Congress Questions Spending on Animal Testing Amid New Alternatives

WASHINGTON—During a recent hearing, Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation spotlighted allegations that federal funds have been misappropriated for inhumane animal testing. The hearing, titled ‘Transgender Lab Rats and Poisoned Puppies: Oversight of Taxpayer Funded Animal Cruelty,’ examined the use of taxpayer dollars in research deemed both unethical and ineffective.

Mace opened the session with a pointed critique of the Biden-Harris Administration, asserting that over $10 million has been spent on experiments involving gender-affirming surgeries on animals. She elaborated that programs funded through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) grants have resulted in experiments that Mace characterized as ‘painful and deadly.’ ‘Why is the federal government spending millions of dollars to create transgender animals?’ she demanded.

Among the examples cited was a $2.5 million study of transgender mice and research investigating the impact of testosterone on female rats, which involved looking into potential overdose risks involving recreational drugs. Mace emphasized the cruelty involved, particularly pointing out that the experiments on male monkeys transitioning through hormone therapy were scientifically unsound, as these animals cannot contract HIV.

Mace contended that animal testing frequently fails to yield relevant data for human applications, referencing research showing that 90% of new drugs passing animal trials do not succeed in human trials. She argued for the adoption of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced modeling methods, to replace outdated animal experimentation.

Justin Goodman of the White Coat Waste Project supported Mace’s claims, noting significant federal expenditures have effectively gone to waste, saying, ‘You estimated over $20 billion in taxpayer money has been wasted on ineffective animal research.’ He further stated that $241 million was spent specifically on transgender animal testing across various studies.

The conversation at the hearing is part of a broader national movement towards phasing out animal experimentation in favor of humane alternatives. An overwhelming majority of Americans, as high as 80%, supports reducing animal testing in favor of more relevant human-based methods, as indicated in a recent poll.

Members of the committee underscored the importance of redirecting public funds toward innovations that yield dependable results. As Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) stated, ‘Given the advances in technology, there are opportunities to conduct research without involving animals. We should be utilizing AI and quantum computing for these purposes.’

Today’s discussion is not only about ethical considerations but also about fiscal responsibility, as lawmakers evaluate how to reallocate funds to ensure taxpayer dollars are applied to effective scientific solutions. Mace concluded her opening remarks expressing hope that the hearing would cultivate understanding and action to curb such expenditures in the future.