December 27, 2020 marked a turning point toward a bright future for American horse racing, the health and welfare of its horses and jockeys, and the integrity of the sport. After years of negotiation and compromise, it is with great pride and complete satisfaction that the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA) celebrates the the inclusion of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) in the 2020 Omnibus Appropriations Bill which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump today.                        

Senate Sponsor S.4547- Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

“Kentucky is proud of our distinct horseracing traditions. We must address the challenges the sport faces so we can preserve our heritage and the jobs of over 24,000 Kentuckians who support it.  As Senate Majority Leader, I look forward to working with Congressman Andy Barr and our colleagues across the aisle on our legislation to give federal recognition to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Together, we can better protect every competitor and give each of them a fair shot at the Winner’s Circle.” 

 

Senate Sponsor S.4547- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

“Having grown up near the races at Saratoga Raceway, I know how important it is to protect horses at Saratoga and across the country. Congress must put an end to the harsh treatment of racehorses and solidify health and safety standards for both racehorses and racetracks. I’m proud to work with Majority Leader McConnell on the bipartisan Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. This legislation will do the important work of creating an independent regulatory process tasked with implementing anti-doping and safety programs to help ensure health and safety in America’s historic horseracing industry." 

 

House Sponsor - HR1754 Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY)

"My team and I have been chomping at the bit to get the Horseracing Integrity Act back in the starting for the 116th Congress. With the help of a burst of energy from its many dedicated supporters, we set a fast pace last session, garnering more cosponsors down the stretch than ever before in our efforts to get this bill across the finish line. In all seriousness, I look forward to continuing our important bipartisan work to pass this worthy legislation so that we can do right by our equine athletes and ensure that horse racing can thrive as an industry that will capture the public's imagination for generations to come."

House Sponsor - HR1754 Representative Andy Barr (R-KY)

"As the Representative of the Horse Capital of the World, I am proud to once again introduce the Horseracing Integrity Act with my colleague Congressman Paul Tonko. I continue to believe the future prosperity of Kentucky's signature horseracing industry depends on national uniform standards and testing procedures that are critical to the integrity and safety of the sport.  Last Congress, we secured more than 100 cosponsors, and I look forward to building upon this bipartisan work to restore international competitiveness and public confidence in this great American sport.  

I appreciate the continued support and advocacy the Water Hay Oats Alliance has shown since this legislation was first introduced in 2015. "

Senate Cosponsor - S.4547 Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

"I’m pleased to join Leader McConnell in introducing a bill to finally establish uniform, nationwide standards to protect racehorses, jockeys and the integrity of the sport.  Given the troubling number of racehorse deaths in recent years, this legislation is a step in the right direction, and I will continue working to ensure that increased safety standards, like those adopted in California, are applied nationally.”

Senate Cosponsor - S.4547 Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ)

“The misuse of potentially dangerous substances in racehorses to boost performance harms horses and has led to numerous injuries and deaths.  I have worked for years to protect racehorses against this abuse and uphold the integrity of the sport. I’m pleased to join Majority Leader McConnell and other bipartisan Senators to do just that by creating uniform racetrack safety standards that will better enforce anti-doping measures.”

                                                                                                                    



  • The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Hearing on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. The hearing is entitled, “Legislation to Promote the Health and Safety of Racehorses.”



  • Lawmakers and horse industry leaders discuss medication reform efforts.

    Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), the co-chairs of the Congressional Horse Caucus, hosted a hearing with fellow Caucus members and leaders from the horseracing industry to discuss a path forward for the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act. 

    Barr and Tonko introduced the legislation in July, 2015 in order to advance reforms aimed at promoting uniform medication standards across the 38 different racing jurisdictions in the United States.  In doing so, the American thoroughbred industry would benefit from increased safety and integrity.



  • Congressmen Paul Tonko and Andy Barr introduced the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015.
    The Coalition for Horseracing Integrity strongly supports this bill, which grants authority for developing and administering an anti-doping program for thoroughbred horse racing to the only independent, science-based anti-doping entity in the United States, USADA.

     

     



  • Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Convenes Hearing on H.R. 2012, held a hearing on Thursday, November 21, 2013.  This hearing discussed a bill to improve the integrity and safety of interstate horseracing, and for other purposes.
     

     

  • Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing

    The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on Thursday, July 12, 2012 entitled “Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horseracing”.  This hearing examined the prevalence and use of medications and performance enhancing drugs in horseracing.  At the hearing, a cross section of industry leaders shared their opinions.
    To watch the hearing and read written testimony, click below:
    Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing

     



  • Field Hearing on the Health of Jockeys and Horses in Horseracing  On Monday, April 30, 2012, (9:30 a.m., Unionville High School, 750 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA) the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled “A Review of Efforts to Protect Jockeys and Horses in Horseracing”.  At the hearing, the Subcommittee reviewed what reforms, if any, have been made in the horseracing industry to protect jockeys, horses, and the integrity of the sport.
     

  • BREEDING, DRUGS, AND BREAKDOWNS: THE STATE OF THOROUGHBRED HORSERACING AND THE WELFARE OF THE THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE

    A Hearing before the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Comsumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
    in the House of Representatives - the One Hundred and Tenth Congress, Thursday June 19, 2008.
    https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-110hhrg56803/pdf/CHRG-110hhrg56803.pdf



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