Shutdown Threatens Equine Industry Operations and Economic Stability
Potential Government Shutdown Threatens Equine Industry Operations and Economic Stability
Congress needs to hear from you—now.
Whether you have direct connections to your Member of Congress or Senators, or you’re simply ready to make a call, your voice matters. Speak up today to spotlight the serious consequences a government shutdown would have on equine health programs, land access, and international movement regulations. Every call counts—make yours heard.
Congressional activity has stalled regarding the passage of legislation to fund the government beyond September 30, raising the likelihood of a government shutdown until a bipartisan agreement is reached to keep it open. Compounding this uncertainty, the White House has indicated it may use the shutdown as an opportunity to enact further staffing reductions—Reductions in Force (RIFs)—at key agencies such as the Department of the Interior. These developments pose serious risks to the equine industry, particularly in areas related to federal land use, animal health programs, and international movement regulations.
The equine industry’s message is clear: a shutdown would have devastating consequences for equine businesses, workers, rural communities, and the broader agricultural economy. We urge bipartisan cooperation to keep the government funded and functioning.
Key Details:
-
A recent memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) instructs federal agencies to prepare for permanent staffing cuts in the event of a shutdown. This could jeopardize essential services and programs that support equine health, land access, and regulatory oversight.
-
Continuing Resolution (CR) votes stall. The House passed a partisan short-term CR (217-212), which failed in the Senate (44-48). A Democratic counteroffer also failed (47-45), leaving no clear path forward.
-
Competing proposals. The House GOP proposal would extend funding through November 20 and increase security funding. The Democratic proposal would fund the government through October 31 and reverse cuts to Medicaid and healthcare tax credits.
-
Time is running out. Congress is in recess until next week, with the Senate having only days to act. House leadership has extended its recess past the deadline, increasing pressure on the Senate.
-
Consequences for the equine economy. A shutdown would disrupt USDA and APHIS operations, delay permits and inspections, halt progress on the Horse Protection Act and farm bill negotiations, and impact international movement of horses. These disruptions threaten the viability of equine businesses and events nationwide.
How To Respond:
We offer some suggestions on how individual equine industry stakeholders can add to our own outreach efforts to get the message across that following through with a government shutdown is a zero-sum game.
-
Whether you have personal or professional connections to your Member of Congress and/or Senators, or are comfortable just picking up the phone – consider reaching out directly to highlight the consequences of a shutdown on equine health programs, land access, and international movement regulations. Consider sharing your perspectives on social media and tagging the relevant Member(s) and/or Agencies.
-
Engage the media by sharing stories from equine businesses, veterinarians, and event organizers who would be directly affected – avenues might include OpEds, radio show call-ins, and/or sharing social media posts with news outlets.