Congressman Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly is serving his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia’s 11th District, which includes Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the City of Fairfax in Northern Virginia.
Prior to his election to Congress, he served 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as Chairman. Throughout his career, protecting and growing Northern Virginia’s economy has been his top priority. In Congress, he has played a key role in securing federal dollars for transportation improvements in Northern Virginia, including completion of the Fairfax County Parkway, widening the Prince William County Parkway, providing ongoing support for Rail to Dulles, and securing the annual federal commitment of $150 million for the regional Metro system.
Congressman Connolly is a strong supporter of animal welfare and has consistently received a 100% score from the Humane Society for his voting record on these issues. Congressman Connolly is also a proud member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus.
He has voted for and supported important legislation to end horse slaughter, restrict animal testing, and increase animal welfare funding. Connolly has cosponsored the Preventing All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, the Humane Cosmetics Act, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act, the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act, and the Big Cat Public Safety Act.
In addition, he supports legislation limiting trophy hunting importation, shutting down live wildlife markets and wildlife trade, cracking down on problem breeders and violators of the Animal Welfare Act, and supporting research animal retirement. He has also opposes efforts to undermine state animal welfare protections and weaken the Endangered Species Act.