Rosa DeLauro on USDA Decision to Begin Inspecting Horse Slaughter Plant

June 28, 2013  Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC--Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today regarding the Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s decision to begin federal inspections of a horse slaughter facility. The decision means that one plant in the United States may now engage in horse slaughter, something previously prohibited by annual appropriations bills.  

“Congress should promptly reinstate the provision that prohibited spending federal dollars to inspect horse slaughter facilities and I am encouraged my colleagues have taken steps to do so. I will continue my work to prevent horse slaughter in the pending agriculture appropriations bill.”

DeLauro, former chair of the subcommittee responsible for funding the USDA, ensured federal funds could not be used to inspect such facilities in the United States during her tenure as subcommittee chair. After taking over the House majority in 2011, Republicans failed to continue that practice. The Obama Administration’s proposed budget asks Congress to reinstate
that provision, which would result in the practice once again being banned.

During the Appropriation Committee’s consideration of the agriculture appropriations bill earlier this month, DeLauro spoke in support of an amendment to reinstate the ban. That amendment was accepted, as was a similar amendment in the Senate’s counterpart bill.