S. 1802: Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas Act of 2025 (CARGO Act of 2025), proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from providing funding for any research activities or programs that involve the use of live animals, unless those activities take place within the United States. The key points of the bill include:

Funding Restrictions

The bill specifically prohibits the NIH from awarding grants, contracts, or other forms of support for research that utilizes live animals if that research is conducted outside of the United States. This change aims to ensure that all animal research funded by the NIH complies with U.S. animal welfare standards.

Findings Justifying the Bill

To support its provisions, the bill lists several findings:

• The NIH has provided approximately $2.2 billion to foreign organizations for animal research from fiscal year 2011 to fiscal year 2021.
• The NIH does not conduct inspections of foreign organizations that receive funding for animal research, which means that animal welfare standards may not be upheld or accurately reported by these organizations.
• This lack of oversight has led to concerns about the mistreatment of animals in research projects conducted abroad that are financed with American taxpayer money.

Definition of the United States

The bill specifies that the term "United States" includes all states, territories, and possessions under its jurisdiction to clarify where the funding restrictions apply.

Implications

This legislation aims to enhance oversight and accountability regarding the treatment of animals in research funded by the NIH. By concentrating funding exclusively within the United States, it seeks to ensure adherence to U.S. laws and ethical standards for animal welfare.

Relevant Companies

None found.