Hearing #1 S1377

Hello again!

Did you have the chance to watch the hearing today for S1377 – The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horse Protection Act? If you missed it, you can still view the video here: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/12/national-park-subcommittee-to-receive-testimony-on-pending-legislation The video should be moved to this website at a later time: https://www.congress.gov/

If you fast forward to 1:05:30 (ish) you will see Senator Hoeven begin his speech, which we have typed out and pasted below for you to read.

As a reminder, this was just the first committee hearing on this bill. The intent of this hearing was to receive testimony for a number of bills that relate directly to The National Park Service.

Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates submitted testimony and so did all of you that took a moment to take our one click Call to Action asking that our requested amendments be considered. Over 3,100 emails were sent from our Call to Action. Yesterday, American Wild Horse Conservation let us know that they were currently just under 5,000 emails that were sent from their Call to Action. THAT is how we make an impact! Senator Hoeven noted in his speech today:

“Unfortunately, there have been multiple attempts over the years, including as recently in 2022, to remove horses from the park. Each one has been met with OVERWHELMING, and I mean OVERWHELMING opposition from the public. And that is why we worked to craft a balanced, durable solution that provides permanent protection for horses in the park.”

And THAT is why we now have federal legislation being heard in committee! ALL of you that make up Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates made this federal legislation possible!

As a reminder, we have discussed in great detail the amendments we are requesting in a blog series in October. Those blogs can be found on the home page of our website at www.chwha.org

As you read Senator Hoeven’s words below, please keep this in mind – ONE of our amendments call for a change in wording for genetically diverse to be changed to genetically viable. We feel this is a small but important and necessary change.

Senator Hoeven mentioned GENETICALLY VIABLE several times in his speech this morning! Again, these words DO NOT appear in the current legislation! We believe this is a sign that he has heard our voices loud and clear! We hope that this means at the next committee hearing, where “mark ups” will happen, that our amendments will be included in those mark ups! We will keep you posted on the next committee hearing. Please keep in mind that the timing for the scheduling of the next meeting on this bill may be a little longer due to the holidays coming up at the end of this month.

Mr. Mike Caldwell, associate director of park planning, facilities and lands for the National Park Service, was present at the hearing today. He spoke to the Department’s views on every bill and Senator Hoeven spoke directly to him at the hearing today about S1377.

Remember, we are just at the beginning of a very long process! Today left us feeling really good that our voices were being heard! We continue to be thankful to Senator Hoeven for continuing to advocate with us for the BEST management of the historic wild horses that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home!

We have A LOT of work ahead of us to get this bill passed with the amendments we are requesting! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help support our critical advocacy work. You can make your tax-deductible donation here: https://secure.everyaction.com/wnK6YjHlTkCC2Aq57_7srQ2

You can also make your donation via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XNYNCNVLTULGC

Senator Hoeven’s speech is below for you to read.

Thank you for your support and have a great day!

“I am pleased that the subcommittee is considering a number of bills today including S1377 The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act. Horses have long been a living, breathing part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, and they are a key to the visitor experience. Their presence dates to the early ranching of the badlands long before the park was formally established.

Today, the horses maintain the historic scene that reflects what Theodore Roosevelt himself would have seen during his time in the Badlands and the Dakota territories. These were very formative years that shaped the character and conservation ethic of our nations 26^th president.

Unfortunately, there have been multiple attempts over the years, including as recently in 2022, to remove horses from the park. Each one has been met with OVERWHELMING, and I mean OVERWHELMING opposition from the public. And that is why we worked to craft a balanced, durable solution that provides permanent protection for horses in the park. Under our bill, the National Park Service is required to maintain a healthy herd of not fewer than 150 horses, aligned with the population levels needed for long term Genetic VIABILITY. This approach reflects the broad support among those who value the heritage of the park and the herds ties to the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt.

My colleague from Virginia, Senator Kaine, joined me in introducing this legislation. It is bipartisan legislation. Senator Kaine knows the importance of wild ponies for example in Chincoteague and Assateague Islands on federal lands in his home state. I appreciate his willingness to partner with us on this bipartisan effort.

I appreciate the Interior’s support of the bill and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance it.

So, while we appreciate the National Park Service’s most recent commitment to maintain horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, my legislation aims to resolve any uncertainty by directing the Park Service to maintain to maintain a sustainable and genetically viable herd at the park on a permanent basis.

So, my first question is Do you agree that this bill will help ensure the horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park are protected going forward.

NPS Director Mike Caldwell: Yes, the Department agrees with that, sir.

And second, does establishing in statute a requirement for a healthy, sustainable herd give the clear direction necessary to manage the horses for the long term.

NPS Director Mike Caldwell: Yes, the Department’s support of this, one of the primary reasons is that specific Congressional direction.”