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WASHINGTON—Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) spoke passionately at a hearing today in support of H.R. 1754: the Horseracing Integrity Act, legislation that would establish a non-governmental anti-doping authority responsible for implementing a national, uniform medication program throughout the sport. Tonko introduced the bill last year with fellow Congressional Horse Caucus co-chair Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY). The hearing was held by the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.

“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 horseracing industry and elevate the health and safety of our equine athletes is advancing through Congress,” Congressman 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 for communities we serve with historic ties to horse racing, a sport and industry that represents billions of dollars and thousands of jobs across New York, much of it at and around our legendary Saratoga Race Course.”

“There is nothing more synonymous with the Commonwealth of Kentucky than thoroughbred racing and breeding,” said Congressman Barr. “Today’s hearing on the Horseracing Integrity Act was an important step in advancing reforms to protect our 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.”

“Nothing is more important to NYRA than the health and safety of our equine and human athletes, which we believe is critical to ensuring the long-term integrity and fairness of our sport,” said New York Racing Association President & CEO Dave O’Rourke in a letter to subcommittee leaders. “We believe that the passage of H.R. 1754 is vital to equine health and the integrity of our sport, as well as the many industries it supports. We urge that all racing jurisdictions join NYRA and other major tracks in supporting this legislation.”

“We applaud Reps. Tonko and Barr for their tireless work to end doping, and protect our iconic American equines,” said Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action. “There is nothing more important in horseracing than the health, safety, and welfare of the horse. Americans will no longer tolerate the multitude of deaths in U.S. horseracing – this isn’t ancient Rome, it’s 2020.”

Currently, the U.S. horse racing industry exists as a patchwork of inconsistent rules governing medication policies and practices across 38 separate racing jurisdictions. This complete lack of uniformity hinders interstate commerce and undermines public confidence in the sport. The Horseracing Integrity Act responds by providing increased safety and welfare of horses, jockeys and drivers, setting a level playing field for fair competition within and across state lines and assuring full disclosure of information to purchasers of breeding stock and to the wagering public.

The majority of U.S. House of Representatives are cosponsors of the Horseracing Integrity Act. The bill is also supported by Humane Society of the U.S., New York Racing Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Animal Welfare Institute, the Water Hay Oats Alliance, the Jockey Club, Animal Wellness Action, the Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the Stronach Group, and some of the nation’s top trainers.

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