Collins, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to End Cosmetics Testing on Animals

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) co-sponsored the Humane Cosmetics Act, bipartisan legislation that would help end the testing of cosmetic products on animals and prohibit the sale of products developed using animal testing in the United States.

"Cosmetic testing on animals is not only cruel, but also outdated given the variety of effective alternatives to assess product safety that exist today," said Senator Collins. "By substantially restricting animal testing for cosmetics, our bipartisan bill takes a critical step toward ending this inhumane practice."

"Cosmetics markets around the globe are closing the door on outdated animal tests and the United States must keep pace," said Sara Amundson, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. "Non-animal methodologies are faster, less expensive and scientifically superior, and that's why we were able to secure the endorsement of the cosmetics industry itself. We thank Sens. Cory Booker, Rob Portman, John Hickenlooper, Susan Collins, and Jacky Rosen, and Reps. Don Beyer, Vern Buchanan, Paul Tonko, Ken Calvert, and Tony Cárdenas for their leadership on the Humane Cosmetics Act, which will align the United States with 41 countries and eight states that have already passed laws to end the cruel and unnecessary use of animals in cosmetics testing."

The Humane Cosmetics Act was introduced by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and co-sponsored by Senators Collins and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Don Beyer (D-VA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and co-sponsored by 74 members of the House.

The Humane Cosmetics Act is supported by a number of animal protection organizations and industry leaders, including The Humane Society, the Personal Care Products Council, Cruelty Free International, and Procter & Gamble.
In April, Senator Collins introduced the Animal Freedom from Testing, Experimentation, and Research (AFTER) Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure that every federal agency that uses animals for research has policies in place to facilitate the relocation of retired, healthy lab animals to private homes, animal rescues, or reputable sanctuaries.

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