WELL, I'VE TRIED TO LOOK FOR AREAS WHERE I COULD BE SUPPORTIVE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP AND HIS FOREIGN POLICY, WHATEVER IT TURNS OUT TO BE. FOR EXAMPLE, I AGREED WITH WHERE HE CAME OUT ON AFGHANISTAN, AND I KNOW IT WAS A TELEPROMPTER SPEECH AND ALL THAT, BUT IT WAS -- I THOUGHT HE SAID THE RIGHT THINGS, AND WE NEED TO STAY THERE, AS UNDESIRABLE AS MANY MAY VIEW THAT, SO I FELT THAT THAT WAS THE RIGHT CALL. I SUPPORTED PRESIDENT TRUMP'S ACCEPTANCE OF THE INVITATION TO HAVE A SIM MUTT WITH KIM JONG-UN. I DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT'S GOING TO GO. THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF PITFALLS, BUT WHY NOT TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. ...

WATCH "AFTER WORDS," SUNDAY NIGHT AT 9:00 P.M. EASTERN ON C-SPAN 2'S BOOK-TV.

EARLIER TODAY SUZAN LIONS, THE CEO OF THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, APOLOGIZED TO THE ATHLETES WHO WERE SEXUALLY ABUSED AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE APOLOGY CAME DURING A HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE OVERSIGHT HEARING WHERE SHE JOINED THE HEADS OF USA GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, VOLLEYBALL AND TAE KWON DO IN BRIEFING MEMBERS ON THEIR EFFORTS TO PREVENT FUTURE ABUSE. THIS IS TWO HOURS AND 45 MINUTES. ...

THE HEARING WILL COME TO ORDER. TODAY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS IS HOLDING A HEARING ENTITLED EXAMINING THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY'S ABILITY TO PROTECT ATHLETES FROM SEXUAL ABUSE. WE ARE HERE BECAUSE RECENT EVENT HAVE HIGHLIGHTED A VERY TROUBLING AND CONCERNING PATTERN OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITHIN THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE -- COMMUNITY, PARDON ME. THERE HAS BEEN A SYSTEMIC FAILURE IN THE SYSTEM TO PROTECT ATHLETES, INCLUDING IN HOW ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT HAVE BEEN HANDLED OR SHOULD I SAY NOT HANDLED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES. THE GROUPS THAT RUN INDIVIDUAL SPORTS AND THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE. LET ME BE CLEAR. IF ONE CASE OF SEXUAL ABUSE IS ONE CASE TOO MANY, AND IT WILL TAKE A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO REGAIN THE TRUST OF PROSPECTIVE ATHLETES, THEIR FAMILIES AND THE MIRN PEOPLE. . THE USOC AND NGBs PLAY A ROLE IN KEEPING MILLIONS OF AMERICAN ATHLETES SAFE FROM HARM. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE ATHLETES INVOLVED IN NGBs WILL NEVER COMPETE IN OLYMPICS. THEIR OWN TEAMS AFFILIATED WITH AN NGB OR PLAY IN AN NGB-SPONSORED EVENT. THIS CAN INCLUDE LITTLE LEAGUE TEAMS, LOCAL TENNIS TOURNAMENTS OR GYMNASTIC COMPETITIONS. THEY ARE MANY INSTANCES CHILDREN, BUT THEY STILL FALL WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF ORGANIZED SPORT SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ATHLETES' SAFETY, WE AREN'T JUST TALKING ABOUT ELITE ATHLETES REPRESENTING THEIR COUNTRY AT HIGHEST LEVEL OF THEIR COMPETITION. WE ARE ALSO TALKING ABOUT OUR FRIENDS, OUR NEIGHBORS AND, YES, OUR CHILDREN. THIS IS WHY ATHLETES' SAFETY MUST BE THE TOP PRIORITY OF THE USOC AND NGBs AND WHY THEY SHOULD HAVE ROBUST POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN PLACE THAT REFLECT THEIR PRIORITY. