Tom Harkin: “I understand that the House report on this appropriations measure includes language that directs the APHIS to adopt a…”

“I understand that the House report on this appropriations measure includes language that directs the APHIS to adopt a particular standard with respect to microchip identification tags for pets, but that the present measure does not include this language. As the ranking member of the authorizing committee that has jurisdiction over this issue, I strongly disagree with this language being inserted in an appropriations report, and with a process that would dictate a standard for these microchips without fully considering alternatives. It is my understanding that pet animals with chips that conform to the standard included in the House report are a small fraction of all the pet animals in the U.S. that presently have a microchip identification tag implanted under their skin. These ID tags play a vital role in reuniting pet animals that have gone astray with their families. Further, I understand that adopting this standard as directed would interfere with ongoing intellectual property litigation over patented technology incorporated in the most widely adopted microchip standard in the U.S. I think it would be improper for Congress to take this action at this time. I do not advocate any action in the current legislation, other than to ensure that the language unfortunately included by the House is not included in the conference report.…”