Congressman Cohen Applauds Advance of the PAST Act

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), who was recently recognized with the Humane Society's "Humane Horseman of the Year" award, today applauded the advancement of his Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act out of the markup in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. The bill passed by a vote of 22 to 0. The measure, H.R. 5441, would prohibit the soring, or intentional injury, of Tennessee Walking Horses to produce a desired high-stepping gait known as "The Big Lick." On May 26, 2022, the bill was considered in a legislative hearing in the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee. The bill now goes to the full Energy and Commerce Committee.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I have been working to end horse soring for years and am pleased to see the PAST Act advancing through the legislative process. As a longstanding member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I have been proud to work with horse lovers and advocates to end the barbaric practice of intentionally injuring these noble creatures to win beauty contests. I'd like to extend special thanks to Priscilla Presley who has been a consistent and dedicated advocate for this reform as she and Elvis both loved walking horses."

"For too long, innumerable horses have been subject to excruciating soring techniques," said Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund. "I applaud Representative Cohen for his tremendous leadership and the Subcommittee for helping to move this crucial horse protection bill forward. We urge the Committee to continue its momentum and bring the PAST Act to the House floor to finally put an end to this ruthless practice."

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