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AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today released the following statement on the news this week that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)—established under Tonko’s Horseracing integrity and Safety Act—has contracted with Drug Free Sport International to develop national testing and enforcement regulations for the sport of horseracing:

“From the outset of this movement, our goal with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was to have the sport partner with USADA to create a world class anti-doping and medication control program. USADA’s involvement as the anti-doping enforcement agency would have immediately enhanced the credibility of the sport and helped make horseracing immeasurably safer for the equine athletes and jockeys.

“While I’m disappointed that HISA ultimately chose not to move forward in partnership with USADA, I have confidence that the partnership announced this week with Drug Free Sport International will move the sport forward along the path of clean and fair sporting and help ensure that horseracing can thrive for generations to come. Congress will continue to play a vital role in oversight and implementation of this new partnership to ensure that the ambitious goals of our legislation are achieved, and the equine athlete is protected.”

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