NE Washington News

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s subcommittee hearing titled “Examining Anti-Doping Measures in Advance of the 2024 Olympics.”

"As U.S. athletes prepare to compete in the Paris Olympics, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the reliability of international anti-doping enforcement which is supposed to eliminate the use of certain performance-enhancing drugs.

"This Committee has been alarmed to learn from news reports that several swimmers representing the People’s Republic of China tested positive for banned performance-enhancing substances and then went on to compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

"Just last week, eleven of these swimmers were again named to the People’s Republic of China’s 2024 Olympic team. All of this comes after the World Anti-Doping Agency, or WADA, ignored signs of systemic Russian doping for years.

"Seven years ago, this Oversight subcommittee held a hearing on ways to strengthen the international anti-doping system. It is unfortunate that we are here again.

"Two witnesses from that 2017 hearing are back with us today—premier Olympian, Mr. Michael Phelps and the CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, or USADA, Mr. Travis Tygart.

"We are also pleased to welcome another outstanding Olympic swimmer, Ms. Allison Schmitt, to join us today so we can revisit doping in sports ahead of next month’s Summer Olympics.

"I want to start off by reminding everyone of what Mr. Phelps told us seven years ago because it bears repeating.

"He said 'if we allow our confidence in fair play to erode, we will undermine the power of sport and the goals and dreams of future generations. The time to act is now.'

"I’m glad Mr. Phelps highlighted the damage performance-enhancing drugs have on our country’s youth athletes and am disappointed that WADA has not seemed to heed that call."

Griffith emphasized "the importance of a level playing field," stating: "Children join sports teams and clubs believing that the system is mostly fair and that cheaters will be punished.

"The importance of sports for our country’s children cannot be understated.

"Sports empower children by teaching them life lessons, building their confidence, showing them the meaning of hard work, and offering some opportunities to represent our country and make a career.

"I myself have had the opportunity to see my own children grow and learn from competitive swimming.

"In fact, this last week was very exciting in my household because one year ago, in high school regionals, my son competed against Olympian Thomas Heilman who at age 17 is the youngest male swimmer to qualify for Team USA since Michael Phelps.

"The joke at my house was that at one point in the race they were tied; that would be when 'the starter says take your mark.'

"Foundational to the Olympics is trust—that clean athletes both aspiring and current Olympians have in keeping cheaters out."

"Doping leads to cynicism in sports," he continued "and inevitable disappointment for aspiring athletes."

"As I’m sure Ms. Schmitt and Mr. Phelps can attest," Griffith added "we cannot overemphasize dedication sacrifices training required Olympians competing highest prestigious athletic level."

"Youth athletes dedicate themselves putting countless hours training pushing physical mental limits hoping being Olympian"

"Athletes miss birthdays holidays train achieve success right way merit"

Griffith noted "Mr Phelps previously said didn’t take single day five-year period just best does"

"Doping irrevocably undermines purpose sacrifice allowing competitors glory without putting work"

He questioned fairness: "Is it fair encourage youth invest much time greatest stage consequences expected certain countries’ athletes?"

Expressing dissatisfaction with WADA's transparency Griffith stated: "That why disappointed Mr Banka President WADA refused invitation testify Subcommittee discuss role upholding integrity anti-doping testing enforcement international sports competitions"

"WADA received nearly four million taxpayer dollars Congress last fiscal year Their refusal appear calls question commitment accountability perhaps going job even fund them?"

Griffith criticized lack accountability: "Mr Banka WADA hidden explain let twenty swimmers representing People’s Republic China compete international competitions tested positive banned substance Cheating athletes take away spots medals clean athletes Integrity sanctity sports critical Olympians competing also children dream day Olympian We keep seat open case decides join us Thank three made despite busy schedules ahead Paris Olympics"