[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 124 (Monday, July 21, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1220
                       SUPPORTING PAWS IN MOTION

  (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when danger strikes, it is not just 
about boots on the ground. It is about paws in motion.
  Today, I rise in defense of those who cannot speak for themselves but 
serve our Nation with unmatched loyalty, discipline, and courage. I am 
talking about canines and horses that serve our law enforcement 
officers on the front line every single day.
  From narcotics detection to crowd control, search and rescue to 
border patrol, these animals are more than sidekicks. They are trusted 
teammates, and just like their human handlers, they face real threats, 
danger, and consequences.
  That is why, today, I am introducing the Leo K9 Protection Act, a 
straightforward bill to strengthen the penalties for those who assault 
or injure these animals in the line of duty.
  I am proud to champion the Leo K9 Protection Act alongside the 
dedicated team at K9s United, whose tireless advocacy ensures that our 
service animals are treated not just as tools but as heroes.
  Under my legislation, the Federal penalty will be up to 15 years when 
someone uses a deadly weapon to harm a Federal police animal. In 
addition, this legislation will expand the Federal statute to apply to 
any State, county, or local police animal assisting a Federal agency.
  The effort is not just symbolic. It is timely and necessary. Last 
year, 21 police canines made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of 
duty, including K9 Leo of Marion County, Florida, who the bill is named 
after and who is pictured right beside me.
  Mr. Speaker, these animals run toward danger, not away from it. We 
owe them far more than a belly rub or a scratch behind the ears. Mr. 
Speaker, they fight for us. Now, it is our turn to fight for them.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical 
legislation.

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