[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 2 (Thursday, January 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E33]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  THE OZARK WILD HORSES PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. BILL EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 4, 1995
  Mr. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to introduce 
legislation entitled the ``Ozark Wild Horse Protection Act.'' The 
substance of this bill relates to a small herd of 30 or so feral horses 
that roam freely in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways [ONSR] and 
adjoining lands. Over the course of the past several years, the 
National Park Service has insisted that the horses must be rounded up 
and removed from the park lands. They have cited numerous bureaucratic 
justifications for the roundup with no forethought as to the wide 
public support from the folks who live and work in the area.
  There is simply no explanation as to why the Park Service continues 
to insist on the horses' removal. I, along with the citizens who have 
been fighting for this issue, have exhausted all administrative 
diplomacy. It is unfortunate that a legislative solution barring the 
removal of the horses is necessary--but I see no reasonable alternative 
at this point.
  These horses are an important part of the Ozark cultural heritage. 
The residents of this area whose cultural and historical identity is 
deeply rooted in the Ozark tradition have had their input completely 
disregarded by an unwieldy bureaucracy. The horses within the scenic 
riverways are a great tourist attraction and are hurting no one. The 
bottom line is that the horses should stay.
  Mr. Speaker, the Ozark Wild Horse Protection Act will prohibit 
removal of these horses from the ONSR except in the event of an 
emergency. The bill states that the Secretary of the Interior may not 
remove, or allow or assist in the removal of, any free-roaming horse 
from Federal lands within the boundaries of the Ozark National Scenic 
Riverways, except in the case of medical emergency or natural disaster.
  I have maintained since the beginning of the Park Service's pursuit 
of the horses that they do, indeed, have the discretionary authority to 
withhold action and simply leave the horses alone. But since I have 
been advised by the National Park Service that legislative action is 
necessary, I am proud to introduce this bill today in the House.


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