TIME Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
The TIME Act of 2026 aims to boost the U.S. equestrian industry by standardizing and expediting the temporary entry of high-performance horses, aligning U.S. protocols with international animal health standards.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue new regulations to streamline the temporary international movement of "high-health, high-performance horses" into the United States for competitions. It mandates that these regulations align with international standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), recognize low health risks, establish a risk-based framework, accept certifications from recognized entities, and provide for expedited entry and modified quarantine protocols. The goal is to make it easier for international equestrian events to be hosted in the U.S.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that current U.S. import regulations are overly restrictive and non-standardized, deterring international horse owners and trainers from participating in U.S.-based events. By adopting WOAH's "High Health, High Performance" framework, the U.S. can attract more international competitions, boosting national and local economies, while maintaining strict biosecurity and animal welfare standards. This move is seen as science-based, economically sound, and globally competitive.
Opponents contend
While direct opposition to facilitating temporary horse movement under strict health protocols is not explicitly stated, potential concerns from critics might revolve around the risk, however small, of introducing or spreading equine diseases, even with "high-health" certifications. Some might argue that any deviation from existing, more stringent protocols could compromise domestic herd health, or that the economic benefits might not outweigh potential biosecurity risks, especially if oversight is perceived as insufficient.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it easy for any interested reader to understand its provisions and implications within a few minutes.
Section 3(a) and (b)
Directing the Secretary of Agriculture to Promulgate Regulations for Temporary International Movement of High-Health, High-Performance Horses
This provision requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create and regularly update new rules that make it easier for specific types of horses—those certified as "high-health, high-performance" by international standards—to temporarily enter the U.S. for competitions. These rules must acknowledge the low health risk of these horses, use a risk-based system for identification and biosecurity, accept health certifications from recognized equestrian organizations, and allow for faster entry and modified quarantine procedures that match global best practices.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision directly addresses the existing barriers to international equestrian participation in the U.S., which currently deter many from attending. By aligning with WOAH standards, the U.S. can become a more attractive host for prestigious events, thereby boosting the equestrian industry and related tourism, while still upholding robust animal health protocols.
Critics contend
Critics, if any, might express concern that even with "high-health" certifications, any relaxation of existing import protocols, however minor, could introduce unforeseen biosecurity risks to the domestic equine population. They might argue that the current system, while cumbersome, offers maximum protection, and the economic benefits might not justify even a perceived increase in risk.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to stimulate economic activity and international sporting exchange within the equestrian industry against the imperative to protect domestic animal health from foreign diseases. It seeks to find a sweet spot where streamlined processes do not compromise biosecurity.