NAVREF has joined a coalition of biomedical societies, academic institutions, and veterinary groups in signing a letter addressed to key Congressional leaders, urging them to strike Section 229 from the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This section, titled "Prohibition on Availability of Funds For Canine and Feline Research," threatens to limit critical life-saving biomedical research and undermine the Department of Defense’s (DOD) capabilities to safeguard U.S. national security.

DOD’s animal research program, in collaboration with academic and veterinary institutions, has historically driven innovations in human and animal health, directly benefiting U.S. troops, veterans, and military working dogs. Research outcomes from this program have led to advancements in battlefield medicine, new therapies for infectious diseases, and improved cancer treatments for both humans and animals.

Section 229, if enacted, would hinder this vital research, weaken national biomedical preparedness, and push researchers to relocate their work abroad, where animal welfare standards may not be as rigorous as in the U.S. NAVREF and other organizations are calling on Congress to protect the future of biomedical research by removing Section 229 from the NDAA.

As always, NAVREF remains dedicated to advancing medical research that benefits veterans and ensuring that cutting-edge care continues to be available to those who serve.