[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 72 (Tuesday, April 27, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2227-S2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Peters, and Mrs. Shaheen):
S. 1378. A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to allow for the
retirement of certain animals used in Federal research, and for other
purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleague from
Michigan, Senator Peters, in introducing the Animal Freedom from
Testing, Experiments, and Research Act, known as the AFTER Act, to
promote the adoption or retirement of animals used for research by
Federal agencies.
In fiscal year 2019, the Federal government experimented on
approximately 38,000 animals for research purposes. These experiments
occurred across fourteen different federal agencies. The animals used
were mainly cats, dogs, monkeys, and rabbits. Tracking these animals
following experimentation is challenging. In many instances, animals no
longer needed for research are killed since many agencies lack formal
retirement or adoption policies. Recent peer-reviewed studies indicate
that research animals that are adopted, however, often thrive in their
new environments.
In 2013, led by Senators Harkin, Alexander, Cantwell and myself, the
Senate passed the CHIMP Act, which allowed for the retirement of
hundreds of primates that were formerly used in National Institute of
Health (NIH) experiments. In addition, the Departments of Defense,
Veterans Affairs, FDA, and NIH recently enacted successful animal
retirement policies. While I am encouraged by the Senate's past work on
primates and the recent policies developed by a few Federal agencies,
there are many other Federal agencies, including the Agriculture
Department, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency, that lack
formal policies for animals used in experiments.
The AFTER Act builds on successful policies at DOD, VA, and NIH by
directing all Federal agencies to promulgate regulations that would
facilitate the retirement of laboratory animals. The bill provides
flexibility for each agency to devise its own policy, with the goal of
ensuring that such animals, whenever possible, are retired and not
killed. Additionally, the AFTER Act requires that animals be evaluated
by a licensed veterinarian and pronounced both mentally and physically
healthy before leaving an agency. This will help ensure a smooth
transition to a new environment.
Our legislation also encourages Federal agencies to work with non-
profit organizations to help place retired animals in sanctuaries and
shelters across the country, not just those closest to the research
facility. This would allow a State like Maine, which does not have
Federal research labs that use animals, to play a role in retiring
these animals and providing homes for them.
Mr. President, animals that are suitable for adoption or retirement
should not be killed by our Federal government. The AFTER Act would
provide the necessary direction Federal agencies need in order to move
forward with developing retirement policies. I urge all of my
colleagues to join in support of this important bipartisan legislation,
the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experiments, and Research Act.
______
By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. Carper, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr.
Blumenthal, Ms. Warren, Mr. Leahy, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Casey,
Mr. Reed, Ms. Smith, Mr. Booker, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Mr.
Merkley):
S. 1385. A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to establish
additional requirements for dealers, and for other purposes; to the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 1385
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Puppy Protection Act of
2021''.
SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEALERS.
(a) Humane Treatment of Dogs by Dealers.--Section 13(a) of
the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(9) In addition to the requirements under paragraph (2),
the standards described in paragraph (1) shall, with respect
to dealers, include requirements--
``(A) that the dealer provide adequate housing for dogs
that includes--
``(i) completely solid flooring;
``(ii) indoor space sufficient to allow the tallest dog in
an enclosure to stand on his or her hind legs without
touching the roof of the enclosure;
``(iii) with respect to dogs over 8 weeks in age, primary
enclosures that, with the length of the dog measured from the
tip of the nose to the base of the tail, provide at least--
``(I) 12 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog
measuring not more than 25 inches long;
``(II) 20 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog
measuring more than 25 but less than 35 inches long; and
``(III) 30 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog
measuring not less than 35 inches long;
``(iv) enclosures that are not stacked or otherwise placed
on top of or below another enclosure; and
``(v) temperature control that--
``(I) is appropriate for the age, breed, and condition of
each dog in the enclosure; and
``(II) is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, when dogs
are present in the enclosure;
``(B) that appropriate and nutritious food be provided to
each dog at least twice per day, in an amount sufficient to
maintain the good health and physical condition of each dog;
``(C) that each dog has continuous access to potable water
that is not frozen and is free of feces, algae, and other
contaminants;
``(D) that each dog has adequate exercise, including, for
each dog over the age of 12 weeks--
``(i) except as provided in clause (ii), unrestricted
access from the primary enclosure of the dog during daylight
hours to an outdoor exercise area that--
``(I) is at ground-level;
``(II) is a solid surface;
``(III) is enclosed by a fence or other structure;
``(IV) is properly controlled for the safety of the dog;
and
``(V) allows the dog to extend to full stride, play, and
engage in other types of mentally stimulating and social
behaviors; or
``(ii) if the dealer obtains a certification from the
attending veterinarian stating that a dog should not have
unrestricted access to an outdoor exercise area for a
specific medical reason, an alternative exercise plan
prescribed by the veterinarian for the dog that meets the
applicable requirements under section 3.8 of title 9, Code of
