H.R. 3519 is expected to be considered on the House floor on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage.  This legislation was introduced by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) on July 31, 2010. 

H.R. 3519 would establish a program through the Department of Agriculture to provide a matching funds grant program to qualified entities.  The entities would be required to support the recruitment and retention of farm animal veterinarians who promotes veterinary extension, education, and research in areas that have a shortage of veterinarian services.  The bill would cost $38 million over five years.

Veterinary Services Grant Program:

The Secretary of Agriculture would be required to implement a program to make competitive grants to qualified entities for the purpose of developing, implementing, and sustaining veterinary services.  Qualified entities eligible for grants must carry out programs to:

• Relieve veterinary shortages;
  
  
• Support private veterinary practices engaged in public health activities;
  
  
• Support practices of veterinarians who have successfully completed a service requirement under section 1415A.

Cost-Sharing Requirements:

Any recipient of a grant would be required to provide matching non-federal funds, either in cash or in-kind support, in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the federal fund provided in a grant.

H.R. 3519 would supplement the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program (VLRP), which was authorized in 2003 to provide debt relief to graduates of veterinary programs who agree to work in regions with a critical shortage of veterinarians. 

CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 3519 would cost, assuming appropriation of necessary amounts, $38 million over five years.