Congressional Friends Of Animals

"The Congressional Friends of Animals (CFA) Caucus is a bipartisan congressional organization that raises awareness within Congress on animal welfare issues. It was founded in 1989 and is co-chaired by Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA).

The CFA organizes forums and briefings for Members of Congress and their staff on issues affecting animals and upcoming animal welfare legislation formed around the interests and needs of the members. CFA also tracks legislation and provides members of Congress with reliable, up-to-date information. Because the membership covers a wide spectrum of beliefs, the CFA does not write policy papers or produce issue briefs. The organization has achieved success in building coalitions among members on specific animal protection bills. CFA members have used the organization to help promote animal welfare issues of particular interest to them and their constituents."