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THESE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MUST BE FOLLOWED. OTHERWISE THEY AREN'T WORTH THE PAPER THAT THEY ARE WRITTEN ON, AND THE CULTURE MUST BE SUCH THAT OUR ATHLETES FEEL SAFE AND PROTECTED. SADLY, WE'VE SEEN WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN ATHLETES' SAFETY IS NOT A PRIORITY TOO. OFTEN IT SEEMS THAT THE USOC AND NGBs HAVEN'T ACTED UNTIL THEY ARE PUBLICLY PRESSURED TO DO SO. WHEN YOU HAVE SURVIVORS SAYING THAT THEY WERE ASKED TO STAY SILENT, FELT THAT THEY WEREN'T HEARD AND DIDN'T FEEL SAFE, THERE IS SOMETHING HORRIBLY WRONG WITH THE SYSTEM. SEXUAL ABUSE IS A PROBLEM THAT OUR SOCIETY MUST CONFRONT. ACCORDING TO THE CDC'S STATISTICS ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE, ONE IN THREE WOMEN AND ONE IN SIX MEN EXPERIENCE SEXUAL VIOLENCE INVOLVING PHYSICAL CONTACT DURING THEIR LIFETIMES. WHILE SUCH FOCUS HAS BEEN ON USA GYMNASTICS TEAM DR. LARRY NASSAR, GYMNASTICS IS NOT THE ONLY NGB THAT HAS HAD ITS CHALLENGES. RECENT PUBLIC REPORTS ALSO INCLUDE THE LOPEZ BROTHERS IN TAE KWON DO, RICK BUTLER IN VOLLEYBALL AND THE MULTIPLE ACCUSATIONS THAT HAVE COME FROM THE SWIMMING COMMUNITY AS WELL AS REPORTS IN MANY OTHER NGBs NOT BEFORE US TODAY. HISTORICALLY, EACH NGB AND USOC -- AND THE USOC WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTLY HANDLING ANY COMPLAINTS, ALLEGATIONS OR REPORTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPORT. HOWEVER, POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND BYLAWS WEREN'T CONSISTENT ACROSS ALL NGBs, AND IT'SUNCLEAR WHETHER THERE WAS AT QUAD OVERSIGHT TO ENSURE THAT THE APPLICABLE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WERE EVEN FOLLOWED. THERE HAS BEEN SOME RECENT CHANGES TO IMPROVE HOW ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ARE HANDLED IN THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY. THE USOC HAS USED WORKING GROUPS TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROMOTING AND PROTECTING ATHLETES. THROUGH THESE WORKING GROUPS, NEW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WERE DEVELOPED, AND THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT WAS CREATED BY THE USOC AND LAUNCHED IN MARCH OF 2017. NOW, ALL NGBs AND THE USOC ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ALL COMPLAINTS OR ALLEGATIONS THAT INVOLVE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT TO THE CENTER FOR INVESTIGATION. OVER THE COURSE OF THIS INVESTIGATION, THE COMMITTEE HAS SPOKEN WITH MANY SURVIVORS, AND THEIR EXPERIENCED HAVE INFORMED AND SHAPED OUR WORK. THESE CONVERSATIONS AND THE MANY THOUSANDS OF PAGES OF DOCUMENTS PROVIDED TO THE COMMITTEE BY SURVIVORS AND WHISTLEBLOWERS HELP SHED LIGHT ON THE PERVASIVE PROBLEM OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN ORGANIZED SPORT AND PROMPTED THE COMMITTEE TO REQUEST DOCUMENTS FROM ALL 48 NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES AND THE USOC. WE GREATLY APPRECIATE ALL THE ASSISTANCE THAT THE SURVIVORS HAVE PROVIDED, AND OUR HEARTS DO GO OUT TO THEM. OUR JOB NOW IS TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO PROTECT OUR ATHLETES, MANY OF WHOM ARE CHILDREN. THIS HEARING WILL SERVE AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW WHETHER THE USOC AND NGBs HAVE ADEQUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN PLACE TO PROTECT ATHLETES FROM SEXUAL ABUSE. IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR PAST FAILURES AND ENSURE THAT SAFETY IS THEIR TOP PRIORITY GOING FORWARD. IT IS TIME TO CHANGE THE CULTURE ONCE AND FOR ALL. I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ALL OF OUR WITNESSES, AND I DO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY, AND I KNOW THIS ISN'T AN EASY TOPIC, BUT IT'S ONE THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS TO KEEP OUR NATION'S ATHLETES SAFE, AND WE DO LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING YOUR TESTIMONY. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE AND OTHER MINORITY MEMBERS AND STAFF FOR THEIR BIPARTISAN HARD WORK AND ASSISTANCE THAT WE'VE SEEN DURING THIS INVESTIGATION, AND I NOW RECOGNIZE THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE. ...

