Leveraging Aerial Systems for Stewardship Operations (LASSO) Act

The LASSO Act would direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program supporting the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) for the humane management and population control of wild horses and burros on federal lands. The bill would authorize $100,000 annually from the Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse and Burro Program budget over five years to fund this pilot program.

If enacted, the grants would go to universities or organizations with proven experience using drones for herd management, and the drones must be manufactured in the United States. Supporters argue the bill would test more cost-effective and humane methods for managing wild horse populations while supporting the domestic drone industry. The bill is currently referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber.