Q: What is being done to curb the use of performance enhancing drugs?
A:
I grew up in New Hartford as a big fan of baseball. Like millions of other Americans, I looked forward to watching and participating in America's pastime each Spring and Summer. So I was greatly disappointed to hear the results of former Senator George Mitchell's investigation into the use of performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball. The Mitchell Report revealed that at least one player on every Major League team was using performance-enhancing drugs. Professional sports figures serve as role models, yet this in-depth report illustrated the fact that athletes are turning to performance-enhancing drugs to gain a competitive edge, and in doing so they are showing kids that it's okay to take steroids or steroid precursors. I won’t be complacent when it comes to the use of these drugs by professional athletes or young Americans. Last month, I introduced one bill and co-sponsored another that would help crack-down on the use of these destructive drugs. It's time athletes in all levels of competition shape up without the use of drugs.
Q: How does your legislation limit the use of DHEA and HGH?
A:
I first began to look into the use of steroids in sports as co-chairman of the Senate Drug Caucus. I co-sponsored the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 to combat the use of steroids in professional sports. I also held a congressional hearing to spotlight the dangerous effects these drugs can have on our children. We heard from a Division 1 athlete who told us that anything from protein supplements to illegal steroids were readily available at both the high school and college level. Further investigation made clear that the human growth hormone, or HGH, and the dietary supplement DHEA are being marketed and sold to athletes of all ages with the promise that these drugs will help them compete on a higher level. Both HGH and the steroid precursor DHEA are highly dangerous when used improperly without the supervision of a physician. Studies have shown that when used in high doses, DHEA has similar effects on the body as steroids. Furthermore, HGH has been shown to cause cancer and gigantism over time. The bill I introduced last month will make the sale of DHEA to individuals under the age of 18 a civil offense. This legislation is similar to statutes in place in three states and still allows sale to and use of DHEA by adults over age 18. I co-sponsored another bill with my colleague from New York, Senator Chuck Schumer, that will make HGH a schedule III controlled substance. If passed, the legislation will grant the Drug Enforcement Administration full authority to investigate and prosecute sales of this substance without a prescription. I’m hopeful that the Senate will take up both these bills and set them on a fast track to passage. If the Mitchell Report taught us anything, it’s that we can no longer ignore the dangers of these drugs and their negative impact on young Americans.