WASHINGTON — A key lawmaker says recent court decisions blocking suspensions of two NFL players threaten to undermine progress made in reducing performance-enhancing drug use among athletes at all levels.

Rep. Henry Waxman said at a House hearing today that if the court rulings are not reversed, action by Congress may be needed.

The California Democrat has held high-profile hearings on steroids in sports. He says the rulings could make sports leagues’ testing programs unenforceable

The NFL had attempted to suspend two Minnesota Vikings players, Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, for violating its doping policy. But last month, a federal appeals court essentially allowed them to continue playing while the players’ lawsuit proceeds in Minnesota state court.