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AVMA's Legislative Successes in the 110th Congress and Outlook for the 111th
The AVMA finished the 110th Congress with more than 70 items on its Legislative Agenda. The 110th Congress saw the passage of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act; reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act; Asian Elephant Conservation Reauthorization Act; and the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act. In June, 2008, the Farm Bill passed with a number of AVMA initiatives: $2.5M Authorization of FARAD; language to expedite the implementation of the National Veterinary Medical Service Act; Agricultural Biosecurity Grant Program; Centers of Emphasis; language to insure the health of imported dogs; and language to authorize the interstate distribution of state-inspected meat and poultry.
Senator Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) worked with the AVMA and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges to amend the Higher Education Reauthorization bill with the School of Veterinary Medicine Competitive Grant Program. This program would establish a competitive grant program for veterinary schools and colleges to graduate more veterinarians engaged in public health practice and research. In the first session of the 110th Congress, NVMSA received an $875,000 appropriation, bringing the total appropriated for the program to $1.875M.
For FY2009, the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee appropriated $5M and the House Agriculture Appropriations Committee appropriated $1M for NVMSA. Most of the FY2009 Appropriations bills were not passed, and a Continuing Resolution is keeping the government funded until March 31, 2009. If Congress passes an Omnibus spending bill for the rest of 2009, NVMSA should receive significant funding, probably between $1M and $5M. These important issues may not have been successfully articulated to Members of Congress without the AVMAPAC's assistance and direct lobbying from AVMA staff and members.
The work on behalf of the veterinary profession on Capitol Hill is far from complete. Besides winning the White House, the November elections saw the Democratic Party establish stronger majorities in the House and Senate. The AVMAPAC is a vital tool in the GRD's toolbox. We appreciate your support in the past, and look forward to your continued support in the 111th Congress. A stronger AVMAPAC will help us to adequately meet those challenges in the 111th Congress and beyond.
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= AVMA/SAVMA Members Only
