The Budget Battle Begins
On April 10, Congress adopted a budget resolution to establish the spending and cutting parameters for each congressional committee. Although passing the resolution wasn’t easy, the real challenge lies ahead: the committees must produce 12 appropriations bills. That’s when the real horse trading begins.
The questions of whether to cut, where to cut, and how much to cut are the focus of many town hall meetings that Members are holding with constituents during their spring break. According to several press reports, these interactions are far from harmonious. Lawmakers are being met with skepticism at best—and open hostility at worst.
What Members hear and experience during these meetings will shape their decisions on funding the government for Fiscal Year 2026—and beyond. Funding equations will ultimately drive policy for federal agencies and impact all Americans, from what we pay in taxes to the level of services we receive (or don’t receive) from the government.
What we do know is that this appropriations cycle is going to be extremely challenging. Many Members of the House of Representatives are calling for deep cuts in programs and services. For the equine industry, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a particularly important agency. The USDA is currently the subject of numerous proposals that include eliminating thousands of jobs and positions, reprogramming money, relocating entire departments outside of Washington, D.C., and consolidating or closing state and local USDA offices.
These plans are meant to produce a leaner, more efficient agency. However, they also risk disrupting programs and services that the entire equine community depends on—to protect herd health, support recreation, and sustain equine-related businesses.
The American Horse Council (AHC) is working to preserve these essential services and programs, but we can’t do it alone. There will be opportunities for AHC members to weigh in on these proposed changes and budget decisions. No one can tell your story of horse ownership, small business challenges, and nonprofit equine organizations concerns better than you!
We’re here to help you connect with your congressional delegation. AHC’s Annual Meeting is likely to take place just as the appropriations process intensifies, so we encourage you to join us in Washington, D.C., June 22-25. There will be opportunities to meet with your elected officials and meet with regulatory agencies. (Click here for registration and schedule.)