Frank Pallone: “I want to thank the gentleman from Oregon, particularly for saying we are the best committee in the House. I rise in…”

“I want to thank the gentleman from Oregon, particularly for saying we are the best committee in the House. I rise in support of his bill, H.R. 693, the PAST Act. I want to start by thanking Representatives Schrader and Yoho for their work over the past several years on this important bill that will finally put an end to the cruel practice of soring Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and Racking Horses. This incredibly painful practice has been illegal in the United States for nearly 50 years, since Congress passed the Horse Protection Act of 1970. But despite the Federal ban, soring continues to run rampant in some segments of the walking horse industry. The bill would amend the Horse Protection Act and finally put an end to the abhorrent practice for good. The bill bans the use at horse shows of chains, weighted shoes, and other devices that are commonly used to sore horses. It also puts an end to the failed system of industry self-policing by giving the USDA authority to train and license independent inspectors at horse shows. The legislation also strengthens penalties on those who violate the law. This bill has received endorsements from hundreds of equine and veterinary organizations, including more than 60 State and national horse groups, and all 50 State veterinary medical associations. So, again, I thank Representative Schrader for his continued leadership.…”