Strengthening and Empowering U.S. Amateur Athletes: Moving Forward with Solutions - Chairman Jerry Moran Statement

Statement

Good afternoon, and welcome to today's subcommittee hearing. I call the hearing to order.

In January, this subcommittee launched an investigation to examine cultural and systemic issues regarding abuse in the Olympic movement following horrific revelations that former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar sexually abused and assaulted hundreds of athletes over the span of two decades, even well after numerous survivors alerted authorities about his actions.

This subcommittee -- which exercises jurisdiction over the U.S. Olympic Committee and amateur sports -- is fully committed to ensuring the health and safety of all American athletes, and today marks the third hearing in our ongoing investigation.

I'd like to first acknowledge the incredible statement made at last week's ESPY Awards, watching over 100 survivors take the stage to accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. If any of you haven't had had a chance to watch the awards ceremony, I encourage you to do so.

The brave actions of our young athletes who shed light on their painful pasts have invigorated a national calling for change and I'm glad to have so many of them with us today.

Since initiating our bipartisan investigation, this subcommittee has held two critical hearings in which the members of the committee and American public heard from distinct witness panels on their experiences related to the procedural missteps and cultural inaction experienced within these troubled organizations.

In the first hearing, we heard testimony from four survivors of abuse across different Olympic sports who shared personal experiences about the systemic practices that have safeguarded perpetrators, have both inhibited victims from coming forward, and have prevented victims' reports from coming to light. All of the survivors we've met with have highlighted institutional failures that have allowed these heinous acts to continue -- which we recommit ourselves to fixing by being here today.

Once again, I would like to echo my appreciation for those survivors and the many others who have spoken to us and our staff regarding their painful experiences.

Their insightful recommendations on what needs to be done to correct these failures are certainly appreciated and continue to be considered as this committee works toward thoughtful, lasting change.

In the second hearing, we called on former USA Gymnastics CEO Steve Penny, former Women's Program Director of USA Gymnastics Rhonda Faehn, and former Michigan State University President Dr. Lou Anna Simon to provide testimony and answer questions as to how the rampant abuse that took place at the hands of Nassar was able to perpetuate for as long as it did.

I would also note that Scott Blackmun, the former president of the U.S. Olympic Committee; and Martha Karolyi, the former national team coordinator for USA Gymnastics, were invited to attend but declined for medical reasons.

There were a number of significant details that came to light from the questions this subcommittee posed in that hearing -- including USA Gymnastics' mishandling of critical medical records, lack of communication to and within Michigan State University related to sexual abuse reports against their employee, and most significant, the complete lack of cooperation demonstrated by Mr. Penny in his refusal to answer questions.

From these findings, along with the continued analysis of lengthy documentation produced by USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic Committee and Michigan State University, we continue to pursue answers to the many serious questions that remain for the current executives of these organizations. Most importantly, we expect to hear today which aspects of their systems and culture have changed, and how they plan to implement serious reforms moving forward.

Joining us today is Mr. John Engler, Interim President of Michigan State University; Ms. Susanne Lyons, Acting CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee; Ms. Kerry Perry, President and CEO of USA Gymnastics; and Mr. Han Xiao, Chair of the U.S. Olympic Committee's Athlete Advisory Council. It is my expectation that we will receive the full cooperation of today's panel in answering the subcommittee's questions to the best of their ability.

We are also honored to welcome the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Dianne Feinstein of California, to the subcommittee to provide opening testimony. Given their leadership and work with Chairman Thune to enact the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017, their testimony today will be invaluable in helping this subcommittee further raise awareness and identify solutions that will make a difference. Thank you, Senators, for the time you have taken to prepare and present your testimony.

I will conclude my opening remarks by emphasizing the bipartisan approach that this subcommittee has taken in its comprehensive investigation. With the consultation of law enforcement, survivors and advocates, we have worked closely together to identify meaningful reform in the best interests of athletes and their families.

During Aly Raisman's powerful speech last week at the ESPY Awards, she reminded survivors of abuse: you are not alone. We are here today to remind all survivors this: we are listening, we are committed to change and we will make certain the next generation of athletes are free to compete and represent our nation without the fear of abuse.

With that, I will turn to the Ranking Member, Senator Blumenthal, for his opening statement.

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