Two members of Congress introduced legislation May 4 authorizing penalties for those caught using performance-enhancing drugs in racehorses.

The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the provisions of the bill offered by Republican Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky and Democratic Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico. Udall indicated the week of April 24 that legislation would be introduced before the May 7 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, which will be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

The bill calls for amendment of the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA) of 1978, which authorizes the transmission of signals across state lines for wagering purposes. The law gives various parties a say in such transmissions but covers no other areas of horse racing or pari-mutuel wagering, which are regulated at the state level.

The first violation calls for a fine of at least $5,000 and a suspension of at least 180 days; a second violation results in a fine not less than $20,000 and a suspension not less than one year; and for a third offense, a fine not less than $50,000 and a permanent ban from horse racing