H.R.1992 - Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1992, the Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025, aims to prohibit certain activities involving kangaroos and kangaroo products within the United States. The bill specifically targets the import, sale, possession with intent to sell, manufacture, trade, advertisement, transport, and distribution of kangaroos and kangaroo products in interstate commerce. It defines 'kangaroo' and 'kangaroo product' and establishes criminal penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.
The Act tasks the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with other agencies, with issuing regulations to implement the law. The effective date for the core prohibitions is set 180 days after enactment.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Fitzpatrick and Ms. Schakowsky and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this law will significantly restrict the availability of kangaroo products in the US market. Businesses involved in importing or selling these products will need to find alternative goods. The law aims to protect kangaroo populations by reducing demand for their products.
Potential Benefits
- Protection of kangaroo populations by reducing commercial demand.
- Prevention of potential animal cruelty associated with the harvesting of kangaroos for commercial purposes.
- Alignment with ethical consumerism by restricting the sale of products derived from kangaroos.
- Potential for increased focus on alternative, more sustainable materials in manufacturing.
- May reduce the risk of introducing invasive species or diseases carried by kangaroos or their products.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential economic impact on businesses that import or sell kangaroo products.
- Possible increase in the price of substitute goods if kangaroo products were a cost-effective option.
- Limited impact on global kangaroo populations if other countries continue to trade in these products.
- May face challenges in enforcement and require resources for monitoring and prosecuting violations.
- Could be seen as an overreach of federal power into matters of international trade.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. By regulating the import and sale of kangaroo products, the bill is exercising this power.
However, potential challenges could arise if the law is argued to unduly burden interstate commerce or infringe upon individual liberties. The law does not appear to violate any specific constitutional amendments, such as the First Amendment (freedom of speech or religion) or the Second Amendment (right to bear arms).
Further legal scrutiny might focus on whether the regulations issued by the Secretary of Commerce are consistent with the intent of the law and do not exceed the scope of authority delegated by Congress.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).