Hundreds of piglets crushed to death. Genetic experiments forcing cows to bear deformed and stillborn twins. Hundreds of lambs left to die in open fields from exposure and starvation. Cruel and experimental surgeries conducted by unqualified scientists.

It’s happening at federally sanctioned research facility, paid for with your tax dollars.

A January 20, 2015 New York Times investigative report, uncovered a disturbing pattern of systematic animal cruelty, spanning decades at the Nebraska-based U.S. Meat Animal Research Center.

The center, funded with $200 million in taxpayer money, is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

According to the Times, at least 6,500 animals are known to have starved to death at this facility.

The report prompted legislators from both parties in Congress to introduce H.R. 746 (S. 388), the AWARE Act, intended to expand protections for farm animals at federal research facilities.

Animals involved in scientific research enjoy basic protections under the Animal Welfare Act, but farm animals in agriculture research are exempt.

The AWARE Act would close that exemption.

The USDA is trying to duck responsibility for the research facility’s inhumane treatment of animals. An internal review found no evidence of mistreatment at the facility. Several legislators have complained that the agency is stonewalling congressional requests for more information.

It’s time to demand accountability.

Bill sponsor Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) said in a press release, “As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we felt a responsibility to present the AWARE Act as a legislative fix that holds the USDA to the same humane standards that countless research facilities across the country are held to. If we expect staff in these facilities to recognize their professional and legal obligations to safeguard the welfare of animals—we should set the bar at an equal, or higher, level for the federal government.”

Researchers justified their actions at the Nebraska facility as a means toward an end: maximizing profits for the country’s big meat producers.

We must hold the federal government to a higher standard. Act now and ell Congress: Support the AWARE Act to End Animal Cruelty at the USDA.

Sign the petition at //salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50865/p/dia/action3/common/public./?action_KEY=16552#sthash.JKPzxecV.dpuf