Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced on Apr. 24 that she has filed an amendment to the Farm Bill, incorporating key elements of her Veterans for Mustangs Act. The amendment instructs the Secretary of Agriculture to use humane, reversible, non-surgical fertility controls to manage wild horse and burro populations on U.S. Forest Service lands and gives priority to military veterans for these roles.
The proposal aims to address concerns about current methods used in wild horse management while providing new employment opportunities for veterans. “For too long, Washington’s answer to wild horses has been a helicopter and a holding pen, on the taxpayer’s dime,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This amendment brings common sense and accountability back. It protects our mustangs, stops the waste, and puts veterans to work with real purpose out on the range. This is a win for taxpayers, a win for animals, and a win for those who’ve served.”
Cameron Ring, Founder of Veterans for Mustangs, voiced support: “We are proud to partner with Representative Mace to work to secure opportunities for purpose-driven healing for veterans in the 2026 Farm Bill. Recruiting veterans to humanely manage wild horse populations on our public lands will provide veterans with meaningful work opportunities as well as the chance to harness the healing ability of our wild lands and wild horses. As a veteran, I urge leaders in the House and Senate to support this important initiative,” said Ring.
According to information provided by Mace’s office, helicopter roundups have caused injuries or death among animals due to stress or accidents during capture operations; her amendment proposes science-based fertility control using immunocontraceptive vaccines administered by trained veterans instead.
Mace’s amendment would also require prioritizing recruitment of military veterans into training programs such as certified PZP applicator certification offered by Science and Conservation Center’s Certification Program; ensure compensation for participating veterans; authorize direct contracts between certified veteran applicators and Forest Service under existing law.
Nancy Mace is currently serving in Congress representing South Carolina’s 1st district after replacing Joe Cunningham in 2021 according to congressional records. She previously served in South Carolina’s House from 2018-2020 as reported by state legislative archives. Born at Fort Bragg in 1977 and now residing in Charleston according to her official biography, she graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 according The Citadel alumni records.
