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 ensure compliance with animal welfare requirements for biomedical and behavioral research. The bill's stated purpose is to address animal welfare concerns related to foreign research laboratories.

What does SHORT TITLES. of WATCH Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Worldwide Animal Testing Compliance and Harmonization Act of 2025.

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 ensure compliance with animal welfare requirements. Inspections will evaluate 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. The amendment will take effect 180 days after the Act's enactment.

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WATCH Act

Last updated: 3/25/2025 · Introduced: 3/25/2025

Author: Eric Schmitt (R-MO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill mandates quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving U.S. federal funds for animal research to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards.
Laboratories meeting animal welfare requirements will receive a publicly accessible certification of compliance, while non-compliant facilities must take corrective action or risk funding suspension.
The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a process for inspections, conducted in consultation with foreign regulatory authorities, focusing on animal care committees, research review, and record-keeping.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7165(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

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

3 sections

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