"I was proud of the fact (Mark) McGwire and (Rafael) Palmeiro were blunt: 'We don't use steroids,' " Bishop said. "It sends a positive message to the kids they don't have to use steroids to be successful."

Bishop, like many other Capitol Hill observers, found it puzzling that San Francisco Giants supper-slugger Barry Bonds was not on the star-studded witness list.

"But I don't like the Giants anyway," said Bishop, who hopes to take in a few Washington Nationals games this spring.

Congress has received some criticism, especially from sports commentators, for delving into the steroids issue when there are so many other important issues, things like Social Security and Medicaid reforms.

But the Utah delegation doesn't see it that way. They see Congress as the voice of the people, and they see the issue as one affecting a generation of youngsters who could compromise their future by taking steroids.

"It fits in very well with our national war on drugs," Bishop said.

"It is a most appropriate role for Congress," Matheson agreed.

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E-mail: spang@desnews.com