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| Advocacy > Federal > Legislative activities > Current agenda > 110th agenda |
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| AVMA 110th Congress Legislative Agenda |
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The American Veterinary Medical Association's Governmental Relations Division advocates the Association's policies and positions on federal legislative
and regulatory issues that influence animal and human health
and advance the veterinary medical profession
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| The Legislative Advisory Committee assisted the Executive Board in setting an aggressive agenda for the First Session of the 110th Congress: |
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H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (PL 110-234) and H.R. 6124, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-246): The legislation is an omnibus multiyear authorizing law dealing with major farm and food legislation. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) expired in September 2007. At the heart of every omnibus farm bill is farm income and commodity price support. The farm bill typically includes titles on agriculture trade, foreign food aid, conservation and environment, forestry, domestic food assistance (primarily food stamps), agricultural credit, rural development, agricultural research and education, and forestry programs. The farm bill often contains such provisions as farm marketing, energy, food safety, and animal health and welfare. The farm bill will impact the veterinary profession, animal health and welfare, and agriculture research programs.
Status: On May 21, 2008, President Bush vetoed H.R. 2419 over concerns about increased spending levels and budget offsets, payment limits, and the proposed target price and loan rate increases for some crops. Congress overrode the veto by a vote of 316-108 in the House on May 21, 2008 and 82-13 in the Senate on May 22, 2008. On President Bush vetoed H.R. 6124 on June 18, 2008. Congress overrode the veto by a vote of 317-109 in the House on June 18, 2008 and 80-14 in the Senate on June 18, 2008.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig |
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H.R. 2301, Livestock Identification and Marketing Opportunities Act of 2007: This legislation would establish a Livestock Identification Board to create and implement a national livestock identification system.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig |
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Humane Methods of Slaughter Act Amendment: This amendment would update the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to include all species slaughtered for commercial use under federal inspection. In 1978, Congress passed the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to insure that all federally inspected slaughter facilities adopt humane handling and slaughtering practices. This Act mandates humane slaughter for cows, pigs, sheep, and other livestock slaughtered at federally inspected facilities, but does not include birds, rabbits and other commercially slaughtered species.
Status: The AVMA is working closely with the National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV) and other groups to amend the Act to include all species slaughtered for commercial use under federal inspection.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit of Passage
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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Legislation to Address the Issue of Unwanted/Retired Horses: If Congress decides that horses and other equids are prohibited from being processed for human consumption, it is estimated that each year an additional 90,000-115,000 unwanted U.S. horses would need to find an alternative method of care, or disposal if the horse is euthanized. A congressional ban on slaughter of horses will only lead to a crisis situation if the ramifications of such actions are not addressed. The AVMA is actively pursuing legislation that will deal with these ramifications. This legislation is necessary to insure the humane care and treatment of these unwanted horses, and would be developed with input from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The legislation would address the following: Euthanasia concerns; standards for horse retirement centers; proper disposal of healthy animal carcasses; proper disposal of diseased animal carcasses; education for the proper care of horses and disposition options.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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H.R. 503/S. 311 The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act: This legislation amends the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption. The AVMA is actively pursuing defeat because the legislation does not adequately address the following issues: disposition of affected horses, animal welfare/standards of care for retirement and rescue facilities, costs related to the care of the horses, and environmental concerns related to horse carcass disposal.
Status: H.R. 503 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. S. 311 was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and on Nov. 14, 2007 the bill was reported by Senator Inouye without amendment (written report No. 110-229) and was placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 488).
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit of Defeat
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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S. 1498/H.R. 2964, Captive Primate Safety Act: The Captive Primate Safety Act would amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to treat nonhuman primates as prohibited wildlife species. This legislation would make it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase via interstate or foreign commerce any prohibited wildlife species. The legislation does not apply to persons or agencies licensed or registered, and inspected by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or any other Federal agency with respect to that species; State colleges, universities, or agencies, state-licensed wildlife rehabilitators, or state-licensed veterinarians; Accredited wildlife sanctuaries that care for prohibited wildlife species (with restrictions) or have custody of the animal solely for the purpose of expeditiously transporting the animal to a person or agency described above with respect to that species.
