House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer and Representative John Rose are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to abolish a rule introduced during the Biden administration. They assert this ruling creates confusion within the horse breeding, training, and owning communities. The call for action follows an investigation launched by the House Oversight Committee into what they describe as arbitrary enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA).
In a letter addressed to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Chairman Comer and Representative Rose commended the Trump administration for delaying the implementation of this rule and encouraged the USDA to ultimately abolish it to restore what they call “a commonsense approach” to enforcing the HPA.
“The majority of the final rule’s provisions were set to take effect on February 1, 2025, mere days after President Trump’s inauguration,” the lawmakers noted. They also highlighted concerns about inconsistent and potentially retaliatory enforcement actions at Tennessee Walking Horse shows.
The Committee has taken steps towards a resolution, including calling on the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to review the USDA’s policies, seeking information regarding the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s role in enforcing the HPA, and issuing a subpoena to a USDA official to further their investigation. “The Committee discovered significant concerns regarding the enforcement process, particularly regarding inspectors’ behavior and decision-making, and a lack of sufficient transparency and accountability,” the lawmakers wrote.
They further criticized the USDA for attempting to enforce the rule before its effective date and emphasized the need for a process that is fair and transparent for horse industry participants.
“The Committee stands ready to work alongside the Trump Administration and USDA on needed reforms,” the letter concluded.
For further details, the letter is available to the public.
