House Ag Committee to Consider Smith's Veterinarian Bill

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today announced the House Agriculture Committee would be considering H.R. 3519, the Veterinarian Services Investment Act, this Wednesday. The legislation, authored by Smith, would authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to award competitive grants to help develop, implement, and sustain veterinary services.

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:

* Veterinarian and veterinary technician recruitment;
* Expanding and establishing practices in rural high-need areas;
* Establishing mobile/portable clinics and tele-vet services; and
* 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.

"Nebraska needs veterinarians. They are on the front lines of food safety, public health, and animal health. Vets are integral parts of our rural communities. Unfortunately, too many rural communities don't have this necessary resource. My bill is a step in the right direction," Smith said.

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