WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Senate unanimously passed the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017. The House passed this legislation last night, by a vote of 406-3. Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN), Co-Chairs of bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, introduced companion legislation last year, that passed the House with a vote of 415-3. 

“I am proud to be a co-sponsor of a bipartisan bill that will protect young athletes from sexual predators like US National Olympic Doctor Larry Nassar,” said Frankel. “The brave gymnasts that came forward with their harrowing stories of abuse by Nassar, put a monster in prison and ignited the passage of this legislation. The courage of these women to speak out will protect future generations from the agony of mistreatment.”

“Sports unite our communities and country,” said Brooks. “They teach us lessons of team work, integrity, dedication and commitment that last a lifetime. It is truly heartbreaking that so many young Olympic athletes suffered during their training by the hands of a doctor they trusted. The world has heard the powerful voices of every athlete who shared their agonizing stories of abuse, and it is because of their decision to speak out that future athletes will have a safer and healthier environment to practice their sport. I am pleased that with Senate’s passage of this bill, we are one step closer to protecting our future athletes from abuse, and encourage the President to sign this into law swiftly.”

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