Bill > S1501

This bill amends the Animal Health Protection Act to improve strategies for preventing the spread of animal diseases and protecting U.S. agricultural exports. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, working through multiple agencies including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and in consultation with the U.S. Trade Representative, to negotiate international agreements about animal disease outbreaks that could impact trade. These negotiations may cover technical approaches like regionalization (designating specific geographic areas as disease-free), zoning, and compartmentalization (establishing controlled areas or production systems with distinct health status). The negotiations are intended to reduce potential disruptions to livestock and animal product exports by proactively addressing known animal disease threats. The bill explicitly states that these provisions do not limit the Trade Representative's existing trade negotiation authorities and do not require the inclusion of animal disease language in other trade agreements. The bill also stipulates that such negotiations should incorporate the latest global scientific research on animal diseases, ensuring that trade agreements are based on current scientific understanding.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1501/all-info