SENS. BOND AND AHSCROFT PICK UP OZARKS WILD HORSES FIGHT

Missouri's U.S. senators are urging expedited action on a bill to prevent the removal of a herd of wild horses from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

The National Park Service and the Department of the Interior have been attempting to relocate the herd of about 30 horses since 1990.

On Tuesday, a measure sponsored by Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, was approved by voice vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. Sens. Christopher "Kit" Bond and John Ashcroft have co-sponsored similar legislation.

Thursday, the senators sent a letter to Sen. Frank H. Murkowski of Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, asking for his support in moving the legislation forward.

"This is yet another case where the bureaucrats think they know best and the perspective, suggestions, and views of the local citizens are disregarded," the letter says.

The National Park Service and Interior Department have gone to court to fight those who oppose removing the horses.