NIH would lose authority to fund animal research in foreign labs

What does this do?

HR 1085 would prohibit the National Institutes of Health from awarding grant money to research projects that use live animals if that work takes place outside the United States or its territories. Foreign universities, labs, and organizations currently receive NIH funding for animal research, but this bill would end that eligibility. Any animal research seeking NIH support would have to be conducted on U.S. soil.

Who does it affect?

Foreign research institutions and universities that currently receive NIH funding for animal studies would lose that eligibility under this bill. U.S. scientists who partner with overseas labs on animal research could also lose NIH support unless the animal work is relocated to the United States.

Why does it matter?

NIH does not physically inspect overseas labs, and foreign organizations currently self-report their own animal welfare information, which Congress argues creates a risk of inaccurate reporting and potential animal mistreatment. Domestic research institutions would remain eligible for NIH funding, though the overall pool of NIH-funded research partners would shrink.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $2.2B spent on foreign animal research
• Covered the period 2011 to 2021
• Funded by NIH grants