WHAT:
The Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, chaired by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), held a hearing today to examine H.R. 2651, the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017. #SubDCCP members heard from expert witnesses representing a range of perspectives about this legislation and its impact on the horseracing industry.
WHY:
#SubDCCP Chairman Latta said, “Horseracing is an important part of the American fabric, both as a sport and as a source of entertainment. Ensuring the integrity of the sport is important to owners, competitors and fans alike."
“Today, we will hear from you, the experts, about the horseracing industry, how it is currently regulated, and what can be done to protect these wonderful animals. We want to know your thoughts on the legislation at hand, its impact on the industry, and how best to promote the vitality and integrity of this celebrated sport," Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) said.
WHO:
* The Honorable Andy Barr, Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives (Opening Statement )
* The Honorable Paul Tonko, Member of Congress, U.S. House of Representatives (Opening Statement )
* Kitty Block, Acting President and CEO, The Humane Society of the United States (Opening Statement )
* Alan Foreman, Chairman and CEO, Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc. (Opening Statement )
* Craig Fravel, CEO, The Breeders’ Cup (Opening Statement )
* Eric Hamelback, CEO, National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (Opening Statement )
* Stuart S. Janney III, Chairman, The Jockey Club (Opening Statement )
* Ed Martin, President, Association of Racing Commissioners International (Opening Statement )
KEY MOMENTS:
“These modern challenges require concentrated, efficient and sophisticated national programs for investigating regulatory matters, researching threats, testing and prosecution. An international sport deserves the most advanced form of regulatory mechanism, not one based on 38 different state agencies with varying levels of funding, expertise and experience."- Craig Fravel, CEO, The Breeder’s Cup.
“We strongly support the existing mechanism by which policies are formulated and embodied in the Model Rules of Racing established by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. These policies form the basis of the regulatory scheme currently in place, made after thoughtful deliberation and dialogue that includes input from an important array of organizations, including the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, which serves as the industry’s scientific and policy arm."- Alan Foreman, Chairman and CEO, Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc.
RESOURCES:
The Majority Memorandum, witness testimony, and an archived webcast are available online HERE.
