The USDA has completed its review of the comments received in response to its proposed rule that would eliminate the use of all pads, action devices, hoof bands and weighted shoes as well as eliminate the industry enforcement through HIOs and turn all enforcement over to the USDA.  The USDA turned the final rule over to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Friday, December 9, 2016.  

OMB will now review the final rule and could issue the final rule at any point.  The text of the final rule has not been released at this time.