WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) in sending a letter demanding the International Olympic Committee (IOC) align its policies with President Trump’s Executive Order and safeguard the opportunities of female athletes on the Olympic stage.
Earlier this year, Sen. Tuberville also re-introduced the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act which would prohibit men from participating in any athletic event intended for females. All Senate Democrats recently blocked Sen. Tuberville’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to ban men from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
“In the United States, we honor our female Olympians. These athletes, and so many others, have inspired generations of young women around the world to compete and excel. Their legacy underscores the vital importance of fairness in women’s sports at every level of competition. Future Olympians are counting on the IOC to protect the opportunities of women and girls to contribute to this proud tradition. To do so, the IOC must base eligibility for women’s athletic competitions on biological sex. Allowing biological males to compete in women’s categories undermines competitive opportunities, safety, and respect for female athletes,” wrote the members of Congress.
Sens. Tuberville and Risch are joined by Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) in signing the letter.
Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT-04) is leading the effort in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Read full text of the letter below or here.
“Dear President Bach,
The United States looks forward to hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and to welcoming the accomplished athletes who have worked and sacrificed to reach the pinnacle of their respective sports. As the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prepares to elect new leadership, we write to express the critical need for increased protection of the rights of female athletes to fair, safe competition.
In the United States, we honor our female Olympians. These athletes, and so many others, have inspired generations of young women around the world to compete and excel. Their legacy underscores the vital importance of fairness in women’s sports at every level of competition. Future Olympians are counting on the IOC to protect the opportunities of women and girls to contribute to this proud tradition. To do so, the IOC must base eligibility for women’s athletic competitions on biological sex. Allowing biological males to compete in women’s categories undermines competitive opportunities, safety, and respect for female athletes.
On February 5, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14201: “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” President Trump affirmed the position of the American people and those around the world, that we must preserve fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for female athletes. In preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics, commitment from the IOC to protect women’s sports is paramount.
As members of Congress, we stand united with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump in calling on the IOC to amend its standards and safeguard the opportunities of female athletes on the Olympic stage. We urge you to reaffirm the IOC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of women’s Olympic competitions and ensure that only biological women and girls are allowed to compete in female sports categories. The Olympic Games should be a model for integrity in sports, and the next IOC president must firmly defend the rights of dedicated female athletes.
We look forward to your leadership on this critical issue and demand that the next IOC president preserve the fundamental principles of fair competition.
Sincerely,”
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.
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