[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REINTRODUCING THE WILDLIFE VETERINARIANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACT OF 
                                  2015

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Wildlife 
Veterinarians Employment and Training Act of 2015. This legislation 
will promote robust public health policy, promote needed job growth, 
and create more affordable opportunities for individuals who are 
interested in becoming wildlife and zoological veterinarians.
  As you know, wildlife and zoo veterinarians are the primary source of 
essential health care and management that is required for animals in 
both their natural habitat and in captivity. These physicians preserve 
natural resources and the lives of animals while subsequently helping 
to protect human health by preventing, detecting and responding to 
exotic and dangerous diseases.
  As global interaction between humans, livestock and wildlife have 
intensified over the decades, the threat posed by emerging infectious 
diseases to humans and wildlife continues to increase. Controlling 
pandemic and large-scale outbreaks of disease has become more 
challenging over the years, yet there has never been a time where this 
is a more pertinent issue. We must take preventative measures to ensure 
the well-being of both animals and humans. However, the United States 
faces a shortage of positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians to 
ensure our safety from this threat.
  Following their graduation, professionals that practice wildlife and 
zoological veterinary medicine move on to earn relatively low salaries, 
compared to their companions in animal medicine. Studies have also 
shown that on average, veterinarian graduates owe roughly $130,000 in 
student loans. The expectation of a low salary, combined with enormous 
educational debt, amidst insufficient employment opportunities, 
discourages these students from pursuing these vitally important 
careers. Moreover, due to the severe lack of practical training and 
formal educational programs specializing in wildlife and zoological 
veterinary medicine, many that do graduate are unable to make 
significant contributions to the field immediately.
  My bill directly addresses these issues which prevent and dissuade 
veterinarians from practicing wildlife and zoological medicine. It will 
also contribute to the national job creation effort by funding new 
positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians to enter upon graduation. 
The bill will limit the amount of educational debt for students while 
providing incentives to practice wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine 
through the establishment of scholarships and loan repayment programs. 
Lastly, my legislation will advance education by helping schools 
develop pilot curricula around wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine by 
expanding the number of practical training programs available to 
students.
  Mr. Speaker, as you know, wild animals play a very critical role in 
our natural resources and contribute to maintaining a balanced 
ecosystem. The number of endangered species has only increased. 
Invasive non-native species and infectious disease threaten our public 
health. Therefore, wildlife and zoological veterinarians must be 
prioritized and given the resources and recognition necessary to 
protect both animal and human lives.
  I urge my colleagues to extend a helping hand to America's 
veterinarians by supporting this important piece of legislation.

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