S. 1377

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To ensure the maintenance of a herd of horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · April 9, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Hoeven · Committee: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Table of contents

• S. 1377
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Maintenance of horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act.

SEC. 2. Maintenance of horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Section 5 of the Act of April 25, 1947 (61 Stat. 54, chapter 41; ), is amended— 16 U.S.C. 245
  • by striking the section designation and all that follows through and inserting the following:
    • (a) In general
      • The administration
      • In general
    • (b) Maintenance of horses
      • (1) In general
        • The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this subsection as the ) shall maintain a genetically diverse herd of horses in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (referred to in this subsection as the ), with a population of not fewer than 150 horses.
        • In general
      • (2) Management plan
        • (A) In general
          • Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall develop a plan to provide for the management of horses in the Park.
        • (B) Requirements
          • The plan developed under subparagraph (A) shall provide for the cost-effective management of the horses in the Park while ensuring that natural resources within the Park are not adversely impacted.
      • (3) Removal
        • The Secretary shall not remove, or assist in or permit the removal of, any horses from Federal land within the boundaries of the Park—
          • unless the removal is carried out as part of a plan to maintain a genetically diverse herd of horses; or
          • except—
            • (i) in the case of emergency; or
            • (ii) to protect public health and safety.
      • (4) Monitoring and assessment
        • The Secretary shall annually monitor, assess, and make available to the public findings regarding the population, structure, and health of the horses in the Park.
  • by adding at the end the following: