Feinstein: Time to Pass Legislation to Protect Athletes is Now

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement calling on the House to pass legislation to prevent the abuse of amateur athletes:

“In February, I met with eight survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse. As I’ve said before, it was one of the most disturbing, emotional meetings I’ve held in 25 years in the Senate.

“I made a promise to those women that I would act. I committed to work with my colleagues to pass legislation to prevent what happened to them from happening to anyone else.

“The time to pass our bill is now. The legislation requires mandatory reporting of abuse allegations and holds USA Gymnastics and other governing bodies accountable for implementing policies to prevent abuse.

“The bipartisan Senate bill was passed by unanimous consent. It is supported by 270 organizations and athletes, including a number athletes who survived Larry Nassar’s abuse. It had a hearing. We negotiated language. It was fine-tuned for months. It is time for the House to pass it immediately.

“While I’m supportive of an investigation into the institutional culture at USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee that allowed these abuses, we need to pass comprehensive legislation now.

“Time and again, I’ve seen how the failure of Congress to act when an issue is at the forefront of the national conversation means that Congress never acts at all. We should not let that happen here.”