Political Quotes

“Today I rise in opposition to H.R. 5441, the PAST Act. As an eighth-generation farmer and Tennessean, the grand tradition of Tennessee Walking Horses is among my earliest and fondest memories. We take great pride in the fact that the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration draws neighbors and tourists alike each year to Shelbyville, Tennessee, for our world-class showcase. However, over the years, this grand tradition has, on occasion, been marred by a few bad actors looking to gain a competitive edge at the unfair expense of the hundreds of other Walking Horse exhibitors who do things right, and at the grossly unacceptable expense of the horses themselves that suffer from the cruel and unconscionable technique known in the industry as soring. Those who sore our Tennessee Walking Horses compromise the integrity of the competition, put a stain on what has long been a wonderful family-oriented tradition, and by far most importantly subject our prized Tennessee Walking Horses to harm and suffering. I can assure you that we in Tennessee stand strongly against this vile technique. My strong disgust to soring is actually why I rise today in opposition to the PAST Act. This bill is not the best solution to end this cruel practice. While I appreciate the sincere motives of those supporting this bill, I call on my colleagues to consider another better solution. I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R.…”