MINKS are Superspreaders Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6513

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Animals

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:46Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to end the commercial captivity and fur production of American mink (Neovison vison) in the United States by prohibiting their breeding, possession, and trade, primarily to address animal welfare concerns and potential public health risks associated with dense confinement (implied by the bill's acronym referencing "superspreaders").

Key Provisions

• Prohibition on Captivity and Trade: No person may transport, sell, receive, acquire, purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, breed, or possess American mink raised in captivity for fur production, whether alive, dead, or as parts, products, or offspring.
• Exceptions: The ban does not apply to specific entities under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981, such as accredited zoos, scientific research facilities, educational institutions, or government agencies for non-commercial purposes.
• Buy-Out Program for Mink Farms: The Secretary of Agriculture (head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA) must seek to purchase privately owned mink farms, subject to available funding. The purchase price considers:
• The average number of mink owned by the farmer over the most recent three years.
• The value of the farm's infrastructure (e.g., buildings and equipment).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends the Animal Welfare Act (a federal law regulating the treatment of certain animals in research, transport, and exhibition) by adding a new Section 20, which introduces a outright ban on captive mink for fur production.
• This is a targeted expansion beyond the Act's current focus on humane treatment standards, shifting to a complete prohibition for this species in commercial fur farming, while preserving exceptions for non-fur uses.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The USDA would gain new responsibilities for implementing the ban and managing a voluntary buy-out program, potentially requiring additional funding and administrative resources to enforce prohibitions on trade and possession.
• On Citizens and Industry: Ends domestic mink fur farming, affecting an estimated small number of specialized farmers and related businesses; could lead to job losses in rural areas but provide economic compensation through buy-outs. Consumers may see reduced availability of U.S.-produced mink fur products, shifting reliance to imports.
• On International Relations: May influence global fur trade by restricting U.S. exports of mink products, potentially pressuring international partners to adopt similar welfare standards, though it does not directly affect imports.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Mink Farmers and Fur Industry: Directly impacted by the ban and buy-out offers, facing business closures but potential financial relief.
• Animal Welfare Organizations: Likely supportive, as the bill advances protections against confinement in fur farming.
• Scientific and Educational Institutions: Unaffected by exceptions, allowing continued use of mink for research or display.
• Consumers and Retailers: Fur product buyers and sellers may experience market disruptions.
• USDA and Regulators: Responsible for enforcement, inspections, and buy-out administration.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens federal oversight of animal agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act without requiring new regulations, but enforcement could face challenges in interstate commerce (protected by the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution). The buy-out provision raises questions about fair compensation under the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause if deemed involuntary.
• Constitutional: No direct conflicts anticipated, as it regulates commercial activity rather than individual rights; exceptions align with established wildlife laws like the Lacey Act.
• Political: Represents a bipartisan effort (introduced by representatives from both parties) to prioritize animal welfare and zoonotic disease prevention (e.g., mink's role in COVID-19 transmission), potentially setting precedent for species-specific bans in agriculture amid growing public support for ethical farming. Could spark debates over economic impacts on rural communities versus environmental and health benefits.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
• 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
• 2025-12-09: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2025-12-09: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-09: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Minks In Narrowly Kept Spaces are Superspreaders Act — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (2 pages)