House Passes Smith's Veterinary Bill

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC- Today the House of Representatives passed Congressman Adrian Smith's (R-NE) Veterinary Services Investment Act. The legislation - which authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to help develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services - will now go to the Senate.

America's food animal veterinary workforce is facing a critical shortage in the public, private, industrial, and academic sectors. Large animal veterinarians, in particular, are integral to small, rural communities. However the number of vets per animal - especially in rural areas - is decreasing. According to the USDA, Cherry County has 145,000 food animals per veterinarian.

Smith's legislation builds on the current student loan repayment program to make it more effective and long-term. The funds authorized by Smith's legislation may be used to support a wide array of activities, including:

* Recruiting veterinarians and veterinary technicians;
* Expanding and establishing practices in rural high-need areas;
* Establishing mobile/portable clinics and tele-vet services; and
* Growing accredited veterinary education programs, including continuing education, distance education, and faculty recruitment.

Under Smith's bill, eligible applicants must carry out programs or activities which will substantially relieve the veterinary shortages throughout the country.

"Large animal veterinarians, in particular, are integral to small, rural communities. It is absolutely necessary for the farmers, ranchers, and those who care for animals of all shapes and sizes to have access to qualified local veterinary clinics. Unfortunately, too many rural communities don't have this necessary resource. The Veterinary Services Investment Act will make a difference," Smith said.

Smith's legislation has been endorsed by more than 80 organizations and associations including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association, the United States Animal Health Association, the American Horse Council, the United States Animal Health Association, and the American Meat Institute.

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