The AAMC joined 15 research and higher education organizations in a Sept. 30 letter (PDF) calling on lawmakers to oppose a House-supported fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, H.R. 8070) provision that would limit the ability of the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct canine and feline research.
The letter, sent to Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who serve as chair and ranking member of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees respectively, urged lawmakers to strike House NDAA Section 229, stating that if the provision is implemented, it “will limit the ability of academic and veterinary institutions to conduct life-saving biomedical research and weaken the DOD’s capabilities to safeguard U.S. national security and maintain biomedical progress.” In particular, the letter highlighted the DOD animal research program, which includes partnerships with veterinary schools and teaching institutions and has led to significant advancements in human and animal health that have greatly benefited U.S. troops, veterans, and military working dogs.