Few things happen easily in Congress these days, and a resolution mentioning St. Joseph generated a brisk discussion in the U.S. House on Tuesday.

The bill was intended to recognize a Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, a zone between Columbia, Mo., and Manhattan, Kan., critical to research in veterinary care. Because of the presence of animal pharmaceutical concerns, St. Joseph got a specific mention.

The measure passed Tuesday evening by a vote of 312 to 108, a curiously divided outcome for a bill originally placed among non-controversial suspension items destined for quick passage.

Instead, the matter required a voice vote, though having no trouble reaching the two-thirds majority needed for a bill considered with rules suspended.

The resolution would, among other things, recognize "the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor as the national center of the animal health industry based on the unmatched concentration of animal health and nutrition businesses and educational and research assets."

"At a time when businesses are struggling to make a profit and at a time when our nation is facing record unemployment, the animal health industry continues to grow," said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, a bill co-sponsor and representative of Northeast Kansas. "Fourteen animal health companies or organizations have expanded in this region since 2006."

The bill makes mention of the Department of Homeland Security's location of the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility in Manhattan, a $750 million project that will be a regional centerpiece of animal health research and biosciences.

Some in the House took issue with this, saying its presence could put the Heartland's animal population in harm's way.

"I would tell my colleagues this is a dangerous bill," said Rep. John Dingell, a Michigan congressman. "If ever the location of this facility in Kansas causes an outbreak of animal disease or human disease, your remarks today will make great quotes by your opponents against you in the following election."

The House co-sponsors included Northwest Missouri Congressman Sam Graves. A companion bill has been filed in the Senate, with Missouri Sens. Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill signed on in support.