Four bills that would accelerate implementation of a national animal identification system have been introduced in Congress–two in the Senate and two in the House of Representatives. Horses are not specifically mentioned in any of these bills, but will be included in a national animal ID program at some point in the future. According to an official in one bill sponsor’s office, specifics of enactment–including, presumably, how horses would be affected by accelerated implementation–would be up to the Agriculture Secretary’s discretion if legislation passes. The USDA has declined to comment on the proposed bills.

The two Senate bills, S2008 and S2070, were introduced Jan. 20 and Feb. 12, respectively. House bills HR3787 and HR3822 were introduced Feb. 10 and Feb. 24, respectively. All four are now in committee. You can view bill summaries and statuses at https://thomas.loc.gov