AVMA Members Advocate for Federal Legislation
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In an effort to educate the nation’s policymakers on issues of importance to the veterinary profession, 100 veterinary students and veterinarians gathered in our nation’s capital this week to take part in the 2014 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Legislative Fly-In. The two-day event gave participants the chance to learn more about the federal legislative process and urge their members of Congress to support legislation that impacts veterinarians and the health and welfare of animals.
“We are very fortunate at the AVMA to have a well-established governmental relations division based in Washington, D.C., that tracks more than 50 legislative issues on behalf of the association, but their work can only go so far,” said Clark Fobian, DVM, AVMA president. “Our nation’s leaders want to hear how bills in Congress affect their constituents, and the AVMA Legislative Fly-In gives AVMA members and veterinary students a unique opportunity to come to the U.S. Capitol to share their personal experiences and advocate for bills that will enhance the veterinary profession and protect animal health and welfare. We are very excited to see so many veterinary students and veterinarians step forward to take part in the political process and help shape laws for the future of veterinary medicine.”
The participants focused their meetings with elected officials and their staff on a few high-priority pieces of legislation for the AVMA, including:
- The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act (HR 1125/S 553);
- The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act (HR 1528);
- The Prevent All Soring Tactics Act (HR 1518/S 1406); and
- The Horse Transportation Safety Act (S 1459).
The participants also heard from large animal veterinarian and U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, DVM (R-Fla.), who is one of co-founders of the House Veterinary Medicine Caucus, and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
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