Chimp Haven is Home Act

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1916, the Chimp Haven is Home Act. S. 1916 is companion legislation to a bill I introduced with Congressman Melancon, H.R. 3295. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the ``Chimpanzee Health Improvement, Maintenance and Protection Act''--otherwise known as the CHIMP Act. The CHIMP Act provided for the establishment and operation of a system to provide lifetime care to chimpanzees that were used, or were bred or purchased for use, in research conducted or supported by the Federal Government AND who are no longer needed for such research. The system envisioned by the CHIMP Act is now a reality in Keithville, Louisiana. It is called Chimp Haven.

Chimp Haven is now home to 123 chimpanzees. As a relatively new organization, Chimp Haven faces the challenge of raising money from the private sector. This challenge has been heightened due to concerns that the CHIMP Act theoretically permits chimpanzees to be removed from Chimp Haven and used for medical research. Private financial support is important for Chimp Haven because the CHIMP Act requires the 501(c)(3) to obtain significant matching funds for its operating and construction costs.

This legislation removes the ``return to medical research clause'' from the law and will give everyone involved with Chimp Haven peace of mind because the chimpanzees will be able to grow old peacefully in their new home and they cannot be removed for research purposes. The legislation will not adversely affect human health research, as these chimpanzees were deemed unfit for further experimentation. The resident chimpanzees at Chimp Haven are currently able to be studied in a non- invasive manner and S. 1916 will not change that ability.

The chimpanzees at Chimp Haven have spent their lives in research laboratories helping to improve the lives of all Americans. Many of our discoveries in space and medicine are due to chimpanzees. I am proud to help modify the existing law to ensure chimpanzees at Chimp Haven will spend their final years happily.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the Senate bill (S. 1916) to amend the Public Health Service Act to modify the program for the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees by terminating the authority for the removal of chimpanzees from the system for research purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 536, S. 1916.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee-reported amendment be agreed to; the bill, as amended, be read the third time and passed; the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2640, S. 2436, H.R. 4839, and S. 1916.