H.R. 4638 Passed the House Immigration

Federal Working Animal Protection Act

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an alien who has been convicted of harming animals used in law enforcement is inadmissible and deportable, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41] Introduced July 23, 2025 Cosponsors 19 (19 R) Latest action March 19, 2026

Summary

Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act or the BOWOW Act
This bill establishes that a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) convicted of, or who admits to having committed, an offense related to harming animals used in law enforcement is inadmissible and deportable.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

  • HouseMar 19, 2026·Roll 96·H.R. 4638
    BOWOW Act
    On Passage
    Passed228–190
    R 212–0 D 15–190 I 1–0

Actions

  1. Mar 19, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  2. Mar 19, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Mar 19, 2026 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 228 - 190 (Roll no. 96). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2600)
  4. Mar 19, 2026 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)
  5. Mar 19, 2026 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
  6. Mar 19, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4638.
  7. Mar 19, 2026 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
  8. Mar 19, 2026 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1115. (consideration: CR H2600-2606)
  9. Mar 17, 2026 Rule H. Res. 1115 passed House.
  10. Mar 16, 2026 Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1115 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958 and H.R. 4638. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 556, H.R. 1958, and H.R. 4638 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
  11. Dec 12, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 355.
  12. Dec 12, 2025 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-407.

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