U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) called a Jan. 28 subcommittee hearing an important step toward advancing more consistent reforms to protect the nation’s equine athletes and jockeys.
“I remain firm in my belief that the future prosperity of this sport relies on uniformity throughout the industry, and I will continue to work to increase the popularity and public confidence in thoroughbred horseracing throughout the nation,” Rep. Barr testified during a hearing held on Tuesday by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
During the subcommittee’s hearing, entitled “Legislation to Promote the Health and Safety of Racehorses,” Rep. Barr promoted the bipartisan Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019, H.R. 1754, which he signed on to in March 2019 as the lead original cosponsor with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY).
The legislation would establish the Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority, an independent, private nonprofit corporation to develop and administer an anti-doping and medication control program for thoroughbred, quarter and standardbred horses that participate in horse races, as well as for the personnel engaged in their care, training or racing, according to the bill’s text.
“Currently regulated by 38 separate jurisdictions, the horseracing industry labors under a patchwork of conflicting and inconsistent, state-based rules governing prohibited substances, lab accreditation, testing, and penalties for violations,” Rep. Barr testified. “This lack of uniformity has impeded interstate commerce, compromised the international competitiveness of the industry, and undermined public confidence in the integrity of the sport.
If enacted, H.R. 1754 “would remedy these problems,” he said.
“A national uniform medication program,” said Rep. Barr, “is not about creating more bureaucracy or regulation, rather it is about streamlining the current regulatory structure to ensure the safety of our athletes.”