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WATCH Act

In committee: it can still change before the session ends.

US HR 7165 · House Bill · 119th Congress

Stage
In committee
Started in
House
Sponsors
3
Latest action
Jan 20, 2026

What it does

The WATCH Act would require quarterly inspections of foreign laboratories receiving federal funds for animal research to ensure compliance with U.S. animal welfare standards, with certifications made publicly accessible and non-compliant facilities risking suspension or revocation of NIH grants or contracts. It applies to laboratories outside the United States conducting biomedical or behavioral research under NIH-administered awards. The bill mandates coordination with foreign authorities while respecting their sovereignty and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

No official summary is available here. This one was written by AI from the bill’s text.

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Where it stands

  1. Introduced (Done)

    Jan 20, 2026

  2. Committee (Current step)

    In committee · Jan 20, 2026

  3. Floor (Not started)

  4. Law (Not started)

What moved

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Who is involved

Sponsors

The lawmakers who put their names on it, lead sponsors first.

In the news

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Where it goes next

While a bill can still move, the questions are about people and money.

Work with this bill

WATCH Act | 52