WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, respectively, with jurisdiction over the health and safety of USA Gymnastics, US Olympic and NCAA athletes – released the following statement after the hundreds of Larry Nassar survivors were given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2018 ESPYS:

“Over the course of this year, we’ve had the privilege of hearing and getting to know the stories of numerous athletes whose determination for change is shaping the future of amateur and Olympic sports. Their courage, strength and passion at last night’s ESPYS was a powerful message to the nation as they took the stage to accept the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Our committee remains committed to working alongside these athletes to drive this needed change. Next week’s hearing, which includes executives from USOC, USAG and MSU, will provide updates on progress that’s been made in these organizations’ reporting processes and will discuss ways they still need to evolve to make certain the next generation of athletes are free to compete and represent our nation without fear of abuse.”

On Tuesday, July 24, Sen. Moran will convene a subcommittee hearing to focus on changes made by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Gymnastics (USAG) and Michigan State University (MSU) to protect Olympic and amateur athletes from abuse. The hearing will also examine recent reforms to provide safe environments for athletes and how these reforms are being implemented. For more details regarding the hearing, click here.

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