American Veterinary Medical Association Congressional Advocacy Network

07/22/2026

BREAKING: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-championed Combating Illicit Xylazine Act was advanced by the House Energy & Commerce Committee UNANIMOUSLY!

The legislation would help address illicit xylazine while preserving veterinary access to this animal sedative.

Full details: https://bit.ly/4bQwl71

06/17/2026

BREAKING: AVMA-endorsed Keeping Pets and Families Together Act introduced in Congress

If passed, the legislation would establish a program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to encourage the microchipping of dogs and cats in shelters with the goal of quickly returning missing pets to their families.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ow8rmw

04/30/2026

BREAKING: AVMA praises veterinary provisions in House-passed Farm Bill

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The U.S. House of Representatives advanced a new Farm Bill that would reauthorize many federal programs and policies essential to veterinary medicine today.

03/26/2026

BREAKING: Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans and Senate Judiciary Committee (Dems) have advanced the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act out of committee.

Strongly endorsed by the AVMA, the next step for the bill is to be considered by the full Senate.

03/16/2026

AVMA President Dr. Michael Bailey joined Vet Times to discuss the importance of preserving veterinary access to xylazine through legislative action, the rural veterinary work force, New World screwworm, and more.

Listen here ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Michael Q Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), discusses the issues facing veterinarians in the United States.

03/16/2026

Last week, former American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Vice President Dr. Gary Brown testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Republicans and Senate Small Business Committee Democrats concerning the pet & veterinary economy. Dr. Brown discussed the role of the profession in the U.S. economy, the rural veterinary workforce, & preserving access to xylazine.

03/11/2026

ICYMI: Veterinary advocates push for federal action on xylazine, rural veterinary workforce

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A total of 122 AVMA and Student AVMA members participated in the 2026 AVMA fly-in, hosted by the AVMA's advocacy team this February in the nation's capital to teach participants how to effectively advocate on behalf of the veterinary profession within their state and at the federal level.

02/26/2026

A strong supporter of helping address illicit xylazine while maintaining veterinary access AND recruiting and retaining veterinarians in rural and underserved areas, Congressman Steve Cohen brought in his favorite canine coworker to meet with his veterinary constituents during the !

02/26/2026

“Let the good times roll!”

Senator Thom Tillis brought the Big Easy to DC yesterday by hosting the Bipawtisan Doggi Gras Parade!

02/26/2026

As Co-Chair of the House Veterinary Medicine Caucus, Rep. David Rouzer understands the challenges facing veterinarians and the critical need to elevate the profession’s voice on Capitol Hill.