The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly defeated the farm bill today by a vote of 234-195. That’s wonderful news for animals as an amendment contained in the bill proposed by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) would have overturned some of the most historic state protections for animals including the ban on cruel gestation crates for pigs in Florida that 2.5 million Floridians voted to enact in 2002.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that 195 legislators in the U.S. House of Representatives actually voted for this terrible bill that would have allowed some of the worst forms of cruelty to animals to resume. Please check this list to see how your elected U.S. House member voted. If you don’t know the name of your legislator, enter your zip code at the top right of this page and it will provide you the name of your Rep. The “AYES-195” are “Yes” votes. Those legislators voted in favor of the farm bill and cruelty to animals. If your representative appears on the “AYES” list, please contact him or her via email or phone and express your dissatisfaction with his or her vote.
If left unchecked, the bill may resurface and your representative may feel equally comfortable voting for a similar amendment in a bill unless the people he or she represents express their opposition. Your representative is elected to represent your interests, not simply the interests of ruthless corporations who seek to profit from confining, abusing, and slaughtering animals. Thank you for your advocacy.
Kirschner's Korner 
I am glad to see that my rep. even tho Republican , voted nay. Interresting the difference in Democrats and Republicans on this issue. But, I am not surprised.
I did manage to get a call-in to my representative Jim Renacci before today’s vote, but as expected with his zero percent humane scorecard, he voted in support of this dangerous and oversweeping farm bill containing the King Amendment. Not only do we have to protect the animals, we also need to protect the general consumer who does want, safe, healthy food, but probable does not understand the ramifications of passing such a bill.
Both of my reps in Ohio voted no!! Since we have no laws to speak of whatsoever against any animal cruelty in my state it does not shock me money wins in this state its disgusting!!
My representative, Steve Chabot, Ohio, voted NO! As one comment stated, we have no laws to speak of against any animal cruelty in Ohio so I am happy and relieved that Representative Chabot voted against animal cruelty.
Thank god the Farm bill crashed. Now here’s hoping it won’t return next week along with a $20B reduction in food stamps for the poor that includes 200,000 children. Some days ARE good.
Here here!!!
Called my congress man’s office can’t say they at all seemed concerned even though I used words like ‘appalled’. John Campbell. Republican.
Yay for my man Sarbanes! His humane track record is a good one- I feel so fortunate. And today, this bill failing; baby steps towards an enlightened society that treats animals right! Every (even tiny) step forward can impact thousands of animals!
Mr Crenshaw in Florida voted yes……….I shall be writing a letter to him ..& by letter I mean the old fashioned way ~~~ letter & a stamp & of course also making a phone call in the morning.
He cannot take away what voters in Florida voted for in 2002~~
NO GESTATION CRATES ~~~ NO NO NO ~~~!!! We are their Voice!~~
So glad the bill got defeated! But sad that the margin was so tiny. We live in scary times. 😦
Reblogged this on spiritandanimal.wordpress.com.
These a-holes who voted in favor need to walk their bony asses through every factory farm and slaughter house and THEN VOTE! They need to SEE just how egregiously these animals are treated.
I’m happy to see my rep: Joseph P. Kennedy voted NO.
Those who voted, “NO”, may have done so to keep food stamps, not protect animals. We musn’t bet they will vote against this King amendment if not linked to food stanp issues.
Thank you for your comment Gael. You are absolutely correct. While advocates for animals made thousands of calls to the offices of House legislators expressing their opposition to the King Amendment contained within the farm bill, many legislators likely voted against the bill for various other reasons, including cuts to food stamps and free and reduced lunch programs for students in Title I schools, and increases in certain crop subsidies.
Good information. Thank you.
My Republican representative voted no too. It’s a start.
Gov. Christie, Rep. NJ voted for gestation crates in NJ even though a majority of politicians, 89 % of voters, at least 40 food companies and also one of the state’s major hog farmers, spoke out against these inhumane crates. The National Pork Producers Council is in control of brainwashing that it is better to have complete control of these sows when it is cheaper than allowing pigs to live their lives in unconfined areas. There is plenty of land outside these hell holes.