Grassley Amendment Fails; HISA `Fix’ Language in Omnibus Bill

[Wandering Eyes]

After a week of uncertainty, the Senate has passed a version of the full year-end omnibus spending bill with language affording the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) more rule-making authority in the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), according to sources from the National HBPA.

The language is designed to address a ruling in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals from November, which found that the law as written doesn't afford the FTC enough latitude in the rule making process.

The Senate voted in favor of the bill 68-29, but it must first pass the House of Representatives before heading to the president's desk.

In a statement immediately following the news, National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) CEO, Eric Hamelback, praised efforts by a group of lawmakers led by Senator Chuck Grassley to strip the language from the omnibus spending bill.

“We know there were several senators who would have supported removal language. However, the amendment did not get that opportunity and the HISA “fix” language remains in the Omnibus bill. With that said we are on firm ground to remain focused as the “fix” language changes very little about the Act as it remains unconstitutional,” wrote Hamelback.

The story will be updated.

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