[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 27]
[Senate]
[Page 36343]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   UNANIMOUS-CONSENT REQUEST--S. 1498

  Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 455, S. 1498; 
that the committee-reported amendments be considered and agreed to, the 
bill, as amended, be read a third time, passed, and the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, without further intervening action 
or debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Madam President, on behalf of Senator Coburn, I 
object.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, the Captive Primate Safety Act, S. 1498, 
is an important, bipartisan bill promoting the humane treatment of 
animals and protecting public health and safety from the considerable 
risks associated with primate pet ownership and trade.
  On May 24, 2007, I introduced S. 1498, with Senators Vitter, 
Lautenberg, Lieberman, and Menendez. Senator Ensign is also a 
cosponsor.
  Nonhuman primates are susceptible to many biological agents that 
infect human beings, including tuberculosis, Ebola/Marburg, and 
poxviruses. Because of the serious health risk, importing nonhuman 
primates into the United States for the pet trade has been banned by 
Federal regulation since 1975. In addition, many States already 
prohibit these animals as pets. Still, there is an active trade in 
these animals. Estimates are that 15,000 are in private hands; however, 
as the trade is largely unregulated, the number may be much higher. 
Because many of these animals move in interstate commerce, Federal 
legislation is needed.
  This legislation amends the Lacey Act to prohibit transporting 
monkeys, great apes, lemurs, and other non-
human primates across State lines for the pet trade. The bill has no 
impact on trade or transportation of animals for zoos, medical and 
other licensed research facilities, or certain other licensed and 
regulated entities.
  The Captive Primate Safety Act is supported by the Humane Society of 
the United States, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the 
American Veterinary Medical Association, Defenders of Wildlife and the 
Wildlife Conservation Society and many other environmental 
organizations and animal welfare groups.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania is recognized.

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