WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Congress has approved legislation to block the sale of steroid precursors and increase penalties for anabolic steroid abuse.
The House approved the bill Friday following Senate approval earlier this week, readying it for President Bush's signature.
The move follows increased interest in steroid use among professional athletes in the wake of a federal indictment of four men on charges of illegally distributing steroids, including the personal trainer of San Francisco Giant heavy hitter Barry Bonds.
Bonds, for his part, has denied the use of such substances.
Sponsored by Sen. Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., the measure would add 18 substances to the list of banned anabolic steroids, including androstenedione and tetrahydrogestrinone.
In addition, it would provide $15 million for educational programs for children about the dangers of steroid use. The legislation also directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to consider revising federal guidelines to increase penalties for the use and distribution of such substances.
