Washington, D.C.—U.S. Congressman Steve King (IA-05) today urged his colleagues to spend their time on more important issues in the daily lives of the American people.

The bill, H.R. 503, which would ban horse slaughter in the United States for human consumption, passed the House today. It must now be passed by the Senate and signed by the President to become law.

King offered an amendment to the bill that would preclude groups who have historically used equine meat for religious or cultural reasons. Horses have played, and continue to play, an important role in Native American culture.  This is true for the tribes of the Great Northern Plains, including the Great Sioux Nation.  Many tribal members raise and sell horses and some of these horses are used for food and exported. 

“With all of the big issues that should be addressed in America right now, such as the War on Terror, our porous borders, the high energy prices and access to quality and affordable healthcare,” said King. “I am astonished that instead Washington insiders are wasting their time regulating horse slaughter.”

“Horses, cows, pigs, sheep, fish and many other different animals can be our pets, but I caution against humanizing them when we should be working on legislation to better the lives of the American people,” added King.