HISA Would Operate Through Any Government Shutdown

While the federal government could soon be heading toward a shutdown, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority said its operations, as well as the racing schedule, would not be impacted.

CBS News reported Sept. 21 that Republicans in the House of Representatives have not reached an agreement on a short-term funding bill, which would be necessary to keep the federal government open beyond Sept. 30, when funding for federal agencies runs out. It reported that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy plans to keep the House in session on Friday and Saturday as he tries to find a resolution.

A representative of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, which oversees the sport's drug testing, medication rules, anti-doping efforts, and safety regulations, said that if there were a government shutdown at month's end—or any other time—HISA, as well as its enforcement arm, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit, would continue to function.

"HISA would function as normal," said a spokeswoman. "HISA is an independent private entity and HIWU is a division of Drug Free Sport, another independent, private company. No HISA or HIWU employees are government employees."

Congress passed a bill authorizing the HISA as a private self-regulatory organization. The Federal Trade Commission is given broad oversight over the Authority. The FTC, after providing an opportunity for public comment, must approve or disapprove any rule proposed by HISA. Civil sanctions imposed by the Authority for violations of its rules or standards may be appealed to the commission for review by an Administrative Law Judge and by the Commission.

BloodHorse had reached out to the FTC Sept. 18 for any potential impact of a shutdown on its end, relative to racing, but had not heard back.