THANK YOU, SO MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. THERE WERE WARNING SIGNS ABOUT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN AMATEUR SPORTS FOR DECADES, AND YET THE SYSTEMS THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT OUR ATHLETES FAILED. THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY. AS THE CHAIRMAN NOTED, THESE SYSTEMS FAILED TO STOP LARRY NASSAR FROM HARMING MORE THAN 250 INDIVIDUALS. THEY FAILED TO STOP A TAE KWON DO COACH FROM ABUSING THREE ATHLETES OVER SEVEN YEARS FOR WHICH HE WAS LATER CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE FELONIES, AND THEY FAILED TO STOP A WOMEN COACH FROM ABUSING MORE THAN A DOZEN ATHLETES OVER 30 YEARS. THAT COACH WAS EVENTUALLY SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS IN PRISON, BUT EVEN A LIFETIME IN JAIL CANNOT ERASE THE DAMAGE THAT HE HAS DONE. THESE CASES, UNFORTUNATELY, ARE NOT ANOMALIES. FAR TOO MANY ATHLETES FROM FAR TOO MANY SPORTS HAVE COME FORWARD STATING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN TRAUMATIZED BY THE VERY PEOPLE THEY TRUSTED TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS. TODAY WE ARE HERE BECAUSE WE NEED TO KNOW THAT THE OLYMPIC SPORT COMMUNITY HAS LEARNED FROM THESE SURVIVORS AND IS USING THAT KNOWLEDGE TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A NEW SYSTEM RUN BY THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. WE NEED TO BE CONVINCED THAT THIS NEW CENTER HAS A ROBUST SYSTEM TO INVESTIGATE AND STOP BAD ACTORS SO THAT SITUATIONS LIKE THIS NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN, AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CENTER HAS ADEQUATE FUNDING GOING FORWARD INTO THE FUTURE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES ARE ENGAGING IN THEIR OWN INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO WHAT WENT WRONG. I HOPE EVERYONE TODAY IS PREPARED TO EXPLAIN EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO INVESTIGATE AND LEARN FROM PAST FAILURES SO THAT THEY CAN BUILD A SYSTEM THAT WORKS. I ALSO HOPE THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT, WHICH IS LOCATED RIGHT IN THE HEART OF MY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, CAN HELP US EXPLAIN HOW THE PAST FAILURES INFORM ITS WORK BECAUSE THE CENTER DOESN'T JUST INVESTIGATE MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS, ALTHOUGH THAT'S AN IMPORTANT PART OF THEIR JOB. IT ALSO HAS THE EXTRAORDINARILY IMPORTANT TASK OF DEVELOPING ANTI-ABUSE POLICIES AND PROVIDING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH TO PROMOTE SAFE ENVIRONMENTS FOR ATHLETES. I HOPE THAT THE CENTER WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE REAL VERIFIABLE PROGRESS IN CREATING A NATIONAL CULTURE OF SAFETY IN SPORT. BUT I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT WHETHER SAFE SPORT HAS SUFFICIENT RESOURCES AND WHETHER IT TRULY HAS THE INDEPENDENCE IT NEEDS FROM THE ORGANIZATIONS IT OVERSEES. I SPOKE YESTERDAY WITH SAFE SPORT, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WE HAVE FORMAL OUTSIDE ASSESSMENTS OF SAFE SPORTS NEEDS AND OPERATIONS AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY IS COMMITTED TO GIVING THEM THE RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED. IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW THIS, THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE IS NOT OPERATING ON A SHOE STRIFNLGT ITS ANNUAL REVENUE 100 DREADS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. I HOPE WE WILL HEAR TODAY THAT SAFE SPORT NEEDS MORE MONEY. THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMIT AND THE OTHER GOVERNING BODIES ARE PREPARED TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE SUPPORT THAT