Thompson introduces bill to reauthorize anti-doping agency
Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, along with two other members of Congress introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and promote clean competition in national sporting, Thompson’s office announced on Tuesday.
“Our incredible American athletes who compete at the highest levels deserve the highest antidoping standards and our youngest athletes deserve a chance to compete without pressure to use dangerous and unauthorized performance drugs,” Thompson said in a statement released by his office.
“That’s why I am proud to join with my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan bill to reauthorize our nation’s anti-doping agency and ensure it has the tools to promote clean sporting, particularly among youth athletes. Let’s ensure American sports represent our nation’s highest ideals of integrity, teamwork, respect and responsibility.”
Rep. Dianna DeGette (CO-01) and Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06) sponsored the bill as well.
The United States AntiDoping Agency Reauthorization Act of 2019 funds the agency through Fiscal Year 2027 with resources for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, directs USADA to expand efforts to promote clean and healthy sporting among young athletes, and directs Federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate with USADA to promote anti-doping efforts where appropriate. You can click here to learn more.
“I’m pleased to be the Republican sponsor of this legislation in the House. It is imperative that the USDA has what it needs to ensure drug-free athletic competition,” Johnson said in the same release from Thompson’s office. “With the 2028 Summer Olympics coming to the United States, now is the time to instill healthy ideals in our young athletes.”