In collaboration with 15 other organizations representing biomedical professional societies, nonprofits, veterinary medicine groups, and academic institutions, Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) transmitted a sign-on letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees as they work to finalize the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R. 8070). The NDAA specifies the annual budget for the Department of Defense (DOD). Earlier this year, the House passed its version of the bill, which included an amendment prohibiting DOD funds from being used for dog and cat research.

NAVREF proudly endorsed this letter, which encourages Congress to omit this provision from the final bill. The letter highlights the significant advancements the DOD’s animal research program has achieved in human and animal health. These include breakthroughs in cancer treatment and enhanced surgical techniques, benefiting U.S. troops, veterans, and military dogs.

Without adequate support for such research, the U.S. risks losing critical opportunities to develop life-saving medicine for future patients. This could ultimately weaken the nation’s military and biomedical preparedness to address emerging threats.

You can read the full letter here: FY25 NDAA Sign-on_Animal Research_Final.