H.R.3043 - Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3043, the Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act, aims to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for animal experimentation in laboratories located in or controlled by adversarial nations. The bill specifically names China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia as countries of concern. It also allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Defense, to add other countries to this list.
Expected Effects
The bill would restrict funding for biomedical research involving animal testing in the specified foreign countries. This could lead to a shift in research funding towards domestic institutions or countries not deemed adversarial. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to report to Congress on any additions to the list of foreign countries.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially strengthens domestic research institutions by redirecting funding.
- May address ethical concerns related to animal welfare in foreign laboratories.
- Could enhance national security by limiting technology transfer to adversarial nations.
- Increases transparency through required reporting to Congress.
- Aligns research funding with national interests and values.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder scientific progress by limiting access to diverse research environments and expertise.
- Could strain international collaborations and diplomatic relations.
- Potentially duplicates research efforts already underway in foreign countries.
- May face challenges in defining "adversarial nations" and implementing the restrictions.
- Could lead to retaliatory measures from affected countries, impacting US researchers abroad.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare (Preamble). Congress has the power to allocate funds for specific purposes, including research, under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
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).