PANEL ALSO APPROVES STEARNS' BILL ESTABLISHING A U.S. BOXING COMMISSION

Washington, Jun 29, 2005 - The full Energy & Commerce Committee today approved two sports-related bills authored by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. These bills are H.R. 1862, the Drug Free Sports Act, and H.R. 1065, the United States Boxing Commission Act.

"I appreciate the strong bi-partisan support for my bills," said Stearns. "H.R. 1862 will help us eliminate the scourge of steroids in professional sports with swift and tough federal action. This bill will send a strong and clear signal to our younger athletes that steroids are the tool of the cheater, not a quick fix to get to the top."

Stearns worked with other members of the committee on changes that broadened its appeal and support. "Since I first offered the bill, we have changed its provisions to require at least five random tests per athlete per year, and to set strong penalties including a one-half season suspension for the first offense, a full season suspension for the second, and a lifetime ban for the third," explained Stearns. The bill also establishes a fair and expeditious appeals process and requires a GAO study on the testing policies and procedures employed by the intercollegiate and interscholastic athletic organizations.

During its consideration, Stearns accepted and the committee approved an amendment to H.R. 1065, the U.S. Boxing Commission Act, requiring licensure of judges and referees. H.R. 1065 creates a U.S. Boxing Commission to establish uniform standards in the sport, ensure state and federal laws are enforced, provide for licensing of boxers and boxing personnel, and promote safety in the sport.

Said Stearns, "This bill will protect big-name and small-town professional boxers alike from unsafe working conditions and unscrupulous working partners - con-artists and other fraudsters that have long preyed on these athletes - leaving so many beaten down physically and financially in their wake."

"I thank my colleagues on the committee for supporting these bills, and I look forward to the Education and Workforce Committee acting on them quickly so that they can go to the House floor for consideration," concluded Stearns.