The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 bill which would add anabolic steroids -- or steriod precursors -- to the list of controlled substances under the Controlled Substance Act. The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate for action.

The following is a statement by Tommy G. Thompson Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding the U.S. House action on steroid precursors legislation:

Members of the House of Representatives today passed the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004, an important piece of legislation that builds on our actions earlier this year to address the potential dangers posed by androstenedione, or andro. It represents a significant step forward as we work to protect our athletes, adolescents and children from the risks posed by anabolic steroids.

The bill would make a list of steroid precursors, including androstenedione, controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. When metabolized in the body, a steroid precursor produces testosterone. Such legislation would enable the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to regulate these types of products as anabolic steroids under the Controlled Substances Act.

Earlier this year, our Food and Drug Administration announced a crackdown on companies that manufacture, market and distribute products containing steroid precursors, such as andro, which act like steroids once they are metabolized by the body and therefore can pose similar kinds of health risks as steroids. These products are generally advertised as dietary supplements that enhance athletic performance based on their claimed anabolic and androgenic properties to stimulate muscle growth and increase production of testosterone. Under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford, FDA has made a high priority of protecting Americans from such powerful substances whose risks are not disclosed.

I want to specifically thank Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner, Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton and Reps. John Sweeney and Tom Osborne for the integral role they played in getting this legislation passed in the House. I urge the Senate to take up legislation on this issue soon, so we can put these important public health protections in place.

More Information:

• Anabolic Steriods FAQs
  
• AMA Supports Anabolic Steroids Restrictions
  
• Steroid Use Causes Long-Term Agression
  
• SteriodAbuse.org
  

Source: HHS Press Release