WASHINGTON –Today, the Senate approved the Corolla Wild Horse Protection Act, an amendment sponsored by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC). The amendment takes actions to ensure the genetic diversity and viability of the herd so that these horses are not lost forever. The amendment also allows the Corolla Wild Horse Fund to manage the herd at no cost to taxpayers. The amendment passed by voice vote.

“I’m glad the Senate approved this amendment,” said Sen. Burr. “The Corolla Wild Horses have lived on North Carolina’s shores for centuries and are an iconic part of the Outer Banks community. The passage of this amendment preserves an important piece of North Carolina’s heritage and will allow the Corolla horses to delight locals and visitors for years to come.”

“I’m pleased that the Senate unanimously approved our amendment to help save North Carolina’s Corolla Wild Horses,” said Sen. Tillis. “Many people who have vacationed in North Carolina remember the days when these majestic horses could be sighted on our beautiful beaches, and our amendment will play an important part in ensuring future generations of Americans have their own opportunity to see the Corolla Wild Horses.”

“I have had to watch the agonizing genetic decline of these historic horses escalate over the last ten years,” said Karen McCalpin, Executive Director of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. “Senators Burr and Tillis have saved one of the oldest and rarest strains of Colonial Spanish Mustangs in the world. These horses are beloved by hundreds of thousands of people all across America. We are so grateful to Senator Burr and to Senator Tillis for ensuring that these unique horses will be guaranteed a genetically healthy future for generations to come.”

Both Sen. Burr and Sen. Tillis spoke in support of the amendment on the Senate floor today.

WATCH Sen. Burr’s remarks

WATCH Sen. Tillis’ remarks

The text of the amendment is available here.

###