Rep. Hurd Leads Legislation Providing Important Regulatory Relief for America’s Livestock Haulers

Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03) introduced the Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection (HELP) Act (H.R.4500) with strong support from Colorado and national stakeholders. This legislation permanently exempts livestock, insect, and aquatic animal haulers from federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, recognizing the unique demands of transporting live animals. It builds on a successful COVID-era FMCSA Emergency Declaration that allowed these haulers flexibility while still operating at an excellent safety level. Congressman Hurd was joined by Congressmen Tracey Mann (KS-01), Gabe Evans (CO-08), and John Rose (TN-06) in leading this legislation.

“These provisions regulating livestock haulers have proven time and time again to be unnecessary and burdensome,” said Rep. Hurd. “Live animals have unique care needs and require flexibility to be safely transported along the supply chain, and frequent road closures and adverse weather makes this flexibility especially important in Colorado. The HELP Act provides this critical regulatory relief and allows haulers to continue delivering for our producers and food supply safely and effectively, as they’ve shown for over two years during the pandemic.”

“Anyone who has spent time around agriculture knows that livestock requires unique care and flexibility,” said Rep. Mann. “The Department of Transportation’s hours of service and electronic logging device rules fail to take that reality into account and puts unnecessary burdens on livestock, livestock haulers, and the nation’s food supply chain as a whole. Our bill rolls back these burdensome regulations and gives our nation’s livestock haulers the flexibility they need to keep our food supply chain strong.”

“As the Representative of Colorado’s 8th district, one of the richest and most productive agricultural regions in America, I am proud to cosponsor Representative Hurd’s Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection Act,” said Rep. Evans. "This commonsense legislation is a win for our farmers, livestock haulers, and the animals they transport—ensuring livestock can be moved safely and efficiently while supporting our nation's food supply and keeping Colorado agriculture strong.”

“As an eighth-generation farmer, I know the challenges of hauling live animals safely,” said Rep. Rose. “The HELP Act provides much-needed relief from burdensome regulations, allowing haulers to prioritize animal welfare without unnecessary delays. I’m proud to support this common-sense bill that protects our farmers, strengthens rural communities, and keeps our agricultural supply chain moving.”

“On behalf of Colorado’s ranching families, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association thanks Representative Hurd for his leadership in introducing the Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection (HELP) Act,” said Curt Russell, President, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. “This long-overdue fix acknowledges the unique reality of hauling live animals—you can’t simply stop and take a break. Livestock haulers need flexibility to prioritize animal welfare, safety, and timely delivery. This legislation provides much-needed certainty for producers and haulers alike, and we strongly support its passage.”

“The Colorado Wool Growers Association appreciates Congressman Hurd’s leadership on the Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection Act (HELP Act),” said Bonnie Eddy, Executive Director, Colorado Wool Growers Association. “Livestock haulers have an excellent safety record, and it’s imperative that once loaded with livestock, trucks keep moving to their final destination. In the summer, air flow is vitally important for the comfort of livestock, and minimizing hauling time in the winter is conducive to reducing stress. Onerous and unwarranted regulations negatively impact the many small, family-owned trucking businesses that provide a vital link in America’s food chain.” 

"Colorado Farm Bureau appreciates the introduction of the HELP Act by Congressman Hurd. This legislation is so important to the industry because it helps protect the integrity of the supply chain and safeguards the animal welfare of our livestock,” said Carlyle Currier, President, Colorado Farm Bureau. “Exempting livestock haulers from the hours-of-service requirements will help mitigate stress on livestock and lessen the effects of shrink, putting money back into producers' pockets. Thank you, Congressman Hurd." 

In addition to these Colorado organizations, the HELP Act is supported by a wide variety of national stakeholders, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Beekeeping Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, American Horse Council, American Quarter Horse Association, and the National Aquaculture Association.

Read the full bill text here.

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