THEY PROVIDE TO THIS MUCH-NEEDED WATCHDOG. I ALSO WANT TO KNOW HOW THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT AND NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES WILL ENSURE THAT THE INDEPENDENT SYSTEM THAT THEY HAVE DESIGNED IS WORKING AS INTENDED AND IT'S MEETING ITS GOALS OF PROTECTING THE PEOPLE THAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO. FOR EXAMPLE, WILL THERE BE ONGOING AND PERIODIC PERFORMANCE AUDITS TO MAKE SURE THE COMPLAINTS ARE PROPERLY INVESTIGATED, THE SAFE SPORTS EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT IS BEINGISMENTED AND THAT ITS STANDARDS ARE BEING ADOPTED BY THE MANY SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS UNDER HIS JURISDICTION. ONGOING AUDITS ARE GOING TO BE CRITICAL TO EVALUATING THIS NEW SYSTEM, AND I WANT TO KNOW THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AND THAT WE HAVE APPROPRIATE RESOURCES TO DO THAT WORK. I ALSO WANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE IS PREPARED TO ENFORCE CONSISTENT ANTI-ABUSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ACROSS ALL GOVERNING BODIES. FOR EXAMPLE, SOME GOVERNING BODIES POST PUBLIC LISTS OF BANNED ATHLETES AND COACHES WHILE OTHERS DO NOT. SOME GOVERNING BODIES REQUIRE SAFE SPORT TRAINING FOR ALL AFFILIATED INDIVIDUALS, AND OTHERS ONLY REQUIRE IT FOR THEIR MEMBERS. I KNOW VARIOUS AFFILIATES ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND ARE TRYING TO DEVELOP CONSISTENT POLICIES. THIS IS GOING TO BE CRITICAL, AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE WILL BE CRITICAL. LOOK, WE'RE NOT HERE TODAY TO TEAR DOWN THE SPORTING WORLD. AMERICAN PERSON PERFORMANCE AT THE OLYMPICS IS A SOURCE OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND SPORTS IN GENERAL BENEFITS CHILDREN AND SPORTS OF ALL LEVELS BUT IT DOES NO GOOD FOR ATHLETES TO STAND ON A PODIUM IF THEY HAVE BEEN HARMED AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT HELPED GET THEM THERE. I HOPE WE'RE ON THE ROAD TO REAL CHANGE. TODAY, I WANT TO HEAR FROM EVERY WITNESS HOW WE TRULY ARE, AND THAT THE STEPS THAT ARE TAKEN TO DATE ARE NOT JUST WINDOW DRESSING BECAUSE EVERY ATHLETE, NO WHAT SPORT THEY PLAY OR ARE PLAYING AT DECEIVER TO COMPETE IN A SAFETY AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. THANK YOU. ...

I NOW REPRESENTING THE RANKING MEMBER MR. PALLONE FOR AN OPENING STATEMENT.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. TODAY LEADERS OF THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE WILL TELL US THEY FAILED TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT AND WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE FAILURES AND DETERMINE WHETHER THE ORGANIZATIONS YOU HAVE FOR US TODAY HAVE LEARNED FROM THEM. REPORTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN SPORTS HAD A V BEEN IN THE PRESS YVES BEFORE THE WORLD LEARNED OF DR. LARRY NASSAR'S CRIMES. IT'S A SHAME THESE SURVIVORS HAVE BEEN FAILED. THE PROBLEM FOR ABUSE IN ORGANIZED SPORTS IS BIGGER THAN LARRY NASSAR OR ANY SINGLE ORGANIZATION. TODAY WE'LL HEAR FROM THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES OF SEVERAL SPORTS AND EACH ONE HAS TO ADDRESS SEXUAL ABUSE OF THEIR ATHLETES. UMP, WE'VE SEEN THAT THESE GAZED ARE NOT RARE. TOO MANY ATHLETES HAVE COME FORWARD WITH ACCOUNTS OF ABUSE. THESE ATHLETES COME FROM DIFFERENT SPORTS BUT OFTEN WE HEAR THE SAME THEMES WHEN WE LISTEN TO THEM. FREQUENTLY THEIR ABUSERS HELD POSITIONS OF POWER AND SOMETIMES CONTROLLING WHETHER AN ATHLETE COULD TRAIN OR COMPETE, AND FREQUENTLY THEIR ABUSERS HAD POWERFUL FRIENDS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS. UNTIL RECENT EACH SPORTS GOVERNING BODY ADDRESSED SEXUAL ABUSE ALLEGATIONS INTERNALLY AND THAT SYSTEM