Federal Regulations (or successor regulations);
``(E) that each dog has meaningful socialization with
humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day
that--
``(i) includes positive interaction with a human such as
petting, stroking, grooming, feeding, playing with,
exercising, or other touching of the dog that is beneficial
to the well-being of the dog; and
``(ii) does not include time spent in veterinary care;
``(F) that each dog receives adequate veterinary care,
including--
``(i) prompt treatment of any disease, illness, or injury
by a licensed veterinarian;
``(ii) a thorough, hands-on examination by a licensed
veterinarian at least once each year, which shall include a
dental exam;
``(iii) core vaccinations recommended by the latest version
of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine
Vaccination Guidelines; and
``(iv) medications to prevent intestinal parasites,
heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks that are approved by a
licensed veterinarian for canine use;
``(G) with respect to safe breeding practices for dogs,
including--
``(i) a screening program for known prevalent inheritable
diseases that may be disabling or likely to significantly
affect the
[[Page S2228]]
lifespan or quality of life of the mother or the offspring;
``(ii) prohibiting breeding, unless each dog bred--
``(I) has been screened by a licensed veterinarian prior to
each attempt to breed; and
``(II) is found in the screening under subclause (I) to be
free from health conditions that may be disabling to, or
likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of
life of, the mother or the offspring;
``(iii) prohibiting the breeding of a female dog to
produce--
``(I) more than 2 litters in any 18-month period; or
``(II) more than 6 litters during the lifetime of the dog;
``(iv) that a female dog of any small breed (having a
maximum weight range at maturity that is less than 40 pounds)
not be bred--
``(I) before reaching the age of 18 months; or
``(II) after reaching the age of 9 years;
``(v) that a female dog of any large breed (having an
expected weight range at maturity that includes 40 or more
pounds) not be bred--
``(I) before reaching the age of 2 years; or
``(II) after reaching the age of 7 years; and
``(vi) that any canine caesarian section be performed by a
licensed veterinarian;
``(H) that dogs be housed with other dogs, unless health or
behavioral issues make group housing unsafe; and
``(I) to make all reasonable efforts to find humane
placement for retired breeding dogs--
``(i) such as with an adoptive family, rescue organization,
or other appropriate owner for that dog; and
``(ii) not including selling at auction or otherwise
placing a retired breeding dog with another breeder for
breeding purposes.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 13(a)(2)(B) of the
Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)(2)(B)) is amended by
inserting ``subject to paragraph (9),'' before ``for exercise
of dogs''.
(c) Regulations.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final
regulations establishing the standards for the care of dogs
by dealers, as required by this section and the amendments
made by this section.
______
By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Ms. Duckworth):
S. 1386. A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to provide for
efforts relating to Move Over laws, to amend title 49, United States
Code, to require crash avoidance technology on motor vehicles, and for
other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of
the bill be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
S. 1386
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Roadside First
Responders Act''.
SEC. 2. MOVE OVER LAWS.
(a) Highway Safety Programs.--Section 402 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(o) Move Over Laws.--
``(1) Definition of move over law.--In this subsection, the
term `Move Over law' means a State law intended to ensure
first responder and motorist safety by requiring motorists to
change lanes or slow down when approaching an authorized
emergency vehicle that is parked or otherwise stopped on a
roadway.
``(2) Compliance with move over laws.--For each of fiscal
years 2022 through 2026, subject to the requirements of the
highway safety plan of a State under subsection (k), as
approved by the Secretary, a State may use a portion of the
amounts received under this section to implement statewide
efforts to improve compliance with Move Over laws in the
State.
``(3) Use of funds.--Statewide efforts under paragraph (2)
may include--
``(A) purchasing and deploying digital alert technology
that is capable of sending alerts to civilian drivers to
protect first responders on the scene and en route; and
``(B) educating the public about Move Over laws in the
State through public information campaigns.''.
(b) Study on Move Over Law Public Awareness Campaigns.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation shall seek
to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall carry
out a study on the efficacy of Move Over laws (as defined in
section 402(o) of title 23, United States Code) and related
public awareness campaigns.
(2) Report.--On the completion of the report under
paragraph (1), the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine shall submit to the Secretary of
Transportation and to Congress and make publicly available a
report on--
(A) the findings of the study; and
(B) any recommendations to improve public awareness
campaigns related to the laws described in that paragraph.
(c) National Priority Safety Programs.--
(1) In general.--Section 405 of title 23, United States
Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (6), by striking ``5'' and inserting
``4'';
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (10) as
paragraphs (9) through (11), respectively; and
(iii) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) Preventing roadside deaths.--In each fiscal year, 1
percent of the funds provided under this section shall be
allocated among States that meet requirements with respect to
preventing roadside deaths (as described in subsection
(i)).''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Preventing Roadside Deaths.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to
States to prevent death and injury from crashes involving
vehicles striking vehicles and individuals stopped at the
roadside.
