Washington, Sept. 29 -- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi issued the following press release:

WASHINGTON - On Monday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) reintroduced the bipartisan Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act (AWEIA) to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and prevent animal dealers and exhibitors with records of violating animal protection laws from receiving federal licenses. Under current law, animal dealers and exhibitors can remain eligible for federal licenses despite prior violations of animal protection laws. The Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act would close that gap by prohibiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture from issuing licenses to dealers or exhibit...