What does Preamble of WATCH Act do?

This bill proposes to amend section 495 of the Public Health Service Act. The proposed amendment would require inspections of foreign laboratories. These inspections would focus on laboratories conducting biomedical and behavioral research. The purpose of the inspections is to ensure compliance with applicable animal welfare requirements.

What does SHORT TITLES. of WATCH Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2026.

What does FOREIGN LABORATORY INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATION. of WATCH Act do?

This section amends the Public Health Service Act to establish inspection and certification requirements for foreign laboratories receiving federal funds for animal research. Laboratories outside the United States performing research involving animals and receiving funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or national research institutes will be subject to quarterly inspections. The Secretary, in consultation with foreign regulatory authorities, will establish a process for these inspections to evaluate compliance with animal welfare requirements. Inspections will assess animal care committees, review and evaluation of animal care, and record-keeping procedures. Laboratories found compliant will receive a certification of compliance, which will be publicly accessible. Non-compliant laboratories will have an opportunity to take corrective action. If corrective action is not taken, the Secretary may suspend or revoke grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. The Secretary will designate an authority to conduct inspections and coordinate with foreign authorities to facilitate implementation.

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WATCH Act

Last updated: 1/20/2026 · Introduced: 1/20/2026

Author: W. Steube (R-FL)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates inspections of foreign laboratories receiving U.S. federal funds for animal research to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.
Laboratories meeting inspection standards will receive a publicly accessible certification of compliance, while non-compliant facilities must take corrective action or risk funding suspension.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services will oversee these inspections, coordinating with foreign regulatory agencies and designating an authority to conduct them.

119th Congressin committeeS. 1104(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short titles., and 1 more.

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