WHEREAS, national surveys indicate that a growing number of students have used steroids; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that steroid use among high school students has more than doubled from 1991 to 2003; and

WHEREAS, students are starting to use anabolic steroids as early as eight grade; and

WHEREAS, a recent Associated Press study showed that up to 5% of high school girls and 7% of middle school girls admit trying anabolic steroids at least once; and

WHEREAS, less than 4% of the nation’s 18,000 schools test for steroid use according to a 2003 survey of the National Federation of State High Schools; and

WHEREAS, a number of states have introduced or passed bills that require testing for steroids in schools; and

WHEREAS, Congress has recently held hearings on the dangers of steroid use in major league sports and its influence on young people;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors encourages educating students about the risks of anabolic steroids and supports the growth of programs which encourage all students to remain healthy and drug-free; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Congress pass legislation which require minimum testing requirements for steroids and other performance-enhancing substances for major league sports associations engaged in interstate commerce.