Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) is set to introduce the Senate companion bill, S. 2193 to Congressman Marsha Blackburn's (R-TN) H.R. 4098, the Horse Protection Amendments Act.  Alexander's legislation will expand on the Blackburn bill to include a vet advisory board to the single, independent HIO board as well as add disqualifications to horses found to be in violation of the HPA.

Alexander's bill will be co-sponsored by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA).  McConnell is Senator Minority Leader.  Alexander also mandates term limits on HIO board members and requires those board members to be conflict free.

The legislation will eliminate soring through the use of objective, scientific testing as recommended by the expert, equine veterinarian advisory council.  The bill does not ban the use of pads, action devices or weighted shoes that are currently allowed in the HPA and proven through scientific testing not to cause harm to the horse.

A full copy of the legislation will be made available soon.  Click here to view the article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press.