WATCH Act

This bill would tighten animal welfare rules for research labs outside the U.S. that receive money from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These labs would face quarterly inspections to check key practices like having animal care committees, reviewing how animals are treated, and keeping proper records.

After each inspection, labs that meet the rules would get a public certificate. If a lab doesn’t fix problems after being given a chance, its NIH funding could be suspended or revoked. The U.S. would coordinate with foreign regulators to make this work. These changes would begin 180 days after the law takes effect.

• Who is affected: Research labs outside the U.S. that use animals and receive NIH grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.
• What changes: Quarterly inspections; public posting of compliance certificates; possible loss of funding if problems aren’t fixed.
• When: 180 days after the law is enacted.