Bill · S. 1104· Senate(119-S-1104)
WATCH Act
- Introduced
- 3/25/2025
- Last activity
- 3/25/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Schmitt
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``WATCH Act of 2025,'' proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act. It seeks to require inspections of foreign laboratories that receive Federal funds for research involving animals. These laboratories would undergo quarterly inspections to ensure they meet specific animal welfare requirements. The Secretary would establish an inspection process to evaluate animal care committees, treatment, and record-keeping. If a laboratory fails to comply and does not take corrective action, its grants or contracts may be suspended or revoked.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands federal oversight via mandatory quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill requires public access to certificates of compliance for foreign laboratories.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill increases oversight of animal welfare standards in research environments.
The opposite
Does this put more money into scientific research?-1
The bill imposes new compliance costs and risks of fund revocation for foreign research institutions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Oversight of Animal Welfare: The bill requires quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving Federal funds to ensure they follow animal welfare requirements (Section 2(a)(1)). This ensures that research involving animals meets specific standards.
-
Standardized Animal Care: Inspections will specifically evaluate the operation of animal care committees, the review of animal treatment, and the accuracy of record-skeeping and reporting (Section 2(a)(2)(B)). This could lead to more consistent care and documentation.
-
Public Transparency: The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare will maintain copies of certificates of compliance, which will remain publicly accessible (Section 2(a)(3)(B)). This allows the public to access information regarding the compliance of these laboratories.
-
Accountability for Non-Compliance: The bill provides a mechanism to suspend or revoke grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements if a foreign facility fails to correct its compliance issues (Section 2(a)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk to Research Funding: Foreign laboratories that fail to meet requirements or fail to take appropriate corrective action face the suspension or revocation of their grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (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
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-1
- 3/25/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Joni ErnstRepublican · Iowa
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Gary PetersDemocrat · Michigan
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida