Bills of Congress June 11, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.R.3915 - Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 3915, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Animal Health Protection Act. The bill primarily focuses on reauthorizing and modifying the funding mechanisms for animal disease prevention and management programs. It allocates specific funding amounts from the Commodity Credit Corporation for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 and beyond, while also authorizing appropriations for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to bolster the nation's ability to prevent, surveil, and rapidly respond to foreign animal diseases. This is achieved through increased and sustained funding for key programs. The changes in funding levels and allocations will likely impact the scope and effectiveness of animal health initiatives across the country.

Potential Benefits 4/5

* **Enhanced Animal Health Infrastructure:** Increased funding will support the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, improving diagnostic capabilities.
* **Improved Disease Preparedness:** The reauthorization of the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program will strengthen the nation's ability to handle outbreaks.
* **Support for Vaccine Development:** Funding for the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank will ensure availability of critical resources.
* **Economic Stability for Agriculture:** Preventing and managing animal diseases protects livestock and the agricultural economy.
* **Long-Term Funding Commitment:** Establishes long-term funding for animal health programs, providing stability and predictability.

Most Benefited Areas:

Agricultural Viability & Food Security ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Economic Growth & Job Creation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Business Prosperity & Innovation ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Potential Disadvantages

* **Potential for Misallocation of Funds:** The specific allocation of funds to different subsections may not perfectly align with emerging needs.
* **Dependence on Commodity Credit Corporation:** Reliance on the Commodity Credit Corporation for funding could be problematic if the CCC faces financial constraints.
* **Limited Scope:** The bill focuses primarily on animal diseases and may not address other related issues, such as food safety or environmental concerns.
* **Uncertainty Beyond 2031:** Funding levels beyond fiscal year 2031 are set at a specific amount, which may not be sufficient if needs increase.
* **Possible Inflationary Pressures:** Increased government spending, even in targeted areas, can contribute to inflationary pressures if not managed carefully.

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to protect animal health and the agricultural economy, contributing to the overall well-being of the nation. Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) also supports this type of legislation, as animal diseases can significantly impact interstate and international trade. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.