FAILED TO. LAST MARCH THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT OPENED ITS DOORS WITH A MISSION TO PREVENT ABUSE AND FOSTER A CULTURE OF SAFETY IN SPORTS. NOW SPORT GOVERNING BODIES CAN AND MUST REPORT ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT FOR THE CENTERS OF SAFE SPORT AND THE CENTER CONTINUES TO RECEIVE NEW CASES AS WELL AS CASES FROM ATHLETES WHO HAD REPORTED SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN THE PAST. ALREADY THE ORGANIZATION HAS PROVIDED TRAINING TO MORE THAN 300,000 PEOPLE AND HAVE RECEIVED MORE THAN 500 REPORTS. CLEARLY ALL OF THIS TAKES RESOURCES, AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT HAS THE RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL IT NEEDS TO DO ITS WORK. SO I ALSO WANT TO HEAR WHAT THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE IS DOING TO SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. SPECIAL LANGUAGE IN THE TAX CODE DESIGNATES THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AS A TAX-EXEMPT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, BUT FEW NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS CAN REPORT REVENUES IN THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AS THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE DID IN ITS MOST RECENT TAX FILING. THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT GETS ITS FUNDING FROM DIVERSE SOURCES INCLUDING FUND-RAISING AND GOVERNMENT GRANTS. IT ALSO GETS A PORTION OF ITS FUNDING FROM THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE. SO HOPEFULLY WE'LL HEAR TODAY THAT THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND THE SPORTS GOVERNING BODIES ARE PREPARED TO PROVIDE CONSISTENT AND CONTINUING SUPPORT TO THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. IT'S CRITICAL FOR THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT TO HAVE A PERMANENT AND DEDICATED SOURCE OF FUNDING, AND THESE SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT THAT HAPPENS. I ALSO HOPE WE WILL HEAR THAT THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE WILL USE ITS POSITION OF LEADERSHIP AND AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE SPORTS GOVERNING BODIES TO ADOPT REFORMS AS NEEDED TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HARM TO ATHLETES. FOR EXAMPLE, QUESTIONS SUCH AS WHO IS SUBJECT TO BACKGROUND CHECKS, HOW THESE CHECKS ARE DONE AND WHETHER LISTS OF INDIVIDUALS BANNED ARE MADE PUBLIC AND ALL-IMPORTANT SAFETY STANDARDS THAT SHOULD BE APPLIED CONSISTENTLY ACROSS ALL SPORTS. I ALSO WANT TO HEAR THAT THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT, THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND ALL GOVERNING BODIES ARE COMMITTED TO COMPLETING ON GOING FORMAL ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS TO DETERMINE WHAT IS WORKING AND WHAT NEEDS ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENT OR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES. BEFORE WE LEAVE TODAY, I WANT TO HEAR FROM ALL OF OUR WITNESSES ABOUT THE REFORMS THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED TO KEEP ATHLETES SAFE. I WANT YOU TO CONVINCE ME THAT YOU'RE THOROUGHLY EXAMINING HOW YOU FAILED ATHLETES IN THE PAST AND THAT THOSE LESSONS ARE SHAPING THE REFORMS YOU'RE PUTTING IN PLACE, AND I NEED TO BE CONVINCED THAT YOU'RE BUILDING A SYSTEM WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE, STRUCTURE AND RESOURCES TO PROTECT ATHLETES UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP. I ALSO WANT TO HEAR THAT THERE WILL BE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR THE KINDS OF ABUSES THAT BROUGHT US HERE TODAY. WITH THAT, MR. CHAIRMAN, UNLESS SOMEONE WANTS MY MINUTE, I WILL YIELD BACK. ...

THE GENTLEMAN YIELDS BACK. THE CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FULL COMMIT, MR. WALDON, FOR AN OPENING.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN, FOR LEADING THIS INVESTIGATION AND HOLDING THIS VERY IMPORTANT HEARING TODAY. EVERY ONE OF US IN IN ROOM HAS AN OLYMPIC MEMORY. FOR A SELECT FEW IT'S ACTUALLY COMPETING IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES ON BEHALF OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY. FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF US IT'S WATCHING OUR ATHLETES COMPETE. OLYMPICS INSPIRE. THEY UNITE US. IT IS -- AS WE CHEER THEM ON TO VICTORY WITH GREAT PRIDE, OUR CHILDREN WATCH THE OLYMPICS WITH THEIR OWN DREAMS THAT ONE DAY THEY, TOO, MAY COMPETE AT THE MOST ELITE LEVEL AND REPRESENT OUR COUNTRY. BUT THE SYSTEM OF ORGANIZED SPORT HEADED BY THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND 48 NATIONAL FWOFNING BODIES OR NGBs IS MUCH BIGGER THAN THE OLYMPICS. IT INCLUDES MILLIONS OF ATHLETES WHO DON'T NECESSARILY COMPETE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. THE FOUR NGBs BEFORE US TODAY, GYMNASTICS, TAE KWON DO, VOLLEYBALL AND SWIMMING COLLECTIVELY REPRESENT SOME 979,000 MEMBERS. USA SWIMMING INCLUDES EVERYONE FROM MICHAEL PHELPS WHO BY THE WAY TESTIFIED BEFORE THIS COMMITTEE LAST YEAR, TO CHILDREN COMPETING IN LOCAL RECREATIONAL LEAGUE. THE SAME IS TRUE NOT JUST FOR THE THREE OTHER NGBs AT THETABLE TODAY BUT FOR ALL THE OTHER NGBs IN EXISTENCE. IN PURSUIT OF THEIR DREAMS, ATHLETES OF ALL LEVELS HAVE FREQUENT CONTACT WITH COACHES AND DOCTORS AND TRAINERS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY BEYOND SIMPLY ENABLING THESE ATHLETES TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN THEIR CHOSEN SPORT. WE ENTRUST THEM WITH ATHLETE SAFETY, AND THEIR WELL-BEING. THESE INDIVIDUALS OFTEN HOLD POSITIONS OF GREAT POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER THE ATHLETES. NOT ONLY CAN THEY CONTROL AN ATHLETE'S TRAINING SCHEDULE OR MEDICAL TREATMENT, THOSE VERY INDIVIDUALS OFTEN HAVE A DIRECT SAY IN THAT ATHLETE'S CAREER SUCH AS DECIDING WHO COMPETES IN AN UPCOMING EVENT. AS HAS BECOME ABUNDANTLY CLEAR TOO MANY AUTHORITY FIGURES HAVE ABUSED THEIR POWER AND INFLUENCE AND HARMED THE VERY ATHLETES THAT WERE TRUSTED TO THEM. ATHLETES HAVE VERY LITTLE POWER BY COMPARISON, AND TOO MANY HAVE BEEN FAILED BY THE SYSTEM THAT PURPORTS TO PROTECT THEM. MUCH ATTENTION HAS BEEN PAID TO THE CASE OF LARRY NASSAR BECAUSE IN PART THE SICKENING NUMBER OF ATHLETES HE ABUSED TO. DATE HUNDREDS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS HAVE COME FORWARD AS VICTIMS OF NASSAR'S ABUSE THAT SPANNED TWO DECADES. BUT THE SAD TRUTH IS THAT ABUSE IN THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY EXTENDS WELL BEYOND LARRY NASSAR AND USA GYMNASTICS. THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORTS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH OF 2017 HAS ALREADY RECEIVED 4888 REPORTS REGARDING SEXUAL ABUSE INVOLVING 35 OF THE 48 TOTAL NGBs.THE COMMITTEE HAS SPOKEN WITH NUMEROUS SURVIVORS IN THE COURSE OF THIS VERSION AND WE THANK ALL OF THEM FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN THIS WORK, AND WE KNOW THAT THEIR STORIES ARE NOT EASY TO TELL. THERE WERE FAR TOO MANY SIMILARITIES IN WHAT WE HEARD. INDIVIDUALS IN POSITIONS OF POWER NOT ONLY ABUSE THEIR TRUST BUT PHYSICALLY ABUSED THEIR PERSONS, AND WHEN SURVIVORS SOUGHT HELP, FAR TOO MANY FELT THE SYSTEM PROTECTED NOT THEM BUT THEIR ABUSERS. THOUGH FELT SILENT. IN THE EYES OF MANY SURVIVORS CULTURE AND MONEY WENT OUT OVER ATHLETE SAFETY AND PROTECTION. CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY OVER THE PAST DECADE, IN PARTICULAR WITH THE LAST YEAR THAT SHOW HOW THINGS ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. HOWEVER, MANY QUESTIONS REMAIN WHETHER THE COMMUNITY HAS COME FAR ENOUGH AND MOVED FAST ENOUGH. MORE MUST BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ATHLETE SAFETY IS THE TOP PRIORITY OF THE USOC AND THE NGBs. TODAY THIS COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE HOW TO PROTECT YOUNG ATHLETES NOW AND IN THE FUTURE. AMONG OUR CONCERNS IS WHETHER THE CULTURE WITHIN THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY FOSTERS A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR VERDICT TIMES TO COME FORWARD. THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS ARE ENFORCED IN A WAY THAT PROMOTES TRANSPRARNSY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, WHETHER THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE THAT IT CAN BE AND WHETHER THE USOC HAS EXERCISED ITS FULL AUTHORITIES OVER THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING AND ENFORCING POLICIES THAT PROTECT OUR ATHLETES FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AND MISCONDUCT. SO I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING ABOUT WHAT BEING CONGRESS DID DO TO IMPROVE AND STRENGTHEN THE SYSTEM SO WE'RE PROTECTING ATHLETES AT ALL LEVELS AND ALL AGES IN ALL SPORTS. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AS PART OF THIS DISCUSSION. WITH THAT I YIELD THE BALANCE OF MY TIME TO THE GENTLE LADY FROM INDIANA, MISS BROOKS. ...

