Press Releases

Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement after co-sponsoring H.R. 9675, the Homeward Bound Act, introduced by Congresswoman Mary Peltola (AK-AL), Congressman Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Senator Angus King (I-ME), and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND): 

“The current CDC rules for pets have created unnecessary red tape, especially for people and families in our community who frequently cross the U.S.-Canadian border,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I am proud to join the bipartisan Homeward Bound Act to ease the burden for military families and people with service dogs while keeping people and commerce moving and protecting public health.” 

“Alaskans rely on our dogs, not just for companionship, but for transportation and protection,” said Representative Peltola. “Recent CDC rule changes are unworkable for many Alaskan families, especially those who frequently cross into Canada, and for dog musher teams that travel to and from the Lower 48. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Homeward Bound Act – Alaskans spoke up, and we listened.”

H.R. 9675, the Homeward Bound Act would give military families, diplomatic families, and service dogs an 18-month waiver from the CDC rule; eliminate the age requirement; and require microchips for dogs born after enactment of the bill. Click here to view the bill text.

Additional Information:

In May, the CDC announced new rulemaking for dogs traveling to the U.S. from Canada. In response, Congressman Kennedy sent a letter to the CDC expressing concern that the new rule would hurt border communities, including those in Western New York. 

In July, Kennedy joined a bipartisan letter urging the CDC to pause the new rule. Later that month, the CDC announced changes to the rule that would reverse certain requirements. 

In August, Congressman Kennedy introduced the Border-Crossing and Re-Entry for K9s Act that would permanently pause the CDC Dog Importation Rule for pet owners and dogs traveling from low-risk countries. To view the bill text, click here. 

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