Status: S. 2964 was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public works and on October 19, 2007 it was reported by Senator Boxer with amendments (written report No. 110-210) and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 455). H.R. 2964 was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans. A hearing was held on March 11, 2008. The House passed the bill on June 17, 2008 and sent to the Senate where it was placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 928) on August 1, 2008.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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H.R. 1947, Haley's Act, Addressing the Welfare of Big Cats: Haley's Act promotes public safety and improves the welfare of captive big cats. This bill would require the USDA to include in standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals by dealers, research facilities, and exhibitors a minimum requirement to provide for public safety. This legislation would also prohibit a licensed exhibitor or dealer from allowing direct contact between a big cat and a member of the public, with an exception for zoos.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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H.R. 891: The Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007: The Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 amends the Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 to ensure that domestic dog and cat fur is prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, or advertised in the United States and to require the labeling of all fur products under the Fur Products Labeling Act. This legislation further defines Dog and Cat to be any species commonly known as domestic dog including raccoon dog and any species commonly known as domestic cat respectively.
Status: Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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H.R. 249, To Restore the Prohibition on the Commercial Sale of Wild Free-Roaming Horses & Burros: This legislation restores the prohibition on commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros by amending the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to prohibit the sale or transfer for commercial product processing of any free-roaming horse or burro on U.S. public lands and repeal provisions permitting the sale of certain excess animals or their remains, and excluding from criminal fine or imprisonment a person who processes or permits the processing of such animals' remains.
Status: The House passed the bill on April 26, 2007 by a vote of 277-137. The bill was sent to the Senate and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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S. 714/H.R. 1280, Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2007: Amends the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained: from a licensed dealer; from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements; by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat; or owned it for not less than one year; or from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Status: S. 714 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. H.R. 1280 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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S. 394/H.R. 661, The Downed Animal Protection Act of 2007: This act would amend the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act to ensure the humane slaughter of nonambulatory livestock. It states that it is U.S. policy that all nonambulatory livestock in interstate and foreign commerce be immediately and humanely euthanized when such livestock become nonambulatory.
Status: S. 394 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. H.R. 661 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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H.R. 1726, The Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act: The Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act would prohibit the federal government from purchasing any product derived from a covered animal used or intended for use as food or fiber, or to produce food or fiber unless the animal is raised under federally mandated standards.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, and the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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H.R. 2193, Animal Protection Accountability Act: This legislation would amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase the penalties for violations of such Act, to prohibit the use of animals for marketing medical devices.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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S. 1916/H.R. 3295, Chimp Haven is Home Act (PL 110-170): Amends the Public Health Service Act to repeal provisions providing for the removal of surplus chimpanzees from a sanctuary facility; and prohibits the use of such chimpanzees for research except for noninvasive behavioral studies.
Status: President Bush signed S. 1916 (PL 110-170) on December 26, 2007.
AVMA Position: No Action
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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H.R. 3029, Bear Protection Act of 2007: This legislation would conserve global bear populations by prohibiting the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of bear viscera and items, products, or substances containing, or labeled or advertised as containing, bear viscera.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, and the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means.
AVMA Position: No Action
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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S. 1880/H.R. 3219, Dog Fighting Prohibition Act: The legislation amends the Animal Welfare Act to make it unlawful to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in, or knowingly attend, a dog fighting venture; and knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive for purposes of transportation any dog or other animal for the purposes of having the dog, animal, or offspring of the dog or other animal participate in a dog fighting venture. The bill provides for imprisonment for up to five years for violations. A third bill, H.R. 3327, was introduced that also would amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit dog fighting.
Status: S. 1880 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. H.R. 3219 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry; and the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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S. 2422/H.R. 2711, Computer-Assisted Remote Hunting Act: This legislation would amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain computer-assisted remote hunting.
Status: S. 2422 was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. H.R. 2711 was referred to the Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree |
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- National Veterinary Medical Service Act
- National Animal Health Laboratory Network
- Office of Minor Use and Minor Species within the FDA-CVM
- Section 1433 Formula Funds for Animal Health and Disease Research Program
- Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory
- Johne's Disease Control and Research Programs
- Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank
- National Research Initiative- Coordinated Agricultural Project
- National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System
- National Animal Identification System
- USDA-APHIS-VS Aquaculture Program
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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S. 1609/H.R. 2010, National Offshore Aquaculture Act: This legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish an operating permit process for the development and operation of offshore aquaculture facilities in areas of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Status: S. 1609 was referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; HR 2010 was referred to the Committees on Resources, and Ways and Means, and Foreign Affairs.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S. 533, Natural Stock Conservation Act of 2007: This legislation would amend the National Aquaculture Act of 1980 to prohibit the issuance of permits for marine aquaculture facilities until requirements for the permits are enacted into law.
Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S. 2299, National Aquatic Animal Health Act of 2007: This bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an advisory committee to develop recommendations regarding the national aquatic animal health plan developed by the National Aquatic Animal Health Task Force.
Status: Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 1398/S. 807, Agriculture Protection and Prosperity Act: This legislation amends "Superfund" (the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980) to provide that manure is not considered a hazardous substance or pollutant or contaminant under the Act. The legislation will exempt releases associated with manure from the emergency notification requirements of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.
Status: HR 1398 was referred to Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. S. 807 was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S. 285/H.R. 1217, CAFO Tax Credit Act: This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit to certain concentrated animal feeding operations for the cost of complying with environmental protection regulations. This legislation was introduced in the Senate in January 2007 and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Status: S. 285 was referred to the Committee on Finance. H.R. 1217 was referred to Ways and Means.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 50, Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-132, signed by President Bush on December 6, 2007): This law reauthorizes the African Elephant Conservation Act and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994.
Status: P.L. 110-132, signed by President Bush on December 6, 2007
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 465, Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-132, signed by President Bush on December 6, 2007): This bill would reauthorize the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997.
Status: P.L. 110-132, signed by President Bush on December 6, 2007
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S. 1033/ H.R. 1464, Great Cats and Rare Canids of 2007: This bill assists in the conservation of rare felids and rare canids by supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation programs of nations within the range of rare felid and rare canid populations and projects of experts in the conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations.
Status: On May 20 the House passed H.R. 1464 by a vote of 294-119. S. 1033 was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 1913, Great Cats Conservation Act of 2007: The bill would assist in the conservation of great cats by supporting and providing financial resources for conservation programs of nations within the range of great cats and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in conservation of great cats.
Status: Referred to Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 1405/S. 1246, the Wildlife GAINS Act: This bill would establish and maintain an international Wildlife Global Animal Information Network for Surveillance to combat the growing threat of emerging diseases that involve wild animals, including infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, SARS, and avian influenza.
Status: H.R. 1405 has been reported out of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill is still before the Committees on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health; the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, as well as three separate Agriculture Subcommittee, namely the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research, the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry and the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. S. 1246 was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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H.R. 3639, Southern Sea Otter Research and Recovery Act: The Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to carry out a recovery program for southern sea otter populations along the California coast.
Status: A hearing was held on April 24, 2008 by the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 4455, Wildlife Without Borders Authorization Act: The Wildlife Without Borders Authorization Act would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide international wildlife management and conservation programs through the Wildlife Without Borders Program in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Status: A hearing was held on June 24, 2008 by the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 3859, Chronic Wasting Disease Support for States Act: This bill would support research by State departments of wildlife and agriculture, colleges and universities, and related research entities regarding the causes of chronic wasting disease and methods to control the further spread of the disease in deer and elk herds, to monitor the incidence of the disease, to support additional State efforts to control the disease.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, and the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry and the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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Equity in Federal Veterinary Pay: There is an increasing need for highly trained veterinarians in federal employment. Veterinarians in Federal service are on the front lines of the nation's homeland security efforts. At the present time, Federal agencies lack sufficient incentives to recruit and retain the best and brightest veterinarians.
Status: GRD staff is working closely with the National Association of Federal Veterinarians (NAFV) to take a holistic look at this issue. The GRD and NAFV is comparing compensation of veterinarians to other health professionals in the federal government, and seeking a legislative solution to rectify inequities.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig and Ms. Gina Luke
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S. 1150, New Markets for State Inspection Meat and Poultry Act of 2007; S. 1149/H.R. 1760: The bill would amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to authorize the interstate distribution of State-inspected meat and poultry if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that the State inspection requirements are at least equal to Federal inspection requirements. The bill would require the Secretary to reimburse State agencies for part of the costs of the inspections. This legislation would remove the prohibition for state inspected meat and poultry products being shipped interstate. Currently there are 28 state programs that maintain an "at least equal to" status with the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service and ensure safe, wholesome products for consumers.
