Senate Passes Landmark Legislation to Reauthorize the Toxic Substances Control Act
Bill Could Ultimately Eliminate Animal Testing
(Dec. 17, 2015) — The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund commend the U.S. Senate for passing S. 697, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, by voice vote. The bill would improve the science behind chemical testing, encourage better safety decisions to protect the environment and human health and would reduce — if not eliminate — the use of animals.
“Each year, tens of thousands of animals are killed to test industrial chemicals, including those found in common household products,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “These animals suffer terribly, as harsh chemicals are rubbed into their skin, forced down their throats and dropped in their eyes. This breakthrough bill would help make chemical testing smarter, faster and more reliable for regulatory decision-making and protect animals’ lives.”
- 697 is sponsored by Sens. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and David Vitter, R-La., with 60 bipartisan cosponsors and major support from Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. on the animal testing language. The HSUS and HSLF urge the House-Senate conference to accept the Senate animal testing language when they finalize the bill.
Media Contact: Anna West: 240-751-2669; awest@humanesociety.org
