Legis Daily

WATCH Act

USA119th CongressS-1104| Senate 
| Updated: 3/25/2025
Eric Schmitt

Eric Schmitt

Republican Senator

Missouri

Cosponsors (6)
Joni Ernst (Republican)Rick Scott (Republican)John Fetterman (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Gary C. Peters (Democratic)Pete Ricketts (Republican)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to enhance oversight of animal research conducted abroad by establishing new requirements for foreign laboratories. It mandates that foreign laboratories receiving U.S. federal funds for biomedical and behavioral research involving animals must undergo quarterly inspections as a condition of eligibility for funding. These inspections, overseen by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will evaluate compliance with applicable animal welfare requirements, including the establishment of animal care committees, review of animal care and treatment, and proper record-keeping. Upon successful inspection, laboratories will receive a certification of compliance , which will be publicly accessible. Non-compliant laboratories will be granted a reasonable opportunity to take corrective action. However, failure to address identified issues can result in the suspension or revocation of their federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. The Secretary will designate an inspecting authority and coordinate with foreign regulatory bodies to implement and enforce these new provisions effectively.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2397
WATCH Act
Mar 25, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 25, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2397
    WATCH Act


  • March 25, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 25, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Health

WATCH Act

USA119th CongressS-1104| Senate 
| Updated: 3/25/2025
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to enhance oversight of animal research conducted abroad by establishing new requirements for foreign laboratories. It mandates that foreign laboratories receiving U.S. federal funds for biomedical and behavioral research involving animals must undergo quarterly inspections as a condition of eligibility for funding. These inspections, overseen by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will evaluate compliance with applicable animal welfare requirements, including the establishment of animal care committees, review of animal care and treatment, and proper record-keeping. Upon successful inspection, laboratories will receive a certification of compliance , which will be publicly accessible. Non-compliant laboratories will be granted a reasonable opportunity to take corrective action. However, failure to address identified issues can result in the suspension or revocation of their federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. The Secretary will designate an inspecting authority and coordinate with foreign regulatory bodies to implement and enforce these new provisions effectively.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2397
WATCH Act
Mar 25, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 25, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2397
    WATCH Act


  • March 25, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 25, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Eric Schmitt

Eric Schmitt

Republican Senator

Missouri

Cosponsors (6)
Joni Ernst (Republican)Rick Scott (Republican)John Fetterman (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)Gary C. Peters (Democratic)Pete Ricketts (Republican)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Health

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted