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H.R.9675 / 118th Congress

Homeward Bound Act

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 19, 2024

Homeward Bound Act

This bill allows dogs under six months of age, and dogs without microchips born before the bill becomes law, to be imported into the United States from low-risk countries for rabies. The bill delays the applicability of new requirements on importing dogs for certain government personnel importing dogs from low-risk countries, and for service animals imported from low-risk countries. 

On May 13, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a rule adding new requirements for importing dogs to prevent the reintroduction and spread of rabies. The rule, among other things, requires that every dog imported into the United States must be at least six months of age and must have a microchip implanted. The bill requires the CDC to revise the rule so that dogs of any age may be imported from low-risk countries for rabies, and so that dogs imported from low-risk countries do not need a microchip if born before the bill becomes law.

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In addition, the bill delays the applicability of the rule by 18 months for (1) members of the Armed Forces stationed in a foreign country, personnel serving at a diplomatic or consular post, and their families seeking to import a dog from a low-risk country; and (2) individuals seeking to import service animals from low-risk countries. 

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Armstrong, Kelly [R-ND-At Large] · R–ND

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
15 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Feb 6, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.9675 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.9675 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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