Inside (the Beltway) Scoop

By: Ellen Kuo
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Armed Services’ Leadership Urged to Drop Anti-Animal Research Provision

Sixteen organizations signed a letter urging the Armed Services Committee leadership in the House and Senate to remove troubling language that inhibits the use of animals in research funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). These biomedical professional societies and nonprofits, veterinary medicine groups, and academic institutions said that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2025 (H.R. 8070) contains a provision in the House engrossed bill under section 229 that prohibits the availability of funds for canine and feline research. The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition if he (1) determines that the waiver is in the national security interest of the United States; and (2) not later than the date on which the waiver  is invoked, submits a notification of the waiver and a justification of the reason for seeking the waiver to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

However, if implemented, this language would limit the ability of academic and veterinary institutions to conduct life-saving biomedical research. It would also weaken the department’s capabilities to safeguard U.S. national security and maintain biomedical progress. 

Currently, the DOD animal research program has led to significant advancements in human and animal health that have benefited U.S. troops, veterans, and military working dogs. These include therapies for infectious diseases, enhanced surgical techniques for wounded soldiers, new treatments for exposure to hazardous agents, and more effective preventative measures for animal diseases. Additionally, all animal studies conducted through DOD are carefully regulated by federal laws, regulations, and guidelines to uphold the highest animal welfare standards.

The signatories ended their letter expressing appreciation for Congress’ bipartisan efforts to address scientific objectives within the DOD and urged striking the offending language in the final bill expected to be completed after Congress returns on November 12.