What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the Indian Health Service's (IHS) role in addressing zoonotic disease threats. Congress believes the IHS is uniquely positioned to empower Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations in this effort. The IHS is encouraged to provide public health veterinary services. The approach should be a 'One Health' approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and the environment.

What does PUBLIC HEALTH VETERINARY SERVICES. of Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act do?

This section amends Title II of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act by adding section 224, concerning public health veterinary services. It defines 'public health veterinary services' as including spaying and neutering, diagnoses, surveillance, epidemiology, control, prevention, elimination, and vaccination, among other related activities. The term 'zoonotic disease' is defined as a disease transmissible between vertebrate animals and humans. The Secretary, through the Service, is authorized to expend funds for public health veterinary services to prevent and control zoonotic disease in areas with endemic risk. The Secretary may assign veterinary public health officers from the Commissioned Corps and coordinate with the CDC Director and the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary must submit a biennial report to several Congressional committees on fund usage, officer deployment, disease surveillance data, and related services.

What does APHIS WILDLIFE SERVICES STUDY ON ORAL RABIES VACCINES IN ARCTIC of Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act do?

This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study within one year of the Act's enactment. The study focuses on delivering oral rabies vaccines to wildlife that transmit rabies to Tribal members in Arctic regions of the United States. The study must evaluate the efficacy of the vaccines. The study is also tasked with making recommendations to improve vaccine delivery.

What does ONE HEALTH FRAMEWORK. of Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act do?

This section amends Section 2235(b) of the Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats, and Pandemics Act. The amendment adds the Director of the Indian Health Service to the list of individuals referenced in the section.

Back to bills

Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act

Q: What does Preamble of Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To provide public health veterinary services to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for rabies prevention, and for other purposes,' aims to provide public health veterinary services. The bill's purpose is specifically related to rabies prevention within Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.

Q: What does SHORT TITLE. of Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act'.

Last updated: 4/23/2026 · Introduced: 4/23/2026

Author: Nicholas Begich (R-AK)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill authorizes the Indian Health Service to provide public health veterinary services, including vaccinations and disease control, to prevent zoonotic diseases in Tribal communities.
The bill mandates a study by the Secretary of Agriculture to assess the feasibility of using oral rabies vaccines to protect Tribal members in Arctic regions.
The bill expands the 'One Health' framework by adding the Director of the Indian Health Service to a list of individuals involved in pandemic preparedness and response.

119th Congressin committeeS. 620(Passed Senate)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account