Request to Top Democrats to put the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 on the House suspension calendar, send it to the President this year
Dear Madame Speaker, Leader Hoyer, and Chairman Pallone:
On behalf of the below-listed organizations, we ask you to put S. 5002, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, on the House suspension calendar and send it to the President for his signature this year.
With this legislation, the United States is on the cusp of revolutionizing modern science in drug development. Passage of this important provision would give new hope to patients by delivering better treatments and cures more quickly and at lower costs, while sparing millions of animals in the process.
Because it helps people and animals, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 has received over 200 endorsements, including 21 biotech companies, 34 medical associations and patient advocacy groups, and 135 animal welfare organizations.
Passing S. 5002 in the final days of the 117th Congress would qualify as a major reform, bringing the prospect of a major reduction in animal testing in the years ahead and an immediate reboot of a broken drug development paradigm. Enacting it would also remedy a deficit when it comes to final action on substantive animal welfare policy reforms. At this late stage, only the Big Cat Public Safety Act and the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act are close to enactment, even with more than 40 major policy reforms introduced in the 117th Congress to help animals.
The FDA Modernization Act has a very short distance to travel to complete passage through Congress, having cleared the Senate without dissent and having attracted tremendous bipartisan support in the House (and already passed by the House as an amendment to H.R. 7667). Relying on a very uncertain end-of-year Omnibus package to carry the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 seems needlessly risky, especially in contrast to the very certain outcome of moving the bipartisan stand-alone bill on the suspension calendar.
Democrats have made it a priority to pass legislation to protect LGBTQ rights. They led efforts to address climate change through the Inflation Reduction Act. They passed a major gun control measure after the Buffalo and Uvalde mass shootings. They have taken action to defend labor unions and abortion rights. But it seems that animal issues have not been afforded the attention and independent action they deserve.
This is the case even though there are 35,000 animal welfare groups, and one major survey identified it as the top cause in America as measured by numbers of volunteers and donors.
You have amassed remarkably strong records on animal welfare during your distinguished careers. Putting the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 on the calendar without delay is consistent with that outstanding performance.
Sincerely,
Animal Wellness Action
Marty Irby, Executive Director
Animal Wellness Foundation
Dr. Annie Harvilicz, Chief Medical Officer
Center for a Humane Economy
Wayne Pacelle, President
Citizens for Alternatives to Animal Research Barbara Stagno, President
Arizona Humane Society
Dr. Steven Hansen, DVM, MBA, CAWA Diplomate, American College of Animal Welfare, President & CEO
Beagle Freedom Project
Shannon Keith, President and Founder
Emulate Bio
Jim Corbett, Chief Executive Officer
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Jessica Harris, Program Director - Farmed Animals
International Autoimmune Encephalitis Society
Tabitha Orth, President
In Defense of Animals
Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director
Last Chance for Animals
Chris DeRose, President
Michelson Center for Public Policy Gary K. Michelson, M.D.
Founder and Co-Chair
National LGBT Cancer Network
Scout, Ph.D., Executive Director
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Kathy Guillermo, Senior Vice President Laboratory Investigations Department
Phoenix Zones Initiative
Hope Ferdowsian, M.D., MPH, FACP, FACPM President
SPCA International
Lori Kalef, Director of Programs
The Pollination Project
Ari Nessel, Board Member
Action for Primates
Humane Voters of Arizona
Alaqua Animal Refuge (FL)
Allergy & Asthma Network
Animal Advocates of South-Central PA Animal Alliance Network
Animal Care Society
Animal Defense League of Arizona Animal Protection Affiliates
Animal Protection League of New Jersey Animal Protection New Mexico
Austin Pets Alive!
Berkshire Voters for Animals
Better Meat Company
Beyond Celiac
Boulder Bear Coalition
Bowie Citizens For Local Animal
Welfare (MD)
Christian Animal Rights Association Coalition for NYC Animals
Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages Colorado Voters for Animals
Committee for Compassionate & Responsible Tourism
Compassionate Bay
CURED
Dane4Dogs
Fair Start Movement
Fish Feel
Forever Home Beagle Rescue, PA
Friends of Animals
Green Mountain Animal Defenders Green Vegans/The New Human Economy Grey2K USA
Humane Action Pittsburgh
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter
Hotchkiss Humane Society, CT
Humane Voters of Washington
Idaho Humane Society
Jane Unchained
Jefferson County Humane Society OH
Jewish Veg
Karma Rescue
Kitsap Humane Society
Last Chance for Animals
Leavenworth Humane Society
Maine Animal Coalition
Marley’s Mutts
Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals National Hispanic Medical Association
New Hampshire Animal Rights League
New Life Animal Sanctuary
North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Pawsitive Beginnings
Pet Doctors of Sherman Oaks
Pittsburgh Vegan Society
Protect Our Wildlife Vermont
Rise for Animals
Road Dogs and Rescue
SPCA of Hancock County
Spokane Humane Society
Switch 4 Good
Texas Pets Alive!
Utah Animal Rights Coalition
Voters for Animals, NYC
Wildwood Farm Sanctuary and Preserve
