TIME Act of 2026
Creates risk-based rules for temporarily bringing qualifying competition horses into the United States.
In the House Energy and Commerce Committee since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Moving horses across borders for competitions involves animal-health and biosecurity rules. The TIME Act would direct the Agriculture Secretary to create rules for temporarily bringing qualifying high-health, high-performance horses into the United States. Those rules would include risk-based checks, recognized certifications, expedited entry, and modified quarantine, with periodic reviews as standards or disease conditions change.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Create rules for temporary horse entry
The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for horses that meet World Organisation for Animal Health standards and enter the United States temporarily for recognized competitions or races.
- Use risk-based entry and health checks
The regulations would recognize the low health risk of qualifying horses, use identification, traceability, and biosecurity measures, and accept health certifications from recognized organizations. They would also provide expedited entry and modified quarantine consistent with international standards.
- Review rules as conditions change
The Secretary would periodically review and, as appropriate, revise the regulations when international standards change, equine diagnostic capabilities advance, or the spread of equine diseases changes.
The bill cites nonstandardized, restrictive protocols as a reason some owners and trainers avoid U.S.-based horse events. It also says international competitions held in the United States contribute to national and local economies, and that current rules do not adequately account for the needs of competition horses.
The measure aims to make temporary entry more predictable while retaining health, identification, and biosecurity safeguards.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Tonko with 2 original cosponsorsReferred to Energy and Commerce
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeeSEP 24, 2026ENERGY & COMMERCE NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 2 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Tonko’s record: sponsored 29 bills this Congress. 0 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Stephanie I. BiceR-OK-5ORIGINAL
- Kat CammackR-FL-3ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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