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR HOLDING THIS HEARING TODAY. ABUSE OF ALL KINDS HAS COME UNDER CLOSE SCRUTINY ACROSS THE COUNTRY THIS PAST YEAR. SEXUAL ABUSE IN PARTICULAR HAS SHOWN ITSELF TO BE FAR MORE PERVASIVE AND INSIDIOUS THAN MANY WOULD HAVE IMAGINED. THANKS TO THE DILIGENT WORK OF MY HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER "THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR" WE'VE LEARNED ABOUT THE REVELATIONS ABOUT DR. NASSAR AND HIS SYSTEMIC ABUSE OF U.S. GYMNASTS BUT ALSO MORE ABOUT OUR NATION'S OLYMPIC ATHLETES AND WHAT THEY HAVE HAD TO ENDURE FOR SO MANY YEARS IN THEIR OLYMPIC QUEST, AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I'M PROUD THAT I LED ALONG WITH A COLLEAGUE LOIS FRANKEL FROM FLORIDA, WE SAW THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AND SAFE SPORT AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2017. OUR PRESIDENT SIGN THE INTO LAW ON FEBRUARY OF 2018 THIS BIPARTISAN GAME-CHANGING BILL THAT PRIORITIZES THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF OUR NATION'S ATHLETES BECAUSE WE MUST ENSURE THAT OUR YOUTH ARE SAFE WHEN THEY GO TO THE GYM, WHEN THEY TAKE THE ICE, WHEN THEY GO OUT ON TO THE FIELD TO PRACTICE THEIR SPORT. YOUNG ATHLETES LOOK TO THEIR COACHES, THEIR INSTRUCTORS AND TRAINERS AT ROLE MODELS, AND OUR BILL, NOW LAW, WORKS TO ENSURE THAT OUR ATHLETIC, NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES WILL SUPPORT A CULTURE WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS TO FOSTER SAFE AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COACHES AND INSTRUCTORS AND TRAINERS AND ATHLETES THROUGH THEIR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT WILL PREVENT, DETENT AND REPORT ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IN AN APPROPRIATE AND TIMELY MANNER, AND I'M PROUD THAT THIS WAS SIGNED INTO LAW BECAUSE OUR PAST, OUR PRESENT AND OUR FUTURE ATHLETES WHO WERE DEDICATING THEIR LIVES TO PERFECT THEIR SPORT, THE DREAM OF THE OLYMPIC STAGE, NEED TO BE PROTECTED. THEY NEED TO BE SAFE AND FREE FROM SBURKS AND I THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE TODAY. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR TESTIMONY. ...

