Canseco, McGwire among players called before Congress

"It is important the American people know the facts on baseball's steroid scandal," Davis and Rep. Henry Waxman, the ranking Democrat, said in a statement. Davis and Waxman said. "Consistent with our committee's jurisdiction over the nation's drug policy, we need to better understand the steps MLB is taking to get a handle on the steroid issue, and whether news of those steps -- and the public health danger posed by steroid use -- is reaching America's youth."

Marin maintained the committee had proper jurisdiction over steroids and baseball.

"We can't fathom that they will advocate noncompliance with a congressional subpoena," he said. "What kind of message does that send?"

Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative founder Victor Conte was indicted last year on charges of distributing illegal steroids that eventually made their way to as many as 30 baseball, football and track and field stars. Also indicted were Greg Anderson, Bonds' weight trainer; James Valente, BALCO's vice president; and Remy Korechemny, a track coach.

A trial date has not been set, and Brand said testimony from players would be "whipping up a torrent of pretrail publicity."

Another congressional hearing on steroids is scheduled for Thursday, when the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee is to hear from witnesses, including labor lawyers from the commissioner's office and the NFL, and representatives of the NCAA and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Rep. Cliff Stearns, chairman of the House Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection subcommittee, said Selig was invited to speak at the hearing but declined.