Representatives Steve King (R-IA) and James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) have introduced two bills—HR 4879 and HR 2887, respectively—we've dubbed the States' Rights Elimination Acts. These bills would completely undermine the authority of states to pass laws to protect animals and their citizens.

A diverse and broad coalition of more than 180 groups oppose these dangerous bills. More than 60 of these organizations have signed a joint letter to Congress opposing HR 4879 and HR 2887 while other groups (such as FreedomWorks and the National Conference of State Legislators) are speaking out against King's legislation on their own.

Harvard Law School published a blistering report on the havoc that King’s measure would cause for states and businesses, echoing the concerns of law professors from across the country.

HR 4879 and HR 2887 could roll back many hard-fought protections for animals, including state laws regarding puppy mills, factory farms, horse slaughter, shark finning and cat and dog meat.

HR 4879

• Rep. King's legislation is the same failed proposal he's put forth for years. It aims to undo most existing state and local laws regarding agricultural products, including how animals are raised. It takes a lowest-common-denominator approach—if any one state tolerates the way a particular agricultural product is manufactured or produced, no matter how hazardous or unacceptable, every other state could have to do so as well.
• This threatens laws already enacted by state legislatures and citizen ballot measures on a wide range of concerns including puppy mills, the sale of horse meat, dog and cat meat, eggs from battery-caged hens, and shark finning.
• In addition to animal welfare laws, HR 4879 could subvert hundreds of state and local measures addressing food safety, food labeling, environmental requirements, child labor, alcohol, fire-safe cigarettes, and more.
• While King has not yet succeeded in enacting his bill, he did get it added as a House committee amendment to the last Farm Bill, generating tremendous opposition across the spectrum. Thankfully, the catastrophic provision was left out of the final version of the last Farm Bill, but now King aims to insert it into the new Farm Bill.

"[King's legislation] would erode state sovereignty by pre-empting state laws protecting our nation's food production and manufacturing... The 10th Amendment is the cornerstone of constitutional federalism and reserves broad powers to the states and the people. States have used this authority to enact laws that protect their citizens from invasive pests and livestock diseases, maintain quality standards for all agricultural products and ensure food safety and unadulterated seed products."
-The National Conference of State Legislatures

HR 2887

• Rep. Sensenbrenner's bill prohibits states from taxing or regulating any activity in interstate commerce by any person (including a corporation) unless that entity is physically present in the state, for example by being there for 15 days or more in a calendar year. It would prevent states from regulating sales within their own borders of any product made in another state, no matter how hazardous the product or unacceptable the production process.
• It would also prevent states from regulating professions and services within their borders. Short-term visitors would be able to sell otherwise prohibited goods and commit an untold number of otherwise prohibited acts without being subject to state standards or restrictions. This would put citizens at risk across a broad range of concerns and put in-state businesses at a competitive disadvantage with out-of-state operators who are free to evade state requirements.
• State laws that could be nullified under HR 2887 include agriculture and animal-related laws threatened by the King bill and a multitude of additional laws related to interstate commerce, such as those governing opioid prescriptions, gambling, adult-oriented businesses, gun sales, water rights, price-gouging by car repair shops, and professional licensing requirements.

"This constitutionally questionable legislation would codify a radical federal overreach that would undermine the longstanding constitutional right of states to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens and local businesses, as well as preempt countless laws in all 50 states. In short, this legislation would strip states' ability to govern."
-The National Conference of State Legislatures

Formerly referred to as the Pax Christi group, members participate in a prayer for peace the first Saturday each month at the Peace Pole in the grassy area near the Churn.   Everyone is welcome to join this prayer group.  If you have questions or would like to get more involved, please contact the Parish Office at 518-439-4951.

Christian Advocacy in Today's Political World
Monday October 15, 2018
More information to come as we get closer to the date. 

Public Policy - An advocacy ministry that works on the policy issues identified by the NYS Bishops Conference, which are found by logging onto NYSCatholic.org.  The social justice ministry also works to encourage parishioners to become active and vocal in support of legislation that serves the vulnerable and uncounted in our society. If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact Marie Copeland at 518-439-4050, or email mariecopeland62@gmail.com

Catholic Action Network ~ the Public Policy Ministry suggests that you make your voice heard in by joining the Catholic Action Network at www.nyscatholic.org .The Catholic Conference says that the legislative activity will focus on the Bishops' agenda which includes important matters such as:

• affordable housing
• education funding
• issues dealing with immigrants and refugees such as support for migrant farm workers and higher education funds for children of undocumented immigrants (The DREAM Act).

The Bishops will oppose efforts to legalize physician assisted suicide and expanded abortion rights.

Be prepared to "Take Action" on these important issues. If you have questions or need assistance in signing up for the Catholic Action Network, please contact Debbie Agney at debbie.agney@gmail.com or call 518-756-6049.

The Diocesan Commission on Peace and Justice has a blog to inform people about local events and Catholic teachings on social justice.  The blog is online at www.peace--justice.blogspot.com/.