CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · H.R. 2185· House(119-HR-2185)

Mink VIRUS Act

Rep. Espaillat
Age: 72 years
New York
Introduced
3/18/2025
Last activity
4/18/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Sponsored by
Adriano Espaillat
Cosponsors
Democrat - 5Republican - 1
Agriculture and Food
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act," aims to protect public health and human safety by banning the farming of mink for fur. It requires all fur farms to cease mink farming operations within one year of the Act's enactment. To ensure humane treatment, any termination of mink must follow specific euthanasia standards. The bill also establishes a payment program to compensate farm owners for their transition out of the industry. These payments are based on the reasonable costs of compliance and the market value of the mink farming portion of the farm.

Yes

  • Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?+5

    By banning mink farming, the bill aims to mitigate infection risks associated with these animals.

  • Does this give the federal government more power?+4

    The bill centralizes control over farming operations through federal mandates and payments.

  • Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3

    The bill promotes humane treatment of animals during their termination.

The opposite· 3 of 6

  • Would business owners be better off under this?-5

    The bill essentially shuts down the mink farming industry, though it provides compensation for the transition.

  • Does this make it easier to run a small business?-3

    The bill forces the closure of mink farming businesses and imposes high daily penalties for non-compliance.

  • Would farmers be better off under this?-2

    While it provides compensation, it forces the cessation of a specific farming industry.