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AMSTERDAM, NY—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Andy Barr (R-KY) cheered the announcement today by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) of legislation to be introduced in the U.S. Senate to strengthen safety standards for the U.S. horse racing industry. The new bill uses the framework of bipartisan House legislation that has been championed by Reps. Tonko and Barr for several Congresses and reintroduced last year as H.R. 1754: the Horseracing Integrity Act that would establish uniform national medication standards including a ban on medicating horses the same day they are scheduled to race, bringing the United States in line with international standards.

“For nearly six years now, I have led a broad, bipartisan campaign to bring America’s sport of kings into the modern age, including common sense measures to protect our equine athletes and bring greater integrity to the sport of horseracing,” Congressman Tonko said. “Today’s announcement of legislation to be introduced in the Senate means, after all this time, we are rounding the final turn. With the support of Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Churchill Downs, I am confident that this compromise legislation will unite all who are interested in building a strong foundation and a prosperous future for this noble sport. I look forward to advancing this legislation in the House as an amended form of our Horseracing Integrity Act before the end of the year.”

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of work and negotiation to develop uniform racing standards under one independent regulatory body,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “The future of the sport depends on fair competition, a level playing field across state lines, as well as the safety and welfare of our equine and human athletes. Now is the time for the horseracing industry to embrace change that will attract a new generation of fans and solidify the future of this special sport. I want to thank Leader McConnell for his partnership on this effort and I look forward to moving this legislation across the finish line.”

The legislation introduced in the Senate today adopts the same reform measures established in H.R. 1754, and adds additional track safety measures and improved transparency across the horseracing industry. Tonko and Barr’s bill marked a key milestone earlier this year, boasting cosponsorship of more than half of the House of Representatives. The Tonko-Barr legislation now has more than 250 cosponsors in the House.

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