The stakes are high for today's aspiring athletes. The rewards for being big, strong, quick and fast entice some kids to “get an edge” on competition. Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) include anabolic steroids which build muscle mass by stimulating protein growth, and human growth hormones which stimulate natural sex steroids such as testosterone and estrogen, also to increase body mass. Surveys have documented the use of these illegal and unapproved drugs by American high school athletes. Studies have also found these drugs are increasingly being used by this age group to improve physical appearance. Advocates warn there have not been any studies to determine the safe or long-term consumption levels of PEDs for children. All PEDs have adverse side effects and many advocates believe the use of these drugs will shorten one's lifespan. It has been estimated that up to 12% of boys and 3% of girls use anabolic steroids in high school. Most of these students began using at 16 and many have done multiple cycles. A 2014 study found 6% of middle and high school boys and 4.4% of girls admitted to ever using anabolic steroids. In 1995, the Supreme Court ruled that PED testing for high school athletes is constitutional. Supporters claim this testing serves as a deterrent and also provides students with an excuse to say no to these dangerous drugs.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is the independent, non-profit national anti-doping organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of clean athletes. The USADA is funded by a combination of U.S. government funds and contracts for anti-doping services with sports organizations.

Proposed Legislation: S.585 - United States Anti-Doping Agency Reauthorization Act of 2021
Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Jerry Moran (KS)