Classification: Emerging Leader / Strong Supporter
Tenure: 117th–119th Congresses
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis has emerged as one of the more engaged Republican lawmakers on animal-protection issues in the 119th Congress. While her earlier record reflected selective participation in bipartisan animal-welfare initiatives, her recent legislative activity demonstrates a more proactive and substantive commitment, particularly in the areas of animal testing reform, animal cruelty enforcement, and farm animal welfare.
Unlike many lawmakers who limit their involvement to co-sponsorships or favorable votes, Malliotakis has increasingly taken a leadership role in advancing animal-protection legislation and appropriations measures. Most notably, she successfully secured House passage of two amendments to the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act designed to reduce and ultimately eliminate painful animal testing. One amendment would prohibit federal funds from being used to require testing on dogs through the Food and Drug Administration, while another would restrict U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for painful research involving dogs and cats. These successful amendments place her among a small group of lawmakers actively driving policy changes aimed at replacing outdated animal testing methods with modern, humane alternatives.
Malliotakis has also demonstrated leadership in addressing industrial animal welfare concerns. She introduced the bipartisan EGG SAVE Act (H.R. 5776), legislation intended to accelerate the adoption of in-ovo sexing technology and end the routine mass killing of male chicks in the egg industry. The measure reflects a willingness to tackle difficult agricultural welfare issues through market-based innovation rather than traditional regulatory mandates.
Her work on animal cruelty enforcement has likewise become increasingly significant. As a co-lead of the FBI Animal Cruelty Taskforce Act (H.R. 3683), Malliotakis has championed the creation of a specialized FBI unit dedicated to investigating severe forms of animal cruelty, including dogfighting, cockfighting, and animal crush videos. The legislation recognizes the documented links between animal cruelty, organized crime, violence, and other public-safety threats, an area where Malliotakis has consistently shown interest.
In addition to her legislative leadership, Malliotakis maintains a strong record of support for major animal-protection measures. She is a cosponsor of the FIGHT Act, SAFE Act, Greyhound Protection Act, CARGO Act, and FDA Modernization Act 3.0. She also opposed Rep. Riley Moore’s amendment that would have weakened the Greyhound Protection Act, demonstrating a willingness to defend existing animal-protection initiatives when challenged.
Her voting record continues to reflect the pragmatic and bipartisan approach that has characterized much of her congressional tenure. Malliotakis is particularly supportive of measures focused on animal cruelty enforcement, public safety, scientific modernization, and targeted welfare reforms. While she generally remains aligned with Republican positions on broader questions involving agricultural regulation and federal authority, she has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to depart from traditional industry preferences when pursuing practical reforms that improve animal welfare.
What distinguishes Malliotakis today is that her involvement is no longer limited to supporting legislation developed by others. Through her appropriations amendments, bill introductions, and leadership on major enforcement initiatives, she has become an active participant in shaping the congressional animal-protection agenda. Her work reflects an understanding that animal welfare intersects with public safety, scientific advancement, and responsible agricultural practices.
Within the Republican conference, Malliotakis now stands out as one of the more constructive and engaged voices on animal-protection issues. While she is not yet among the small cadre of lawmakers whose legislative portfolios are dominated by animal-welfare advocacy, she has moved well beyond the category of occasional supporter. Her growing record of leadership, successful legislative initiatives, and willingness to champion reforms places her firmly among the stronger congressional allies for animal protection.
Taken together, Malliotakis’s record reflects a lawmaker whose engagement has evolved from selective support to meaningful leadership. Her efforts on animal testing reform, cruelty enforcement, and farm animal welfare demonstrate a sustained commitment that has made her an increasingly important contributor to bipartisan animal-protection efforts in Congress.
Key Votes in 119th Congress
✅ Voted against the Moore Amendment (House Roll Call Vote 149), which sought to weaken the Farm Bill’s Greyhound Protection Act provisions by creating a special exemption allowing commercial greyhound racing to continue in West Virginia. The House rejected the amendment 237–178, preserving the national phaseout of greyhound racing and preventing a loophole that would have allowed the industry to continue operating in one state. This was a vote in support of stronger protections for racing greyhounds.
➖ No vote recorded for H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, which prohibits federal land-management agencies from restricting the use of toxic lead ammunition and fishing tackle on public lands and waters. Lead ammunition and tackle can poison eagles, condors, swans, and other wildlife that ingest lead fragments or contaminated prey. The bill passed the House 215–202. This was a vote against efforts to protect wildlife from lead poisoning.
❌ Voted in favor of H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, legislation that removed federal Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves across much of the United States and restricted judicial review of future wolf-management decisions. The bill passed the House 211–204. This was a vote against wildlife conservation and endangered species protections.
❌ Voted in favor of the Farm Bill (House Roll Call Vote 151), supporting legislation that included provisions to overturn state farm-animal confinement laws approved by voters in California and Massachusetts, while House leadership blocked votes on bipartisan amendments to ban horse slaughter, strengthen animal-fighting enforcement, and remove mink-industry subsidies. The bill passed the House 224–200. This was a vote against animal welfare, states’ rights, and stronger protections for farm animals, horses, dogs, and wildlife.
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