With the enactment of the reconciliation legislation on July 4, there is significant new law that will affect veterinarians, including new small business tax provisions, an overhaul of the student loan provisions in the Higher Education Act, and reauthorization through 2030 of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and the National Animal Vaccine Bank. 

Congress is now working its way through the FY26 appropriations process. Both the House and Senate are advancing their different proposals through the committee process. If lawmakers cannot complete the process or come to an agreement, there will be a need for one or more continuing resolutions, which would extend the funding under the FY25 levels.

Additional work that Congress is anticipated to consider this year includes addressing the remaining aspects of the Farm Bill that were not part of the reconciliation package, National Defense Reauthorization legislation, and another year-end tax bill. The AVMA maintains its longstanding nonpartisan approach, advocating for the veterinary profession amid a complex and evolving political landscape. Remaining federal legislative priorities —including the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, the Healthy Dog Importation Act, and anti-horse soring legislation—have all been reintroduced. In parallel, the AVMA continues to underscore the vital role of federal veterinarians in protecting animal health, public health, and food safety across government agencies.