In response to an increased threat with the use of biological agents for terrorism purposes, The Veterinary Workforce Expansion Act of 2005 (S. 914 and HR 2206) has been introduced to the House and Senate. Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO), a retired private practice veterinarian for 20 years and graduate of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, introduced S. 914 on April 27 to the Senate. The bill was read and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Sponsors of the Senate bill are Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS), and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR).

Chip Pickering (R-Mississippi) introduced the companion bill to the House on May 9. HR 2206 was read and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce for further deliberation.

The purpose of both bills is stated as: “To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a competitive grant program to build capacity in veterinary medical education and expand the workforce of veterinarians engaged in public health practice and biomedical research.”

Public health areas in the bill include bioterrorism and emergency preparedness, environmental health, food and safety security, regulatory medicine, diagnostic laboratory medicine, and biochemical research