American Veterinary Medical Association Congressional Advocacy Network

12/14/2023

Senate Veterinary Medicine Caucus co-chairs Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Senator Amy Klobuchar hosted a briefing with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on wildlife and zoonotic diseases. AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson issued opening remarks, gave an overview of the profession’s advocacy priorities, and thanked the Senators and congressional staff attending. We greatly appreciate this opportunity from the first-ever Veterinary Medicine Caucus in the Senate and their support thus far.

11/28/2023

There are veterinarians who want to work in rural areas of America but are unable to do so—for financial reasons. The great news is that legislation pending in Congress would make it more feasible for them.

The bill, already boasting support from more than 100 stakeholder groups, is called the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. If passed, this commonsense legislation would extend the reach of the popular Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) to help more food animal and public health veterinarians relocate to rural areas facing veterinary shortages. The best part: It would expand the available dollars for the program without additional funding.

Learn more about the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act and how to support its passage ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

There are veterinarians who want to work in rural areas of America but are unable to do so—for financial reasons. The great news is that legislation pending in Congress would make it more feasible for them.

11/09/2023

BREAKING: 2023-2024 AVMA fellow secures placement in congressional office

As a scientific advisor to Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Dr. Mariah Lancaster will use their experience in veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, and foreign affairs to provide science-based counsel directly to the Congresswoman and her staff.

Full story 🔽🔽🔽

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced today that veterinarian Dr. Mariah Lancaster of Massachusetts, 2023-2024 AVMA congressional fellow, has landed a yearlong placement as a full-time staff member in U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s (MN-04) office.

11/02/2023

BREAKING: AVMA formally endorses Capitol Hill’s BiPAWtisan HOWLoween Parade

Costumed dogs paraded around a Senate office building for the annual tradition, with Mitt Romney filling in as host for Thom Tillis.

10/31/2023

ATTN: Now veterinary advocates who take action through the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network can earn points that add up to PRIZES!

Read our latest blog for details on how to begin your new advocacy journey:

Participation in veterinary advocacy is leveling up. With the AVMA’s Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN), every advocacy action you take now earns you points that add up to prizes.

10/26/2023

What’s new to the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network? Now, when you take action through the AVMA CAN, your advocacy can win you prizes!

It’s simple: Take action. Earn AVMA CAN points. Win prizes.

Start your advocacy journey now: https://avmacan.avma.org/SignUp/

A community of more than 40,000 veterinarians, veterinary students, and friends of veterinary medicine who are committed to protecting our profession. We give you tools to speak up, protect our profession and ensure that veterinary values are preserved.

10/12/2023

LATEST: AVMA helps secure legislative win for the veterinary profession. Congress has passed legislation that reauthorizes the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) and the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA).

During the reauthorization process, the AVMA provided verbal and written comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlighting the potential of these programs to fill the need for veterinarians to have more safe and effective animal drugs at their disposal.

Full story 🔽🔽🔽

In the latest government spending bill, Congress included and passed legislation that reauthorizes the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) and the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA).

09/21/2023

Amazing turnout from congressional staff and allied organizations that recognize the power of pets and the positive impact they have on human health and the quality of our life.

09/20/2023

As a proud sponsor of , the AVMA is joining the Human Animal Bond Research Institute - HABRI in celebrating the power of pets with a series of FREE weeklong educational programing that features experts in pet care, animal health, research, and policy.

Learn more about the scientific research that shows strengthening the human-animal bond can improve wellbeing for both people and companion animals: www.PetNight.com

09/19/2023

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan)...

09/19/2023

BREAKING: Senate & House reintroduce the AVMA-championed Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. Formerly known as the Enhancement Act, the bill would increase access to veterinary services in rural shortage areas designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Full story: bit.ly/3RubT2M

08/10/2023

BREAKING: Senate establishes Veterinary Medicine Caucus for the first time in its history. 🔽🔽🔽

The U.S. Senate has established a Veterinary Medicine Caucus for the first time in its history.

07/26/2023

ICYMI: House Committee advances AVMA-backed xylazine language and White House announces plan to fight illicit xylazine fentanyl combination.

Read the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) news story for full details 🔽🔽🔽

The Administration announced its national coordinated response on July 11 to fight the deadly combination of illicit xylazine mixed with fentanyl.

