The American Horse Council presented Congresswoman Anne Northup of Louisville, Ky. with the 2000 Rolapp Award at its second annual Congressional Dinner on Sept. 25 in Washington, D.C.

Given annually since 1993, the award honors that Member of Congress who has been particularly supportive of the horse industry. The award is named in memory of Rich Rolapp who was President of the AHC for 15 years.

Congresswoman Northup was in the Kentucky House of Representatives for nine years before being elected to Congress in 1996 from Louisville, Ky., the home of the Kentucky Derby. In Congress she serves on the House Appropriations Committee. Now in her second term, Northup has focused her concerns on health care and education. In 1998 she founded the Reading Caucus, a bi-partisan caucus created to increase awareness of the illiteracy issue.

“Congresswoman Northup has been a staunch supporter of the horse industry in Washington since her election to Congress,” said Jay Hickey, president of the AHC in presenting the award. “This year in particular she has worked tirelessly in persuading other Members of Congress to support the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act and the racing provisions. She has been an important voice with the House Leadership in support of the bill. The industry knows how important this legislation is to our future and Congresswoman Northup has been at the forefront of the efforts to pass it