Contact Congress about H.R. 4638: Federal Working Animal Protection Act

This bill adds harming law-enforcement animals — like police dogs — to the list of crimes that can get a noncitizen blocked from entering or removed from the U.S. A formal conviction isn't required; admitting to the offense is enough to trigger these consequences.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Federal Working Animal Protection Act is a House bill passed by the House. The latest recorded action: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 190 (Roll no. 96). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2600).

Latest action on H.R. 4638: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 190 (Roll no. 96). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2600)

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects noncitizens who are charged with or convicted of harming animals used by law enforcement. It could also matter for immigration attorneys navigating plea deals, and for law enforcement agencies that rely on working animals.

Why this matters: Right now, harming a law-enforcement animal carries criminal penalties but has no direct immigration consequences. This bill would change that by making it grounds for both blocking entry and removal. For noncitizens, that means a conviction — or even an admission — could affect their ability to stay in or come to the United States.

Key provisions in H.R. 4638

• Adds a new reason to block noncitizens from entering the U.S. if they're tied to federal offenses for harming animals used in law enforcement, like police dogs.
• Adds a matching reason to deport noncitizens already in the U.S. for the same type of offense.
• Applies to noncitizens who have been convicted of the offense or who admit to committing the key parts of the crime.
• The covered crime is defined by pointing to an existing federal law (18 U.S.C. 1368) rather than spelling out the offense in the immigration statute itself.
• Applies both at the border (to block entry) and inside the United States (to trigger deportation), so the rules match in both situations.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 4638

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 4638

What is H.R. 4638?

This bill adds harming law-enforcement animals — like police dogs — to the list of crimes that can get a noncitizen blocked from entering or removed from the U.S. A formal conviction isn't required; admitting to the offense is enough to trigger these consequences.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 4638?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 4638?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 4638 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.