In a significant move against wasteful spending and animal cruelty, Congress has taken action to halt the Department of Defense’s experiments on dogs and cats. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026, passed by the House with a decisive 312-112 vote, is now set to be forwarded to the Senate and is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump. The strong backing from the Trump administration highlights the importance of this legislation.
The successful inclusion of the prohibition on painful research involving domestic cats and dogs came through the dedicated work of the taxpayer advocacy group White Coat Waste (WCW). Their efforts, encompassing everything from investigations to lobbying, pushed this crucial issue to the forefront of the Pentagon’s agenda. The NDAA now explicitly states that “the Secretary of Defense may not conduct, or support the conduct of, painful research on a domestic cat (Felis catus) or a domestic dog (Canis familiaris),” a clear stance against the unethical treatment of animals in research.
Anthony Bellotti, the President and Founder of WCW, hailed the bill as a historic leap towards preventing taxpayer dollars from funding such experiments. He stated, “Thanks to White Coat Waste’s investigations and advocacy… we’re on the verge of making history by enacting the first-ever law to cut the Pentagon’s wasteful spending on painful dog and cat experiments.” This legislation not only serves as a rebuke to animal testing procedures but also represents a triumph for taxpayers who oppose funding unnecessary cruelty.
WCW’s relentless campaigning shed light on the Defense Department’s controversial practices, which included disturbing details of experiments where animals were subjected to harmful treatments. Their investigations played a crucial role in revealing contracts funded by the DoD for abusive testing both domestically and internationally, even prompting the Navy Secretary to ban testing altogether.
Support from a broad and unlikely coalition has been pivotal. WCW managed to unite voices across the political spectrum—from strong MAGA supporters like Elon Musk and Laura Loomer to progressive figures like the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Ben Cohen. The bipartisan effort culminated in the inclusion of measures to cut funding for cruelties in research, exemplified by the cooperation between senators and representatives who championed the cause.
The timeline of WCW’s advocacy shows a steady escalation of efforts, including lawsuits against the DoD and successes in prior legislation to limit animal testing. Their consistent dedication bore fruit when the Navy discontinued a $10 million contract for cat experiments, underscoring the aggravation with wasted taxpayer funds.
The broader implications of this legislation resonate beyond animal welfare. This victory speaks to the frustrations of Americans who see their hard-earned tax dollars spent on issues they deem unnecessary or cruel. The NDAA’s modifications reflect a growing awareness among policymakers and the public about spending priorities, particularly in defense, and the ethical treatment of animals.
In conclusion, the 2026 NDAA represents more than just a legislative change—it embodies a significant shift towards fiscal responsibility and moral accountability within government research practices. With the potential signature from President Trump, this measure can set a precedent that influences future discussions on government funding for animal testing, anchoring a movement of advocacy toward humane treatment and ethical spending.
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