[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.

                          ____________________