Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004

ANABOLIC STEROID CONTROL ACT OF 2004 -- (House of Representatives - June 02, 2004)

Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3866) to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide increased penalties for anabolic steroid offenses near sports facilities, and for other purposes, as amended.

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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3866, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004.

This legislation updates the ban on steroids to include the several steroid precursors which have been developed since the 1990 ban on steroids went into effect. These precursors have been shown to cause the same reaction in the body as other steroids, and they are just as dangerous in terms of side effects and long-term damage potential. Yet, currently, they are not illegal; and they are widely used by athletes and others seeking to enhance muscle and body development.

In addition to being directly ingested, these dangerous drugs are also being consumed as parts of presently legal, over-the-counter nutrition and dietary supplements.

Of course, the most important concern driving the bill is the impact these drugs and precursors have on children. Some young athletes are using the drugs with the belief that they can become great in their sport and gain money and fame.
However, in addition to risking disqualification from playing sports, they also risk stunted growth, infertility and other long-term health problems and even death.

While we must ensure that these dangerous new drugs and precursors do not get in the hands of children or others who would use them improperly, we must also be aware that these same drugs have legitimate uses. If made available for legitimate prescriptions by physicians, they could treat conditions such as body wasting with patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of muscle mass.

So, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner), the gentleman from Michigan (Ranking Member CONYERS) and other Members who have helped craft the bill in their effort to get these drugs out of the category of easy access to children and others who would use them improperly and into the laboratory to determine their legitimate, beneficial uses and into the doctor's office where they can be properly prescribed. I, therefore, urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis).

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentleman for his comments and for his leadership on this legislation.

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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.