Bill

HR 1085

CARGO Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Vern Buchanan and 24 co-sponsors

The CARGO Act of 2025 prohibits federal funding for animal research outside the U.S., promoting ethical practices and redirecting grants to domestic institutions.

Introduced in House

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 1085

Summary of HR 1085: CARGO Act of 2025

Overview

The CARGO Act of 2025, formally titled the Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas Act of 2025, was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 6, 2025. The bill aims to address the funding and ethical considerations surrounding animal research conducted outside the United States.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of the CARGO Act is to prohibit the use of federal funds for animal research grants awarded to institutions or entities located outside the United States. This legislation reflects a growing concern regarding the ethical treatment of animals in research settings and aims to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used to support research practices that may not align with domestic animal welfare standards.

Key Provisions

Prohibition of Federal Funding: The bill explicitly prohibits the allocation of federal research grants for animal studies conducted outside the U.S.
Focus on Domestic Research: By restricting funding to domestic institutions, the bill encourages the development of animal research practices that adhere to U.S. ethical standards.
Oversight and Compliance: The bill may include provisions for oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with the funding restrictions, although specific details on enforcement are not provided in the introduced version.

Affected Parties

Research Institutions: U.S. research institutions that conduct animal studies may benefit from increased funding opportunities as federal grants will be redirected to domestic projects.
Animal Welfare Advocates: Organizations and advocates focused on animal rights and welfare may support the bill, viewing it as a step towards more humane research practices.
International Research Entities: Institutions outside the U.S. that currently receive federal funding for animal research will be directly impacted, as they will no longer be eligible for such grants.

Legislative Process

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the same day it was introduced.
As of now, the bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and will require further discussion, potential amendments, and votes to advance.

Conclusion

The CARGO Act of 2025 represents a significant legislative effort to reshape the landscape of animal research funding by prioritizing ethical standards and domestic practices. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for research funding and animal welfare will be closely monitored by stakeholders across various sectors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.