to accommodate animals. Pets are beloved members of the family, and owners should not have to choose between abandoning their animals and getting to safety. When individuals are forced to make this terrible decision, they often refuse to evacuate before a natural disaster.

This bill will remove barriers to ensure animal welfare is properly considered in emergency planning so that all members of the family-- human and pet--are safe during disasters.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. NORTON. Titus).

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Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues as well to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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