CQ Weekly: Wild Horse Management and Legislative Developments

Exploring Legislative Developments in Wild Horse Management

In June, the House passed the fiscal 2020 appropriations bill (HR 3055) for the Interior Department, marking a significant step in addressing wild horse overpopulation on federal lands. This decision was influenced by a collaborative effort between the Humane Society of the United States and rancher groups.

Whether the Interior Department will receive the $6 million allocated by the House or the $50 million requested by advocates remains uncertain. The Senate, where Emy Lesofski, the majority clerk for the Appropriations panel overseeing Interior's funding, plays a crucial role, will decide the final amount.

Emy Lesofski is married to Drew Lesofski, president of the American Mustang Foundation, which stands to benefit if the plan is implemented. The House bill supports relocating horses pending adoption, despite some controversy from animal welfare groups.

Drew Lesofski, a lobbyist with a background in handling Washington issues for former Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons, is involved in this initiative. Nevada is home to 60% of the wild horses on federal lands.

Blair Taylor, communications director for the Senate Appropriations Committee, mentioned measures to address potential conflicts of interest, though specifics were not disclosed. Allen D. Freemyer, a colleague of Drew Lesofski, confirmed compliance with Senate conflict-of-interest rules.