From the President...
FOSH communicated its support of Rule adoption to Biden’s USDA transition team in mid-December. At that time, we expressed our deep concerns about the pseudo anti-soring bill being promoted by some groups in Congress. Thankfully, that bill did not pass. It was our opinion that the bill completely gutted the Horse Protection Act and would have made it much worse for the horses than the current situation. We are closely monitoring the current situation with the Rule as are various members of Congress. If we need your support to contact either the USDA or Congress to support the regulation, we will let you know.
As you are probably aware, the PAST Act must be reintroduced in this 117th Congress—both in the House Happy 2021! We hope you and your of Representatives and the Senate. equine friends are surviving the At this time, the members of Conrough and tumble of the recent wingress who will introduce the Bill have ter weather. Of course, some people not been identified. Congressman take this opportunity to enjoy their Ted Yoho (FL-R) retired, and because horses in an entirely different manthis is a bipartisan bill, another Rener just like in our cover photo. publican will be introducing the PAST Act with a Democratic CongressperWith the new administration inson. After the bill is introduced, we stalled, I want to bring you up to will ask you to contact your congresdate on what is transpiring on our sional representatives for their supwork to end soring. First up, FOSH port. As the House vote in 2019 was strongly supports the adoption of overwhelmingly in favor (333-96), a USDA Horse Protection Act reguwe hope this is a sign that many will lation which would end the use of quickly sign on again to cosponsor chains within 30 days and stacks and the bill. Regarding the Senate vote, industry self-inspections in one year. our chances are better now that This Rule received over 100,000 supSenator Mitch McConnell is no longer porting comments in 2016 and unthe Senate Majority Leader; howevfortunately was shelved in January er, we will know more later in the 2017. The Rule is ready to go, and Dear FOSH Friends and Supporters,
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5 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2021
