A federal bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, urging Congress to pass the Humane Cosmetics Act.

According to The Humane Society, passage of the Humane Cosmetics Act will bring the U.S. in line with more than 30 other countries that have already implemented similar bans. The bipartisan bill was introduced by U.S. Reps. Martha McSally (R-AZ), Don Beyer (D-VA), Joe Heck (R-NV) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA).

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States said: “Given the ready availability of alternatives, there is no compelling reason to continue using outdated animal testing methods that cause tremendous animal suffering. So many companies are already using non-animal tests for shampoos, makeups and other products sold around the world, and the United States can help accelerate that trend.”

U.S. law does not require animal testing for cosmetics, but it does not prohibit it either. In laboratories nationwide, mice, rabbits, rats and guinea pigs are used to test beauty products and ingredients. The Hume Society says that American consumers want to see an end to these inhumane practices. An HSUS and Humane Society Legislative Fund poll conducted in 2013 found 73 percent of American voters are in favor of federal legislation to end animal testing for cosmetics.

When a brand advertises it is “cruelty-free,” it has the option of obtaining that certification and using Cruelty-Free International’s “leaping bunny” symbol on its packaging. This symbol is shown above, on the right.

Rep. McSally said: “Subjecting animals to painful and inhumane testing is not who we are as a country. There’s no reason to continue this cruel practice when we have cost-effective alternatives that can bring about safe products for consumers. As an animal lover and volunteer, I’m pleased to be introducing this legislation with my colleagues to take a stand against the inhumane treatment of animals.”

Rep. Beyer said: “It is time for us to end the painful and completely unnecessary process of testing American cosmetics on animals. Safer, more cost effective, and completely humane alternatives already exist, and the United States is in no danger of losing its role as a competitive leader in the global cosmetics industry. Now we need to ensure our place as a moral leader.”