Bill · H.R. 7165· House(119-HR-7165)
WATCH Act
- Introduced
- 1/20/2026
- Last activity
- 1/20/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- W. Steube
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "WATCH Act," seeks to amend section 495 of the Public Health Service Act. It focuses on requiring inspections of foreign laboratories that receive Federal funds for research involving animals. These laboratories would be subject to quarterly inspections to ensure they follow animal welfare requirements. The Secretary would establish a process to evaluate things like animal care committees and record-keeping. Laboratories that pass would receive a certification of compliance, while those that fail and do not fix the issues could lose their grants or contracts.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires that copies of certificates of compliance for foreign laboratories be maintained and remain publicly accessible.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+2
The bill requires coordination with appropriate foreign regulatory authorities and foreign governments to facilitate implementation.
The opposite
Does this put more money into scientific research?-3
The bill creates a mechanism to suspend or revoke federal funding for foreign laboratories that do not comply with animal welfare requirements.
Does this put more money into medical research?-3
The bill establishes the possibility of losing federal research grants through the suspension or revocation process.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill requires the Secretary to establish and implement a new quarterly inspection and certification process for foreign laboratories.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Oversight of Animal Welfare: Foreign laboratories receiving Federal funds for research involving animals would be subject to quarterly inspections to ensure they meet specific requirements (Section 2(a)(1)).
-
Transparency of Compliance: The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare would maintain copies of certificates of compliance, and these would remain publicly accessible (Section 2(a)(3)(B)).
-
Standardized Care Procedures: The inspection process would evaluate specific standards, such as the establishment of animal care committees, the review of animal treatment, and proper record-keeping (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).
-
Opportunity for Improvement: Laboratories that do not meet requirements would be given a reasonable opportunity to take corrective action before facing harsher penalties (Section 2(a)(3)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Research Funding: If a foreign facility is found non-compliant and fails to take appropriate corrective action, the Secretary shall suspend or revoke their applicable grant, contract, or cooperative agreement (Section 2(a)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-3
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding-3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+2
- 2/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada