S.1435 - Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1435, the Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act, aims to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for animal experimentation in laboratories of adversarial nations. The bill specifically targets countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It also allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretaries of State and Defense, to designate other countries of concern.
Expected Effects
The Act would restrict funding for biomedical research involving animal testing in specific foreign countries. This could lead to a shift in research funding towards domestic institutions or countries not deemed adversarial. It may also impact international collaborations in biomedical research.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces financial support to adversarial nations, potentially limiting their research capabilities.
- May incentivize domestic research and development in animal testing alternatives.
- Could align research funding with national security interests.
- Addresses ethical concerns related to animal welfare in countries with potentially lower standards.
- Increases transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars for foreign research.
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder scientific progress by limiting access to research data and expertise in certain countries.
- Could strain international relations and scientific collaborations.
- May lead to increased costs if domestic research is more expensive.
- Potential for unintended consequences if research is shifted to countries with less stringent oversight than the US but not on the list of adversarial nations.
- Defining "adversarial nations" can be politically charged and subject to change.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns 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 (Article I, Section 8). The Act does not appear to infringe on 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).