The Honorable Representative _________________________________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Senators ______________________________________
The U.S. Senate, U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Representative __________________________________ and

Senators _______________________________________________ :

I am concerned about pending legislation that challenges America's foundation of free speech. As your constituent, I respectfully ask you to oppose the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (H.R. 4239), a bill drafted to shield animal-use corporations from legal protest. If H.R. 4239 is enacted, non-violent objection and civil disobedience, boycotts, and even influential media campaigns would become terrorist activities if linked to "loss of profits" for agribusiness, research laboratories, fur farms, circuses, and other "animal enterprises."

Please do not support H.R. 4239, introduced by Rep. Thomas Petri [R-WI], or any companion bill in the Senate that outlaws dissent if it leads to "economic damage." Under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, citizens who exercise their First Amendment rights to free speech, free assembly and free expression are labeled terrorists and face significant time behind bars.

Moreover, the subjective phrase "loss of profits" apparently includes overhead to restore lost or damaged property or records, expenses for duplicating suspended or invalidated experiments, etc. Will H.R. 4239 focus on property crimes alone or criminalize lawful whistleblowers and undercover cruelty investigators as well?

I fail to understand the purpose of this bill. Disciplinary measures already exist for vandalism, trespassing, or other unlawful behavior. The overwhelming majority of animal protection advocates never engage in illegal activity. But even if they did, they should be prosecuted under present laws.

I do not view demonstrations against animal experimentation facilities or distribution of literature outside an animal circus as terrorism any more than I view anti-war or women's health protests as terrorism. Will Congress propose similar Terrorism Acts to cover all areas of opposition?

Exposing animal cruelty may upset business and slow revenue, but it's hardly a form of terrorism. This unconstitutional bill establishes a model for repressive legislation to silence all social justice movements. I sincerely hope you are among those legislators who disagree with this shameful attempt to equate activists with terrorists. H.R. 4239 is an insult to the true victims of terrorism.

No animal activist in the U.S. has ever caused grave human injury or death. I am baffled as to why my government representatives believe I need the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act to feel safe. In fact, I would feel far more secure if the Department of Homeland Security focused on legitimate domestic security threats. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration in this serious matter.

Sincerely,