Brian Jones: “I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their words today, and I'll take just a few minutes. Mr.…”

“I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their words today, and I'll take just a few minutes. Mr. Speaker, as has been said by both, this is a plan to maintain and protect a part of North Carolina's history. As Mr. Wittman said, these horses have been traced back by genetic experts to the Spanish mustangs that swam ashore in the 1600s. They are really part of our heritage. These beautiful little horses roam, as has been said by both sides today, over 7,500 acres of public and private land. This is in Currituck County out at Corolla. {time} 1700 These little horses are so special that the citizens of our area decided that they should try to create a foundation where they could work together with the Federal Government, the State government, and the county government; and it's known as the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. It is a nonprofit. These people are absolutely convinced and committed to making sure that for years to come down the road that these little horses will still have the ability to reproduce. And that's been part of the problem, Mr. Speaker, is that if you allow this herd to get down to about 60 horses, you will not be able to maintain the diversity of the herd. That is why an expert, Dr. Gus Cothran of Texas A&M, as has been said in the comments by both sides, has said that you have to have a minimum of 120 horses but no more than 130. We are of the firm belief that H.R.…”