07/19/2023

BREAKING: AVMA-backed xylazine language advances in House

Language would schedule xylazine as a Schedule III drug while exempting the FDA-approved animal drug, which means that veterinarians will be able to use it as they always have under federal law. 🔽🔽🔽

The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the SUPPORT Act - a legislative package aimed to address the growing threat of the opioid crisis, which includes key components of the AVMA-endorsed Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. After sustained advocacy efforts from the AVMA, the language within the....

07/13/2023

Leading up to , Dr. Kent McClure, Associate Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer, presented to the AVMA’s House of Delegates about the latest advocacy efforts on behalf of the profession and the importance of getting involved: https://avmacan.avma.org/

07/06/2023

AVMA Ambassador Dr. Travis McDermott hosted Congresswoman Susie Lee last week at the Durango Animal Hospital in Nevada. During the visit, Rep. Lee and Dr. McDermott talked about how Congress can help protect, promote, and advance the veterinary profession!

06/29/2023

This week AVMA Ambassador Dr. Mary Ergen, and Retro the Dog, hosted Congressman John Rose for a tour of the Companion Animal Hospital in Tennessee. We thank Congressman Rose for taking the time to see what a day in the life of a veterinary team consists of and discuss the top issues facing the profession!

06/27/2023

In 2022, 89 veterinarians worked in U.S. Department of Agriculture- designated rural shortage areas through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. The AVMA-championed Rural Veterinary Workforce Act would expand the reach of this program. Read the full American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) News Story. 🔽🔽🔽

In 2022, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) awarded nearly $9 million to 89 veterinarians in exchange for working in U.S. Department of Agriculture–designated veterinary shortage areas. This June, Congress took up legislation that would end the federal tax on program awards.

06/23/2023

Tobin and Rachel Cole, AVMA's Manager of State Advocacy, had a spirited debate about what's more difficult ... tracking bills or squirrels. They agreed to disagree; however, Tobin was able to convince her that tennis balls are life.

06/23/2023

Bowie helps Kat Dorochenko lead the AVMA's Externship Program. Bowie's list of suggested activities: fetch, walks, and afternoon zoomies!

06/23/2023

Known for always looking dapper in his work attire, Waffles is the ultimate professional when it comes to helping Brian Davis oversee the grassroots advocacy for the AVMA.

06/23/2023

Tobin, the official office dog of the AVMA's DC team, loves following up with Dr. Lindsey Hornickel, AVMA's Assistant Director of the Government Relations, after all-staff meetings about the many important legislative issues facing veterinary medicine.

06/23/2023

Although Dr. Mark Lutschaunig is the head of the AVMA's federal advocacy team, Izzie lets him know who the captain is when visiting the DC office.

06/23/2023

Dr. Kent McClure, AVMA's Associate Executive VP and Chief Advocacy Officer, is constantly traveling nationwide to advocate on behalf of the profession. Ella provides phenomenal support at the home office after returning from a long work trip.

06/23/2023

Gracie loves going to work with AVMA President, Dr. Lori Teller. While teaching at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, veterinary students drop by her office for a "Gracie fix" where belly rubs are exchanged for playful kisses and affection.

06/23/2023

Emmy is always willing to give Dr. Janet Donlin, AVMA's CEO, a helping ... paw when it comes to advancing, protecting, and promoting the veterinary profession.

06/23/2023

It's ! Today we celebrate our favorite canine co-workers & everything they do to support us in the work/home office. Throughout the day, we will be posting pictures of the AVMA's advocacy team & their furry friends. Join us by sharing pictures of you & your dog at work today!

06/23/2023

TODAY: House reintroduces AVMA-championed Rural Veterinary Workforce Act. Formerly known as the Veterinary Medicine Loan Program Enhancement Act, the legislation would increase food animal veterinary services in rural underserved communities. bit.ly/3pkDTKl

06/22/2023

BREAKING: AVMA, 50 state and 2 territory VMAs, & 11 stakeholder orgs send letter to Congress urging swift passage of the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which would protect our communities from illicit xylazine while preserving veterinary access to its legitimate use. bit.ly/3NFqHZN

06/21/2023

The when it comes to advocating on behalf of the profession in Congress. What are some of the latest developments in Washington, DC that affect veterinary professionals, practices, and patients? Watch the AVMA’s latest legislative recap video to find out!