Status: PL 110-234 (the Farm Bill) included provisions that allow interstate meat sales. PL 110-234. President Bush vetoed H.R. 2419 over concerns about increased spending levels and budget offsets, payment limits, and the proposed target price and loan rate increases for some crops. The President vetoed the bill on May 21, 2008. Congress voted to override the veto by a vote of 316-108 in the House on May 21, 2008 and 82-13 in the Senate on May 22, 2008.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank: The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) is the primary source of scientifically based recommendations for withdrawal intervals after extra-label drug use. FARAD also is an invaluable source of residue mitigation information when food animals are exposed to environmental contaminants. FARAD is without federal funding for FY2007. As a result, all public access to FARAD was discontinued on May 15, 2007. In August, FARAD obtained "bridge funding" for FY 2008 (through efforts of USDA-CSREES and FDA-CVM) which allows FARAD to operate through mid-to-late 2008. This is a short-term solution. Continued efforts are being made to seek permanent, multi-year funding.
Status: AVMA is actively pursuing a permanent funding line for FARAD
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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S. 654/H.R. 1148, Safe Food Act of 2007: The bill would establish the Food Safety Administration to protect the public health by preventing food-borne illness, ensure the safety of food, improve research on contaminants leading to food-borne illness, and improve security of food from intentional contamination.
Status: S. 654 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. H.R. 1148 was referred to Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, and the Committee on Agriculture.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton
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H.R. 4855, Effects of Food Products from Cloned Animals: This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct studies on: (1) the economic and trade impact of exports of food products from cloned animals; (2) D-Agriculture programs to monitor products from cloned animals in the food supply; (3) the health effects and costs attributable to milk from cloned animals in the food supply; and (4) the safety of food products derived from cloned animals.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health; and two Committee on Agriculture subcommittees, namely the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, and the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture.
AVMA Position: No Action
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S. 536/H.R. 1396, Amendment to the Organic Food Production Act of 1990: This bill seeks to amend the Organic Food Production Act of 1990 to prohibit cloned livestock or its progeny from being labeled as "organic".
Status: H.R. 1396 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and S. 536 was referred to Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (P.L. 109-308 signed by President Bush in Oct. 2006): The law amends the Robert Stafford Disaster Relief and Assistance Act to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following major disasters or emergencies.
Status: AVMA is working with stakeholders to implement PL 109-308 signed by President Bush in Oct. 2006.
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S. 1804, National Agriculture and Food Defense Act of 2007: This bill would enhance the ability of the U.S. to prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond to agriculture and food emergencies, and which establishes the Secretary of Homeland Security as the lead coordinator in efforts to protect critical infrastructure including agriculture and food defense. The bill would expand existing programs, codify administrative activities of some departments, and authorize new programs in other areas.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton
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H.R. 1717: The bill would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a National Bio and Agro-defense Facility.
Status: On August 1, 2007 the bill was marked up and passed by the he Committee on Homeland Security. Subsequently, the bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Then on August 1, 2008 the Committee on Homeland Security reported (amended) H. Rept. 110-819, Part I and the Committee on Energy and Commerce granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Sept. 12, 2008, while the Committee on Agriculture discharged the bill.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit of Passage
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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S. 887/H.R. 2629: The bill would restore import and entry agricultural inspection functions to the Department of Agriculture.
Status: H.R. 2629 was referred to the Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry and the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism. S. 887 was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
AVMA Position: No Action
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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S. 549/H.R. 962 Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2007: The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2007 would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to purportedly preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics used in the treatment of human and animal disease. The stated purpose of the bills "is to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics used in the treatment of human and animal diseases by phasing out use of certain antibiotics for nontherapeutic purposes in food-producing animals." Both bills were referred to Committee in their respective legislative bodies. AVMA-GRD continues to monitor this legislation for floor discussion or introduction as an amendment to other bills (Farm Bill in particular).
