Senate considers the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act

The U.S. Senate is currently reviewing the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act (CWDRM Act), which would call for an annual investment of $70 million through fiscal year 2028 for chronic wasting disease (CWD) management and research projects. The CWDRM Act passed through the House last fall and Senators John Hoeven (R, North Dakota) and Martin Heinrich (D, New Mexico) introduced the legislation last week, according to a press release. 

“For years, hunters have been calling for a comprehensive legislative solution to help combat the rapid spread of chronic wasting disease, which threatens the very future of wild deer and deer hunting in America—this bill addresses multiple facets of this complex problem,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We were thrilled to see it move so quickly through the House this fall and we’re proud to see the bipartisan support this legislation already has in the Senate. Sportsmen and sportswomen look forward to working with lawmakers to see it through to the finish line, so we can support states in their ongoing response to CWD, while conducting research that will lead to better long-term solutions.”

Specifically, the bill calls for $35 million per year for research and another $35 million per year for management, which would focus on CWD detection methods, ways to reduce CWD and determine why the disease continues to spread as well as surveillance and testing in areas with high concentrations and new outbreaks. Funds would also be used to develop policies and programs to assist with CWD management and provide “authorization for federal, state and Tribal agencies to develop educational materials to inform the public on CWD,” according to a press release.

Stay tuned to GOHUNT for further updates.