On February 7, 2000, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) presented its proposed Fiscal Year 2001 budget to Congress. This marks the beginning of the annual budgeting process for the federal government.

During this budget cycle, the American Horse Council is working closely with the Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC), a coalition of livestock and poultry trade associations and veterinary and scientific communities, to implement a world-class National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS) within USDA, in addition to seeking appropriations for horse-specific projects.

An effective NAHEMS would be a great benefit to the horse industry. When situations such as the outbreak of West Nile Virus last fall in the New York area occur, NAHEMS would ensure the disease is adequately contained and researched before it has an opportunity to impact the entire country.

This NAHEMS would include monies for adequate animal monitoring, surveillance, research, and laboratory facilities. The AHC and AAC are supporting increased funding for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), International Services (IS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CREES), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)