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119th Congress
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SENATES. 1377· 119th Congress

Bill requires Interior Department to maintain wild horse herd in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wild Horses Protection Act

Sponsor
John Hoeven (R-ND)
Introduced
Apr 9, 2025
Last Action
Sep 10, 2026

Recorded legislative actions. Future votes are not implied.

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In Committee
Dec 9, 2025
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Passed Committee
Dec 17, 2025
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Passed Senate
Jun 11, 2026
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Received in House
Jun 15, 2026
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In Committee
Sep 10, 2026

AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Feb 10, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 12, 2026.

01 — The Text

What.

  • Directs the Department of the Interior to maintain a genetically diverse herd of at least 150 horses in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
  • Requires Interior to develop a management plan that protects the horses while preventing adverse impacts to park natural resources
  • Restricts horse removal to three circumstances: maintaining genetic diversity, emergencies, or protecting public health and safety
  • Mandates annual monitoring, assessment, and public reporting on horse population, structure, and health
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • The bill establishes a minimum population floor for the park's horses, but does not specify a maximum population or management targets beyond genetic diversity
  • The management plan requirement is stated but the bill does not specify what standards or metrics Interior must use to determine if natural resources are being adversely impacted
  • The exceptions to removal restrictions (emergency, public health/safety) are authorized but undefined; their scope and application are not detailed in the summary
  • Annual reporting is required, but the bill does not establish enforcement mechanisms or consequences for non-compliance
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent on June 11, 2026
  • Received in the House on June 15, 2026 and held at the desk
  • Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on September 10, 2026
  • Currently pending in House committee; no further action recorded
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Sep 10, 2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • Jun 15, 2026 — Held at the desk.
  • Jun 15, 2026 — Received in the House.
  • Jun 12, 2026 — Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  • Jun 11, 2026 — Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2747-2748; text: CR S2748)
  • Jun 11, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2747-2748; text: CR S2748)
  • Jun 11, 2026 — Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
  • Dec 17, 2025 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.