Veterinarians and congressmen, Kurt Schrader and Ted Yoho, have formed the Veterinary Medicine Caucus in the US House of Representatives in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of veterinary medicine to animal health and welfare, food safety, public health, research and the overall economy.
The Veterinary Medicine Caucus, which other House members are encouraged to join, will also draft legislation and conduct briefings and hearings.
“Together, I hope we can use our unique experience and perspective in the field of veterinary medicine to educate and engage our fellow members of Congress,” Schrader said.
Schrader also recently introduced HR1225, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act. If approved, the legislation would provide a federal income tax exemption for financial awards granted under the program. The program would allow eligible veterinarians to receive up to US$25,000 per year toward qualified educational loans, if they agree to serve three years in a designated veterinarian-shortage area.
