H.R.1802 - Safeguard Pets, Animals, and Research Ethics Act; SPARE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1802, the SPARE Act, aims to prohibit the use of animals in federally funded research. It promotes the adoption of humane and scientifically advanced alternatives. The bill also ensures the ethical rehoming of retired research animals.
The Act establishes a Federal Research Modernization Fund to support the transition to non-animal research methods. It outlines penalties for non-compliance and provides exceptions for certain veterinary research and cases authorized by Congress.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of animal release programs at federally funded research facilities, requiring them to release animals to rescue organizations, sanctuaries, or suitable individuals.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the SPARE Act would significantly reduce the use of animals in federally funded research. It would shift resources towards alternative research methods like human-cell-based models and artificial intelligence. The Act would also create new requirements for the ethical treatment and rehoming of research animals.
Research institutions and federal agencies would need to adapt their practices to comply with the new regulations. This includes establishing animal release programs and transitioning to non-animal research methods. The delayed application periods provide some time for adjustment.
The establishment of the Federal Research Modernization Fund would likely stimulate innovation in non-animal research technologies. This could lead to more efficient and ethical research practices.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced animal suffering in research.
- Increased investment in and development of advanced, non-animal research methods.
- Potential for more reliable and human-relevant research outcomes.
- Ethical rehoming of research animals.
- Greater transparency and accountability in federally funded research.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption of ongoing research projects.
- Increased costs associated with transitioning to new research methods.
- Possible delays in scientific advancements if alternative methods are not readily available or effective.
- Economic impact on industries that support animal research.
- Challenges in finding suitable homes for all research animals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is primarily related to Congress's power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8). The prohibition on animal research and the establishment of the Federal Research Modernization Fund fall under these powers. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
However, some might argue that the bill's restrictions on research could potentially hinder scientific progress, which could be seen as impacting the general welfare. The balance between animal welfare and scientific advancement is a policy choice left to the discretion of Congress.
Overall, the bill appears to be within the constitutional authority of Congress, provided it does not unduly infringe upon other constitutional rights or principles.
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).