United States Anti-Doping Agency Reauthorization Act of 2020

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5373, my bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

As you know, USADA is recognized by Congress as the official antidoping agency for Olympic, Paralympic, and other sporting competitions in the United States. Among other responsibilities, USADA conducts drug testing for athletes, manages test results, and pursues bad actors who seek to undermine the principles of clean and fair sport through the use of illicit or banned substances.

Current funding for USADA expires this year. My legislation, authored with Representatives Johnson (R-OH) and DeGette (D-CO), would reauthorize USADA through Fiscal Year 2027. The bill also provides a slight funding boost beginning in 2026, to allow USADA to prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

In addition, this legislation would require USADA to devote a portion of its funding to clean sport initiatives for young athletes, and authorizes the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to cooperate with USADA in the course of its investigations.

As recent doping scandals have shown--particularly in the world of cycling--the abuse of performance enhancing drugs often begins at a young age.

Many young athletes, especially those with promising careers, face enormous pressure to gain any competitive edge available to them-- including pressure from coaches, trainers, parents and other adults. It is critical that these young competitors have the education and resources they need to surmount that pressure, stay clean, and stay healthy.

I am grateful to my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this legislation to the Floor, and I urge my colleagues to vote Yes.

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