Shimkus to Introduce Animal Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act

Press Release

Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) used a local Farm Bureau office to announce his intent to introduce legislation that would reauthorize the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA). The original law went into effect in 2003 and was extended in 2008. It expires this year.

"This legislation will provide the resources necessary for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enhance the approval process for drugs that affect food safety as well as helping pets live longer and healthier lives," Shimkus explained.

"Veterinarians will be able to better treat, control, and prevent diseases. And livestock and poultry producers will be able to keep food animals healthy. Consumers and pet owners will all benefit," he noted.

Participating in the announcement was Darryl Brinkmann of Carlyle, representing the Illinois Farm Bureau. Mr. Brinkmann is also a cattleman. Dan Sprague with The Maschhoffs represented the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Companion legislation to reauthorize the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA) will be introduced concurrently by Congressman Cory Gardner (R, Colorado-4). A legislative hearing on these bills will be held in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on Tuesday, April 9. Shimkus serves as a senior member on that subcommittee.

"This reauthorization is important for both food safety and animal health. I look forward to moving this legislation through committee and House passage in a bipartisan fashion," Shimkus added.

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