2024 AHC National Issues Forum Post Conference Highlights

Members from across the country came to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2024 American Horse Council’s (AHC) National Issues Forum and Congressional Fly-In.

Julie Broadway, President of the AHC, opened the Forum by asking AHC members—owners, breed registries, horsemen’s associations, rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, racetracks, veterinarians, farriers, state horse councils, commercial suppliers, and transporters—to talk to Members of Congress and relevant federal agencies about the priorities for their $177 billion dollar contributor to the U.S. economy.

“The equine industry is an integral part of our agricultural sector,” said Broadway. “The National Issues Forum and Fly-In allow AHC members to meet directly with Members of Congress, key congressional staff, and federal regulators to speak about pressing issues facing our industry. This year’s event is pivotal as the Farm Bill debate heats up.”

The National Issues Forum kicked off with a briefing to the Coalition of State Horse Councils on grassroots engagement. The discussion was opened by Justine Staten, President of the Coalition of State Horse Councils. Staten introduced guest speaker Nicole Reppert, Political Action Committee Director for U.S. Bank, who emphasized the importance of making a personal connection with elected representatives. Also, Pennsylvania Equine Council delegation members Bud and Gwen Wills, Ann Swinker and Jay Zeigler amplified the importance of that approach with examples from their organization. Bud Wills offered the sage advice that it is important to reach out and get to know federal and state elected officials early, regardless of party affiliation.

The National Forum’s theme “Legislative Success — The Art and Science” was carried forward to the second day with a government affairs and regulatory briefing by AHC staff. Elements of the House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill were discussed such as the “three-legged stool” of laboratories, disease-preparedness and response programs, and a vaccine and countermeasures bank to protect the U.S. livestock and poultry industries from catastrophic foreign animal diseases; the need for a comprehensive equine census and how it relates to the establishment of a Commission on the National Agricultural Statistics Service; and policies and programs to address the veterinarian shortage.

Integral to any successful government affairs programs is recognition of those elected officials who champion the equine industry. In particular, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) was honored as the recipient of the 2024 Rolapp Award during an awards luncheon event. Broadway explained,

“We are proud to recognize Senator Crapo. His exceptional record in supporting legislation that advances the interests of horse welfare and the equine industry is commendable. The Rolapp Award is our way to acknowledge Senator Crapo’s leadership and efforts to unite colleagues from both sides of the aisle in advocating for the PAST Act and other measures that impact the equine industry.” The Rolapp Award, named after the late Rich Rolapp, president of the AHC from 1974 to 1993, is presented annually to a Member of Congress who has been a strong supporter of the horse industry.

Closing out the formal program, AHC members traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with their Representatives, congressional staff, and Federal Agencies. Legislative meetings included Chairman “G. T.” Thompson, of the House Committee on Agriculture; Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6), Chair of the House Horse Caucus; Minority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell’s Chief of Staff; and Senate Agriculture Committee Professional Staff, among others.

In-office Federal Agency meetings included the FTC and the Department of Interior. Additionally, the AHC hosted representatives of the USDA both virtually and in person at the hotel to meet with AHC members regarding a variety of stakeholder topics.

During Legislative and Regulatory meetings, AHC members shared the Council’s policy positions and priorities, including:

Promoting fast action on the Farm Bill; the need for family and small-business tax reform; improvements to the guest worker visa programs to address the lack of sufficient workers; more research funding specifically targeting equine herd health; advancing the PAST Act; the 2024 Horse Protection Act Final Rule; and policies regarding the international movement of horses.

AHC thanks those members who participated. Be assured your efforts have a positive effect on the equine industry. If you were not able to attend the Issues Forum or participate in the Fly-In, we’re here to help you engage with your elected officials and Federal Agencies. Please contact us at info@horsecouncil.org