S.1104 - Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2025; WATCH Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2025 (WATCH Act) aims to amend Section 495 of the Public Health Service Act. It mandates quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving federal funds for animal research to ensure compliance with animal welfare requirements. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish inspection processes, issue compliance certifications, and take corrective actions against non-compliant laboratories.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase the oversight of foreign laboratories conducting animal research funded by the U.S. government. This could lead to improved animal welfare standards in these facilities. Non-compliant labs risk losing funding, potentially impacting research outcomes and international collaborations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced animal welfare standards in foreign research facilities.
- Increased transparency and accountability in federally funded research.
- Public access to compliance certifications, promoting informed decision-making.
- Potential for improved research quality due to better animal care.
- Alignment with ethical considerations regarding animal treatment in research.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden and costs associated with quarterly inspections.
- Potential for delays in research due to inspection processes and corrective actions.
- Risk of strained relationships with foreign research institutions if inspections are perceived as intrusive.
- Possible reduction in the number of foreign labs willing to accept U.S. funding due to stringent requirements.
- The cost of inspections may divert funds from actual research activities.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to ensure ethical treatment of animals in research, which can contribute to public health advancements. Congress has the power to regulate activities related to federal funding and interstate commerce, which indirectly relates to research conducted in foreign countries receiving US funds. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).