H.R.2185 - Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act; Mink VIRUS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2185, also known as the Mink VIRUS Act, aims to protect public health by prohibiting mink farming in the United States. The bill provides a one-year grace period for mink farms to cease operations and mandates humane termination methods for mink within 90 days of enactment. It also establishes a payment program to compensate farmers transitioning out of the industry, allocating $100 million for this purpose.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to the closure of mink farms across the country. Farmers would receive compensation for their losses and compliance costs. The risk of zoonotic disease transmission from mink farms to humans would be reduced.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of viral outbreaks originating from mink farms.
- Financial assistance to mink farmers for transitioning to other ventures.
- Codification of humane standards for mink termination.
- Potential for increased public confidence in animal welfare standards.
- Prevents the establishment of new mink farms through permanent easements.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential job losses in the mink farming industry.
- Financial burden on taxpayers to fund the compensation program.
- Possible legal challenges from mink farmers regarding the prohibition.
- Disruption to the fur market and related industries.
- Difficulty in accurately assessing the market value of fur farms for compensation purposes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's prohibition on mink farming could be challenged under the Fifth Amendment, which protects against the taking of private property for public use without just compensation. However, the bill attempts to address this by providing a payment program to compensate farmers. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could be invoked to justify federal regulation of mink farming if it is shown to have a substantial effect on interstate commerce, particularly concerning the spread of disease.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).