Horses are an iconic part of U.S. history and Americans oppose killing them for meat, said Rep Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and sponsor of the House language.
“This amendment is an endorsement of out-sourcing jobs,” responded Robert Aderholt, Alabama Republican. He said 138,000 horses a year are exported for slaughter.
The House Appropriations Committee also voted to bar poultry meat processed in China from the school lunch program. “China’s food safety record is atrocious,” said sponsor Rosa DeLauro, Connecticut Democrat. Members rejected, 18-32, a proposal by Charlie Dent, Pennsylvania Republican, to oust large processors from the sugar program. Ohio Democrat Marcy Kaptur was defeated twice in trying to broaden fair-play rules in livestock marketing.
To read the text of the bill, click here.