Senators Lummis (R-WY) and Klobuchar (D-MN) Join Bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act As Cosponsors 

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-WV) announced that Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) have joined their Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2021 as cosponsors.

“As we work to even the playing field in sports, it’s critical that our athletes competing on the global stage are compensated equally,” said Sen. Klobuchar.  “This bipartisan legislation recognizes the importance of showing the world that the U.S. is firmly behind all of its athletes and is committed to ensuring that they are treated fairly.”

“Every United States athlete at the Olympics and other international competitions equally represents our great country,” said Sen. Lummis.  “The sport or event doesn’t matter – they all worked for the privilege of carrying our flag and competing on behalf of every American.  I’m proud of everyone who represents the United States in athletic competitions and proud to join my colleagues in supporting equal benefits for our female athletes.”

“It is long past time for us to work together to right this wrong and get this done,” Sen. Cantwell said when introducing the bill.  “All Americans are proud to see U.S. athletes represent our country on the world stage, and all Americans should be assured these athletes are being compensated equally.”

“When American athletes compete on the world stage, they represent our great nation, our people, and our values,” Sen. Capito said when the bill was introduced.  “It is only right that the women competing for the United States in global athletic competitions receive the same kind of pay and benefits as their male counterparts.”

The Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2021 would require that all athletes representing the United States in global athletic competitions receive equal compensation, benefits, medical care, travel, and reimbursement of expenses, regardless of gender. 

The bill applies to 50 different sports’ national governing bodies, and it requires the USOPC to conduct oversight and report on compliance with the legislation.  

###