Status: S. 549 was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. H.R. 962 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit of Defeat
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton
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Proactive education on compounding: Veterinarians are preeminent among the many stakeholders in the complex compounding issue simply because there is not enough U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs to adequately treat the wide diversity of pets and other non-food animals that veterinarians must treat. A compounded drug is a medication that has been created by combining or altering ingredients for an individual patient in response to a licensed practitioner's prescription. Compounding can be as simple as changing the dosage form of an FDA approved drug or adding a flavoring agent for ease of administration. However, sometimes bulk (raw) pharmaceutical ingredients must be used to compound because FDA approved drugs are either unavailable or medically inappropriate for the specific patient. The current controversy in compounding centers around compounding from bulk pharmaceutical ingredients.
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton |
| View the Veterinary Compounding brochure |
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H.R. 3697/S. 2313, Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Act of 2007: The STAAR Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance efforts to address antimicrobial resistance. The Act would: establish an Office of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services; reestablish and strengthen the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force; establish a Public Health Antimicrobial Advisory Board; require submission of human and animal drug distribution data; establish an antimicrobial resistance clinical research and public health network. In addition, H.R. 3697 has provisions that would also require the Antimicrobial Resistance Task Force to review pending antimicrobial drug applications, and require submission of antimicrobial drug use data by species of food-producing animals.
Status: S. 2313 was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. H.R. 3697 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton
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H.R. 6432, Animal Drug User Fee Act Reauthorization: The Animal Drug User Fee Act, passed by Congress in 2003, sunsets in September 2008 and must be reauthorized. The program requires animal health companies to provide additional funding to CVM in exchange for performance standards. H.R. 6432 amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend the animal drug user fee program, establishes a program of fees relating to generic new animal drugs, and makes certain technical corrections to the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007.
Status: The bill moved quickly through the legislative process. It was introduced in the House on July 7, 2008 was sent to the Senate on July 31 and cleared for the White House on August 1, 2008.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton
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S. 540/H.R. 924, Domestic Pet Turtle Market Access Act of 2007: This bill requires the FDA to permit the sale of baby turtles (<10.2 centimeters) as long as the seller uses proven methods to effectively treat salmonella.
Status: S. 540 was referred to Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. H.R. 924 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S. 1708/H.R. 741, Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007: The Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007 provides for the expansion of Federal efforts concerning the prevention, education, treatment, and research activities related to Lyme and other Tick-borne diseases, including the establishment of a Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee.
Status: S. 1708 was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. H.R. 741 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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S. 1882/H.R. 5496, Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act: This legislation amends the Public Health Service Act to establish various programs, including loan repayments, scholarships, mid-career training, and community grants, for the recruitment and retention of public health workers and to eliminate critical public health workforce shortages in Federal, State, local, and tribal public health agencies.
Status: S. 1882 was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. H.R. 741 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. H.R. 5496 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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H.R. 4331, Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2008: This bill would amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, and to the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittees on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry; and Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.
AVMA Position: Nonsupport
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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S.1094/H.R.2398, CREATE-21 Creating Research, Extension and Teaching Excellence for the 21st Century: CREATE-21 would combine Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), the Economic Research Service (ERS), and the United States Forest Service (USFS) into a single super-agency reporting directly to the Secretary of Agriculture. By consolidating ARS, CSREES, ERS, and USFS current independent agency structures into an entirely new intramural research, extension, and education organization that comprises the personnel, funding, functions, and program managers of the agencies, program duplication will be eliminated, integration of both the intramural and extramural programs will be required and budgetary and operating inefficiencies will be reduced. This new entity would be known as the National Institutes for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Both bills were referred to Committee in their respective legislative bodies.
Status: S. 1094 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. H.R. 2398 was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton
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S. 971/H.R. 2118, National Institute of Food and Agriculture Act of 2007: This legislation would establish the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to provide funding for the support of fundamental agricultural research of the highest quality.
Status: S. 971 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. H.R. 2118 was referred to the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Dr. Ashley Shelton
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S.5/H.R. 3, Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007: This legislation would amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research.
Status: Congress passed the legislation (in the Senate by a vote of 63-34 on April 11, 2007 and in the House by a vote of 247-176 on June 7, 2007). President Bush vetoed the bill on June 20, 2007.
