Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass H.R. 1754, the Horseracing Integrity Act. The bill would establish the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority under the U.S. Ant-Doping Agency with oversight from the Federal Trade Commission to implement, publish, and maintain rules regarding substances, methods, and treatments that are permitted to be administered to thoroughbred horses. It would also establish uniform sanctions for violations, establish racetrack safety standards, and allow other breeds to elect to be regulated by the authority. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), whose Congressional District includes Santa Anita Racetrack where 37 horses died last year, had urged the Energy and Commerce Committee to bring this bill to the floor and issued the following statement:
“Horse racing is a beloved activity by many in my area and across the country, and in addition to providing 1,500 jobs, Santa Anita racetrack is a center of activity for many families. That is why it was so alarming when, in 2019, it became clear that conditions at the track and the lack of strong regulations were contributing to a disproportionately high number of horse deaths. This threatened not only the lives of horses, who were needlessly put at risk, but also the future of horseracing. That is why, after speaking with trainers, owners, and other horseracing professionals, I immediately called for a moratorium on racing while we assessed how to best protect horses, and I believe this bill – which is supported by the Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup, and Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association – will help us to do that by creating a single federal standard for how race horses should be treated. In California, the deaths at Santa Anita spurred action by the State legislature, Governor, and California Horse Racing Board to implement stringent new safety standards to protect horses and jockeys. I commended the State for these important steps, but conditions must be improved nationwide, not just in California. The numbers of horses killed while racing in America are out of line with the much lower rate of horse deaths internationally. That is why I welcome this new federal standard to help ensure all horses are protected, no matter where they race. We should not accept dead horses as just a normal cost of this sport. I’m proud that the House acted so decisively today to pass this bill.”
