Horseracing Integrity Act Gains Support in House

The Horseracing Integrity Act (H.R. 1754), introduced in March by Congressman Andy Barr, a Kentucky Republican, and Congressman Paul Tonko, a New York Democrat, has gained additional support from the House of Representatives, with 226 members now co-sponsoring the legislation.

The bill received co-sponsorship from a majority of the House in mid-December.

The Horseracing Integrity Act authorizes the creation of a non-governmental anti-doping authority governed by representatives of all major constituencies of the industry and responsible for implementing a national uniform medication program for the entire horse racing industry. 

"The bipartisan support we have garnered for this legislation demonstrates the urgency of needed reforms in the horse racing industry," Barr said. "At the end of the day, my efforts are about ensuring the safety of our equine athletes and the integrity of the sport. I will continue to educate my colleagues on the need for transparency and standardization in horse racing and build on this momentum to fight for Kentucky's signature industry."

"After years working side by side with my friend Congressman Andy Barr to move this legislation forward, I am deeply gratified that our bill to strengthen America's horse racing industry and elevate the health and safety of our equine athletes is finally getting its due support," Tonko said. "Establishing a single national approach to medication testing with strong independent oversight and enforcement will help ensure the long-term viability of this sport of kings. The stakes for this legislation are high, especially in regions like ours with historic ties to an industry that contributes billions of dollars and supports thousands of jobs in the New York economy each year, much of it at and around our legendary Saratoga Race Course."

The bill also has the support of the Water Hay Oats Alliance.

"Industry leaders in the Water Hay Oats Alliance are encouraged by growing support in the U.S. Congress for the Horseracing Integrity Act and have high hopes for its passage in 2020," said Staci Hancock, WHOA's managing member. "WHOA supports the creation of a national independent agency, under the leadership of (the United States Anti-Doping Agency), to oversee the rules, testing, and penalties essential to the health of our horses and our sport. Additionally, the Horseracing Integrity Act puts U.S. horse racing on track to achieve international uniformity in drug and medication rules. The over 1,800 members of WHOA appreciate Congressmen Barr and Tonko for their ongoing efforts on our industry's behalf."

Barr and Tonko have introduced a version of this legislation since 2015. They serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Horse Caucus.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate and has 23 co-sponsors.