AVMA Position: No Action
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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National Research Support Project-7 (P.L. 110-234): The mission of NRSP-7 is to identify animal drug needs for minor species and minor uses in major species, to generate and disseminate data for safe and effective therapeutic applications, and to facilitate FDA approval for drugs identified as a priority for a minor species or minor use. The AVMA is actively pursuing language in the Farm Bill that authorizes NRSP-7 and advocating for federal appropriations to fund this important program.
Status: The H Rept. 110-627 accompanying the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, H.R. 2419 (P.L. 110-234), modifies the availability of grant funds for classical plant and animal breeding to 10 years and establishes National Research Support Project-7 for research on drugs for use in minor animal species (Section 7307). On May 21, 2008, President Bush vetoed H.R. 2419. Congress overrode the veto by a vote of 316-108 in the House on May 21, 2008 and 82-13 in the Senate on May 22, 2008.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Dr. Mark Lutschaunig
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Small Business Health Plan Legislation: The escalating cost of health care is straining the ability of small businesses, including veterinary hospitals, to continue offering this benefit to employees while remaining profitable. Small business health plan legislation would allow nationwide business associations to offer more affordable health insurance plans to their member businesses.
Status: Two bills were introduced in June and July 2008. H.R. 6210 amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed that would offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable, and accessible. It was referred to the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health; Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor. S. 2795, the companion bill was introduced in April 2008 and referred to the Committee on Finance. H.R. 6582, the CHOICE tax credit was referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means. The bill encourages the development of small business cooperatives for healthcare options to improve coverage for employees including through a small business CHOICE tax credit.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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Health Savings Accounts: Health Savings Accounts are high-deductible health insurance plans that allow the insured to build equity in an account for future use on health expenditures (tax free) or other priorities (taxable), thereby lowering business health care expenditures and creating financial incentives for the insured to remain healthy.
Status: Dozens of bills were introduced during the 110th Congress that included health savings accounts as part of a larger health care package. AVMA anticipates that 111th Congress will address health care reform early in the first session. Health savings accounts will likely be included in any successful comprehensively legislation to reform health care.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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Alternative Minimum Tax: The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is imposed under 26 U.S.C. § 55 and disallows many deductions and exemptions allowable in computing regular tax liability. The AMT sets a minimum tax rate of either 26% or 28% on some taxpayers who have what are known as "tax preference items" (long-term capital gains, accelerated depreciation, certain medical expenses, percentage depletion, certain tax-exempt income, certain credits, personal exemptions and the standard deduction). AMT was originally designed to limit the amount of tax sheltering that high-income taxpayers could pursue and to assure that filers paid taxes. AMT is not indexed to inflation resulting in an increasing number middle-class taxpayers being impacted. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in 2010, if nothing is changed, one in five taxpayers will have AMT liability and nearly every married taxpayer with income between $100,000 and $500,000 will owe the alternative tax. The AVMA is supporting legislation that would reform the AMT to stop the dramatic increase in taxes paid by the middle-class, including veterinarians.
Status: Temporary provisions to mitigate the effects of AMT expired at the end of 2006. Congress has been working to enact an AMT "patch." The patch for the 2007 tax year, as provided for in the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007 (PL 110-166), enacted on December 26, 2007, set the AMT exemption levels for 2007 at $66,250 for joint filers and $44,350 for single filers. The AMT exemption amounts for the 2008 tax year reverted to $45,000 for joint filers and $33,750 for single filers. Without a patch, roughly 26 million taxpayers will be affected by the AMT in 2008. The FY 2009 budget compromise (S.Con.Res. 70) includes an offset AMT patch. On April 17, 2008, the Senate Finance Committee released legislation, S. 2886, that would extend the AMT patch through 2008 and allow the use of nonrefundable personal credits against AMT liability. S. 2886 does not include offsets. Senator Baucus unveiled a substitute amendment to HR 6049 that would include an AMT patch without an offset and extensions of a variety of expiring tax provisions that would be offset. Motions to proceed to HR 6049, however, failed because the Senate was unable to invoke cloture on the measure on June 10, 2008, and again on June 17, 2008. On June 18, 2008, the House Ways and Means Committee reported out HR 6275, which provides an AMT patch that is offset (the patch is estimated to cost $61.8 billion). The House approved HR 6275 on June 25, 2008.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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H.R. 46: Small Business Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2007: The Small Business Tax Fairness and Simplification Act would provide tax incentives for small businesses.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
Non-Economic Damages
Background information
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
Legal Status of Animals:
Background information
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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Non-Economic Damages: Seeking legislation that would prevent plaintiff animal owners from recovering non-economic damages in the event of animal loss or injury.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit
Primary Contact: Dr. Angela Demaree
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H.R. 603: Rural Economic Development and Opportunities Act of 2007: This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an employer to claim a work opportunity tax credit during the next five years for the hiring of employees who live in a rural area and perform services for the employer in a rural area.