``(2) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
carrying out an activity funded through a grant under this
subsection may not exceed 80 percent.
``(3) Eligibility.--A State shall receive a grant under
this subsection in a fiscal year if the State submits to the
Secretary a plan that describes how the State will use funds
provided under the grant, in accordance with paragraph (4).
``(4) Use of funds.--Amounts received by a State under this
subsection shall be used by the State--
``(A) to purchase and deploy digital alert technology (as
described in section 4(b) of the Protecting Roadside First
Responders Act);
``(B) to educate the public about the safety of vehicles
and individuals stopped at the roadside in the State through
public information campaigns for the purpose of reducing
roadside deaths and injury;
``(C) for law enforcement costs related to enforcing State
laws to protect the safety of vehicles and individuals
stopped at the roadside; and
``(D) for programs to identify, collect, and report data to
State and local government agencies relating to crashes
involving vehicles and individuals stopped at the roadside.
``(5) Grant amount.--The allocation of grant funds to a
State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be in
proportion to the apportionment of that State under section
402 for fiscal year 2009.''.
(2) Sense of congress relating to funding.--It is the sense
of Congress that the national priority program for preventing
roadside deaths under subsections (a)(8) and (i) of section
405 of title 23, United States Code, should receive new and
additional funding in comparison to the funding level for all
national priority programs under section 405 of title 23,
United States Code, for the first fiscal year beginning after
the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. CRASH AVOIDANCE TECHNOLOGY.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 301 of title 49,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Sec. 30129. Crash avoidance technology
``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a final
rule to establish minimum performance standards with respect
to crash avoidance technology and to require that passenger
motor vehicles (as defined in section 32101) and commercial
motor vehicles (as defined in section 31101) manufactured for
sale in the United States on or after the compliance date
under subsection (b) are equipped with--
``(1) a forward collision warning and automatic emergency
braking system that--
``(A) alerts the driver if the distance to a vehicle ahead
or an object or person, including a pedestrian, a bicyclist,
and any other road user, in the path of travel ahead is
closing too quickly and a collision is imminent; and
``(B) automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails
to do so;
``(2) a lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
system that--
``(A) warns the driver to maintain the lane of travel; and
``(B) corrects the course of travel if the driver fails to
do so; and
``(3) a blind zone detection system that--
``(A) warns the driver if another vehicle, an object, or a
person, including a pedestrian, a bicyclist, and any other
road user, is in the blind zone of the vehicle; and
``(B) provides an additional alert if the driver attempts
to change the course of travel while another vehicle, an
object, or a person, including a pedestrian, a bicyclist, and
any other road user, is in the blind zone of the vehicle.
``(b) Compliance Date.--Compliance with the final rule
under subsection (a) shall be required beginning for the
model year that begins not later than 2 years after the date
on which the final rule is published in the Federal
Register.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter II of
chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 30128 the
following:
``30129. Crash avoidance technology.''.
[[Page S2229]]
SEC. 4. REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL VEHICLE FLEETS.
(a) Crash Avoidance Technology.--Not later than 5 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with
section 30129 of title 49, United States Code, the head of
each Federal agency shall ensure that each new passenger
motor vehicle (as defined in section 32101 of that title) and
commercial motor vehicle (as defined in section 31101 of that
title) purchased or leased as part of a Federal fleet of the
agency is equipped with--
(1) a forward collision warning and automatic emergency
braking system that--
(A) alerts the driver if the distance to a vehicle ahead or
an object or person, including a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or
any other road user, in the path of travel ahead is closing
too quickly and a collision is imminent; and
(B) automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to
do so;
(2) a lane departure warning and lane keeping assist system
that--
(A) warns the driver to maintain the lane of travel; and
(B) corrects the course of travel if the driver fails to do
so; and
(3) a blind zone detection system that--
(A) warns the driver if another vehicle, an object, or a
person, including a pedestrian, a bicyclist, and any other
road user, is in the blind zone of the vehicle; and
(B) provides an additional alert if the driver attempts to
change the course of travel while another vehicle, an object,
or a person, including a pedestrian, a bicyclist, and any
other road user, is in the blind zone of the vehicle.
(b) Digital Alert Technology.--Not later than 5 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each Federal
agency shall ensure that each vehicle in a Federal fleet of
the agency--
(1) if the vehicle is used for emergency response
activities, is equipped with digital alert technology that is
capable of sending alerts to civilian drivers to protect
first responders on the scene and en route; and
(2) is equipped with digital alert technology (which may be
provided by an aftermarket device) that is capable of
receiving alerts regarding nearby first responders.
____________________