Every year the Humane Society rates U.S. Senators and Representatives on their actions to help protect animals and their advocacy for animals’ welfare.  The scorecard tracks key votes as well as co-sponsorship of important pro-animal bills.  I am pleased to have received a score of 85.   It is essential to protect those animals that cannot protect themselves.  I am committed to ensuring that all animals receive fair and humane treatment, and that endangered species are protected and conserved.  As a Floridian, I am acutely aware of the need to create and maintain a balanced ecosystem that allows for the coexistence of human beings and nature’s most incredible species.

I am a cosponsor of the Truth in Fur Labeling Act, the Great Ape Protection Act, and the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act, among others.  In 2009, I voted in favor of several bills that funded conservation and recovery programs for imperiled crane populations, rare felids and canids, marine turtles and Southern sea otters.  I have also supported the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros, the prohibition on interstate and foreign commerce of nonhuman primates for the pet trade, as well as the federal ban on carrying loaded firearms in national parks.

Throughout my career, I have consistently supported legislation that condemns animal cruelty in all of its forms, protects our nation’s wildlife and encourages environmental conservation.  The U.S. government should avoid putting the well-being of animals at risk whenever possible, particularly if safer and equally effective training strategies are readily available.  It is crucial to treat those animals used for research and trainings lawfully and in the most humane ways possible.  I will never waiver in my strong support and advocacy of animal rights.

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