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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H.R. 3660/S. 2239, The Equity for Our Nation's Self Employed Act of 2007: This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow self-employed individuals to deduct health insurance costs in computing the tax on self-employment income.
Status: HR 3660 was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. S. 2239 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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S. 1047/H.R. 2363, Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2007: The legislation would amend section 108(f) of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986 to eliminate income and social security taxes on loan repayments to federal government employees and members of the Armed Forces on active duty under Federal student loan repayment programs. Federal veterinarians participating in the National Veterinary Medical Service Act (NVMSA) loan repayment program would directly benefit from the passage of this bill. In addition, the GRD will lobby for amending the bill to extend tax exemption to federal loan repayments to private sector employees in anticipation of the eventual initiation of NVMSA's private sector mission.
Status: S. 1047 was referred to the Committee on Finance. H.R. 2363 was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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S. 746/H.R 1232, The Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act: To establish a competitive grant program to build capacity in veterinary medical education and expand the workforce of veterinarians engaged in public health practice and biomedical research.
Status: S. 746 was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. H.R. 1232 was referred to the Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health. A hearing was held by the Subcommittee on January 23, 2008.
AVMA Position: Active Pursuit of Passage
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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Centers of Emphasis in Food Systems Veterinary Medicine (CEFSVM): The Association of American Veterinary Colleges (AAVMC) actively pursued the inclusion of language in the Farm bill reauthorization that would establish and fund Centers of Emphasis in Food Systems Veterinary Medicine. Each Center would focus on a different food animal species and no more than two Centers would focus on the same species. By focusing resources, veterinary colleges could develop one or more world-class teaching, research, and clinical centers as a leading center of emphasis in food systems veterinary medicine. Experts would be centralized in appropriate Centers to create leading-edge critical mass of expertise. Funding authorization would be $5,000,000 annually for five years, awarded on a competitive basis to veterinary colleges.
Status: The Farm bills signed into law in May and June did not include the CEFSVM.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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H.R. 2465, Income-Dependent Education Assistance Act of 2007: This legislation directs the Secretary of Education to conduct a direct income-dependent education assistance (IDEA) loan program, from July 1, 2008, through July 1, 2014, under which student borrowers of Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) or Direct Loans (DLs), under parts B and D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, may elect to convert or consolidate such loans to direct IDEA loans.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, and the Committee on Ways and Means.
AVMA Position: Support
Primary Contact: Ms. Gina Luke
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Active Pursuit of Passage – The bill or regulatory action will be placed on the AVMA legislative agenda for the current session of Congress and that a high priority application of AVMA human resources will be expended to pass the bill or adopt the regulation.
Active Pursuit of Defeat – The bill or regulation will be placed on the AVMA legislative agenda for the current session of Congress and that a high priority application of AVMA human resources will be expended to stop the bill from becoming law or the regulation becoming adopted.
Support – The AVMA supports the bill or regulation; however, it is not a high priority and is not listed on the AVMA legislative agenda for the current session of Congress. A low priority application of AVMA human resources should be expended on the bill or regulation. However, if asked, the AVMA is on record for supporting the bill or regulation.
Non-Support – The AVMA does not support the bill or regulation as written, it is not a high priority, and it is not listed on the AVMA legislative agenda for the current session of Congress. A low priority application of AVMA human resources should be expended on the bill or regulation. However, if asked, the AVMA is on record of not supporting the bill or regulation. If applicable and appropriate, the AVMA may identify areas of the bill or regulation that would need to be changed for support of the bill or regulation to be a consideration.
No Action – The AVMA makes no recommendation on the bill or regulation and the AVMA does not have a position on the bill or regulation. |
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American Veterinary Medical Association
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= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only