H.R. 10774, Animal Welfare Restriction. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a net benefit — and names who gains.
H.R. 10774 · Net good
What it does
This bill amends federal animal-protection law to ban the capture, breeding, import, and export of four cetacean species (orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, and pilot whales) for public display in aquariums and marine parks. The only exceptions are transport to marine sanctuaries (facilities that prioritize animal welfare over profit) or release to the wild. Existing captive animals are not affected; the ban applies to new captures and breeding.
The analysis names non-profit marine sanctuaries (potential new market for animal care services) — and 1 more group — among the beneficiaries.
The trade-off
The bill does not grandfather existing captive cetaceans or require their release, so marine parks may retain current animals but cannot breed or acquire new ones—this creates a slow-motion phase-out of the industry rather than an immediate ban.
Transparency scores 92%, with a medium warning level and no provisions unrelated to the bill's subject.
Who is behind it
Filed by Suzan DelBene. Cosponsored by Adam Smith, Andrea Salinas, Dan Goldman and Diana DeGette.
The week in bills
One email, Sunday: what Congress passed, what it changed, and who paid.
One link arrives to confirm the address. It is used for this email and nothing else, and every issue carries an unsubscribe link.