Summary: This bill establishes the Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority as an independent, private non-profit corporation with responsibility for developing and administering an anti-doping and medication control program for (1) Thoroughbred, Quarter, and Standardbred horses that participate in horse races; and (2) the personnel engaged in the care, training, or racing of such horses. Cosponsors (Bipartisan)
ANGIE CRAIG’S POSITION: Representative Craig cosponsored the bill on 9/12/19.
STATUS: Introduced 3/14/19 by Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20] .
INFORMATION RELATED TO THE BILL:
- “Horseracing thrives when we put the majestic equine athlete front and center” Tonko said. “Our legislation creates a set of nationwide rules that are clear, consistent, and conflict-free. This will make horseracing safer for our equine athletes and jockeys while increasing confidence in the sport among the trainers, owners, horseplayers, and horseracing fans alike. This sport of kings has long supported good jobs and delivers billions of dollars in economic impact every year in my home state of New York and throughout the country. I am grateful to Congressman Barr for partnering with me on this common-sense legislation and look forward to advancing our measure through the House.” (Source: Rep. Tonko, Press Release, 3/14/19)
- The horse racing community is coming together to achieve a common goal – the creation of uniform drug and medication regulations for our sport. With 50% of horses racing in more than one state, today’s outdated patchwork of state-by-state medication regulations makes horse racing complicated for trainers, owners, and veterinarians. (Source: Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity)
- H.R. 1754 is nearly identical to the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017 (H.R. 2651), also introduced by Reps. Barr and Tonko, which garnered the bipartisan support of more than 130 representatives last Congress. Joining the effort in 2019 are Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), co-chairs of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. CHRI is hopeful and optimistic that the legislation will move through the committee process this year, building on this strong showing of support from key lawmakers. (Source: The Sport)
ADDITIONAL DETAIL:
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