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House passed America COMPETES Act would end mink farming

The recently passed America COMPETES Act by the U.S. House could bring an end to the nation’s mink industry.

While the main purpose of the bill is to invest in domestic research and manufacturing, more than 250 amendments were proposed during debate.  One of which would prohibit the possession and production of American mink for its fur.

The bipartisan amendment from Connecticut Democrat Rosa DeLauro and South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace cites mink operations as incubators for COVID-19 and is supported by Animal Wellness Action President Wayne Pacelle, former CEO of the Humane Society of the United States.

U.S. production has been steadily declining with more than 1.4 million mink pelts reported in 2020.  Even with production down by half, Wisconsin remains the nation’s largest producer.  The state’s congressional delegation voted along party lines on the measure.

The legislation is a companion bill to the Senate’s U.S. Innovation and Competition Act and now moves to conference.