b'THE AMERICAN HORSE COUNCILS LEGISLATIVE & REGLATORY ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014-2019INTRODUCTIONSuccessfully extended an expired three-year depreciation incentive for racehorses through 2020 within the context of 2019 tax The American Horse Council (AHC) represents the horse industry inlegislation.Washington with a great deal of support and help from our members Successfully advocated for repeal of the Unrelated Business and sponsors. We thought it would be helpful for you to understand Income Tax (UBIT) burdens imposed on non-profits within the the work we do by documenting the accomplishments of the AHC context of 2019 tax legislation. over the last five years. These accomplishments reflect the industrys Published the 2019 Horse Industry Tax Handbook: Tax Cuts and record of success. Jobs Act, a reference tool outlining major changes resulting from Results in Washington, either in Congress or through the federaltax reform legislation impacting the equine sector.regulatory agencies, take time. Moving any part of the federal Successfully advocated for guest worker visa cap flexibility for government involves a great deal of persuasion and education on a FY2020, effectively doubling the number of H-2B guest worker visas day-to-day basis, often over several Congresses or years. It alsoauthorized by federal law.involves working with other coalitions and groups with similar goals. Advocated for permanent cap relief for H2B guest workervisas, within the context of legislation being drafted byAs you review this list, remember that there is a great deal of work Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI). still to be done, including protecting what we have accomplished. Pushed reforms to the H2A Agriculture Guest Worker visa program, We must continue to ensure:clarifying that diverse segments of the horse industry automaticallythat federal tax provisions are favorable to horse owners andqualify for an expanded pool of farm worker visas within the breeders;context of a bill being drafted by Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL).that any gaming legislation considers the special needs ofMet with White House officials and submitted comments to pari-mutuel horseracing;Department of Labor advocating for a streamlined H2A guestthat horses are eligible for all federal emergency relief available;worker visa application process, clarifying eligibility of equinethat horses can be efficiently moved internationally and interstateworkers. for breeding, competition and use; Successfully advocated for permanent reauthorization for thethat import restrictions protect our domestic horses and areLand and Water Conservation Fund, increasing resources for administered fairly and efficiently;conservation projects and easements that promote riding.that federal monies for research into equine diseases are available; Advocating for Restore Our Parks Act (ROPA) (H.R. 1225/ S. 500); that public lands are accessible to riders and outfitters;this bill eliminates barriers to outdoor recreation, making it easierthat federal funding is available to build and maintain trails;for more Americans to get outdoorsenjoying its benefits andthat there are sufficient legal foreign workers for farms, ranchesgenerating jobs. H.R. 1225 has 329 co-sponsors, whereas the and other equine facilities;senate version has 50. that any nationally-mandated identification system for livestock Advocating for Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) recognizes the uniqueness of the horse industry and,Act (H.R. 3879/ S. 1665), to expedite processing of trail permits.other issues that may arise are addressed.Facilitating implementation of the National Forest Trails Thank you for your support.Stewardship Act; directs the Forest Service to develop a strategy Please help us continue the effort together. to more effectively utilize volunteers and partners to assist in maintaining national forest trails. Monitoring and continued promotion of Horse Protection Act 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS regulatory changeswhich continues to be in a holding pattern. Advocated for passage of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act Advocated for industry engagement in the development of more (H.R. 693) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Passing by a votesupportive Import/Export Regulations; specifically 60 to 90 days of 333 to 96, the bill has gained unprecedented momentum in therule change.Senate, where it has more than 50 co-sponsors. Supported Equine Disease Communication Center, and collaboratedFor the third year in a row, successfully advocated for dedicatedwith various organizations and agencies on Disaster Response.funds for Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) for Provided education and advocated for changes to proposed veterans, a measure championed by Rep. Barr, in the amount ofElectronic Logging Devices and Commercial Drivers License.$1.5 million, within the FY2020 Department of Veterans Affairs Collaborated with industry on expansion of www.Horselookup.(VA) spending bill. org, an equine microchip look up tool with 2 new databasesAdvocated for the Whole Veteran Act (H.R. H.R. 2359), authorizingincorporated.a study analyzing the effectiveness of various treatments for Joined with national and international natural disaster response veterans, including equine assisted therapy. The bill passed theleaders to establish more effective communication and support House in 2019 and is awaiting consideration in the Senate. efforts. Advocated for passage of the IMPROVE Act (H.R. 3495), allocating Participated in and help facilitate annual APHIS Stakeholder more resources for effective veteran suicide prevention programs,meeting with USDA officials and equine health leaders. including EAAT.AHC ACCOMPLISHMENTS92020 HORSE INDUSTRY DIRECTORY'