Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 28, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to prevent U.S. taxpayer funds from supporting animal experimentation in countries deemed adversarial to the United States, citing national security and ethical concerns.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from directly conducting or indirectly funding biomedical research or experimentation involving vertebrate animal testing in facilities located in, or owned or controlled by, specified foreign countries. The bill explicitly names China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, and allows for the designation of additional countries of concern with a reporting requirement to Congress.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill protects taxpayer dollars from being used in countries that may not adhere to ethical animal welfare standards or that pose national security risks, ensuring U.S. funds align with national interests and values. They contend it is critical to prevent U.S. resources from inadvertently aiding potential adversaries or supporting practices inconsistent with American ethical principles.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that such prohibitions could hinder international scientific collaboration, potentially delaying critical biomedical advancements, or that it could be seen as an overreach if not carefully targeted. They may also raise concerns that isolating scientific communities in these nations could reduce transparency and understanding of their research activities.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Funding Research on Animals in Certain Foreign Countries
This section prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from directly conducting or indirectly funding (via grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, or other funding vehicles) biomedical research involving vertebrate animal testing. This prohibition applies to any facility or entity located in, or owned or controlled by, specific foreign countries or any other country that the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Defense, determines to be a foreign country of concern.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision safeguards U.S. taxpayer funds from being used to support research in nations that may not share U.S. values regarding animal welfare or that could pose national security concerns, ensuring accountability and ethical alignment of federal spending.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that such broad prohibitions could impede global scientific progress, particularly in areas requiring international collaboration, and might limit access to unique research environments or expertise, potentially slowing down advancements in health and medicine.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire to prevent U.S. funds from supporting potentially unethical or adversarial activities with the potential impact on international scientific collaboration and the pace of biomedical research, weighing national interests against global scientific advancement.
Section 2(b)
Enumeration of Foreign Countries
This subsection explicitly lists the People's Republic of China (including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation as the initial "foreign countries specified" where the prohibition on U.S.-funded animal research applies.
Section 2(c)
Reporting Requirement for New Countries of Concern
This section mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Defense, must submit a detailed report to specific Congressional committees within 60 days whenever a new foreign country is determined to be a "country of concern" and added to the prohibition list. This ensures Congressional oversight of future designations.