November 2, 2001

Rats, Mice and Birds Provision Omitted from Senate Bill

The Senate Oct. 25 passed its version of the FY 2002 Agriculture Appropriations bill (S. 1191) without language that prohibits the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from changing the definition of animal in the Animal Welfare Act. The House bill (H.R. 2330), passed July 11, includes a provision stating that no funds may be used by the USDA to fulfill the terms of a settlement with the Animal Research and Development Fund that compels the agency to begin a rulemaking process to include rats, mice and birds in the definition of animal [see Washington Highlights, July 13].

The bill now goes to conference to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions. The provision would be a continuation of language included in the FY 2001 appropriations bill.

Information: Erica Froyd, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0525.