I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE MEMBERS' WRITTEN OPENING STATEMENTS BE MADE PART OF THE RECORD. WITHOUT OBJECTION THEY WILL BE ENTERED INTO THE RECORD. ADDITIONALLY I ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT MEMBERS NOT ON THE COMMERCE COMMIT ON THE COMMITTEE OF OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATION ARE ALLOWED TO PAR TIS A IN TODAY'S HEARING. WITHOUT OBJECTION, I SO ORDER. I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THE WITNESSES FOR TODAY'S HEARING. FIRST, ABOUT MISS SUSANNE LYONS, ACTING CHIEF OFFICER OF THE UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMIT, NEXT IS MISS CARRIE PERRY, EXECUTIVE AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT USA GYMNASTICS, MR. TIM HENCHY, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT USA SWIMMING, AND MR. STEVE McNALLY,EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT USA TAE KWON DO. THEN WE HAVE MR. JAMIE DAVIS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT USA VOLLEYBALL, AND FINALLY MICHELLY FULL, PRESIDENT AND CHOCHSER AT THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. YOU'RE AWARE THAT THE COMMITTEE IS HOLDING AN INVESTIGATIVE HEARING, AND WHEN DOING SO HAS HAD THE PRACTICE OF TAKING TESTIMONY UNDER OATH. DO YOU HAVE ANY OBJECTION TO TESTIFYING UNDER OATH? LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT ALL WITNESSES HAVE RESPONDED NO. THE CHAIR THEN ADVISES YOU THAT UNDER THE RULES OF THE HOUSE AND THE RULES OF THE COMMITTEE YOU'RE ENTITLED TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY COUNSEL. DO ANY OF YOU DESIRE TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY COUNSEL DURING YOUR TESTIMONY TODAY? LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT ALL WITNESSES HAVE RESPONDED NO, AND IN THAT CASE IF YOU WOULD PLEASE RISE. I ASK YOU TO RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND, AND I WILL SWEAR YOU IN. DO YOU SWEAR THAT THE TESTIMONY YOU'RE ABOUT TO GIVE IS THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT BUT THE TRUTH? THANK YOU. YOU MAY BE SEATED. YOU'RE NOW UNDER OATH AND SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES SET FORTH IN SECTION 18, 1001 OF UNITED STATES CODE. YOU MAY NOW GIVE A FIVE-MINUTE SUM RIFF YOUR WRITTEN STATEMENT, AND WE WILL BEGIN WITH YOU, MISS LYONS. YOU HAVE A LIGHT SYSTEM THAT'S THERE THAT SHOULD TURN YELLOW WHEN YOU HAVE A MINUTE LEFT AND RED WHEN YOUR FIVE MINUTES IS UP. MISS LYONS, WELCOME. ...

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING CHAIRMAN HARPER, RANKING MEMBER DeGETTE AND MEMBERS. SUBCOMMITTEE. THREE MONTHS AGO I AGREED TO SERVE AS THE ACTING CEO OF THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE BECAUSE I FELT AN OBLIGATION TO HELP ADDRESS THE SIGNIFICANT AND IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT BRING US HERE TODAY. LIKE YOU, I WAS DEEPLY SADDENED AND ALSO ANGRY TO HEAR THE STATEMENTS OF THE GIRLS AND WOMEN WHO WERE THE VICTIMS OF LARRY NASSAR. I HEARD THE POWERFUL AND COMPELLING STORIES OF VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS, INCLUDING THOSE THAT HAD SOUGHT HELP FROM PEOPLE IN THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY. THEY FOUND THE SYSTEM UNRESPONSIVE, NEEDLESSLY COMPLEX AND FRAUGHT WITH RISKS TO THEIR OLYMPIC DREAMS. THIS IS APPALLING AND UNACCEPTABLE. THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY FAILED THE PEOPLE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT. AND I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE ONCE AGAIN TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND TO THEIR FAMILIES, SOME OF WHOM I BELIEVE ARE WITH US TODAY. I KNOW WE CAN DO BETTER. AND WE WILL DO BETTER. WHEN I ACCEPTED THIS ROLE, I ANNOUNCED A SERIES OF INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF ABUSE AND OTHER STRUCTURAL WEAKNESSES. WE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING FUNDING FOR GYMNASTS AND ATHLETES FROM OTHER SPORTS AFFECTED BY ABUSE. WE COMMITTED TO DOUBLING OUR FUNDING FOR THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. WE ANNOUNCED A GOVERNANCE REVIEW, AND WE COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING THE VOICES OF THE ATHLETES, BOTH YOUNG AND ADULT, IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND IMPORTANTLY WE REITERATED OUR COMMITMENT TO REFORM USA GYMNASTICS. LAST YEAR WE DEMANDED THE RESIGNATION OF THE USA GYMNASTICS CEO, AND THIS YEAR WE REQUIRED A COMPLETE TURNOVER OF THE USA GYMNASTICS BOARD ALONG WITH SEVERAL ADDITIONAL REFORMS. MR. CHAIRMAN, WE ARE ALREADY MAKING PROGRESS, BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO. I WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OUR EFFORTS. FIRST, WE ARE REDOUBLING OUR EFFORTS WITH THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. AFTER ONLY ONE YEAR IT IS ALREADY CLEAR THAT THE CENTER IS SERVING AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN PROTECTING ATHLETES. THE CENTER HAS EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTS OF ABUSE, AND ALTHOUGH ANY REPORT IS DISHEARTENING, THAT'S THE REASON WE NEED THE CENTER. IT PROVIDES A SAFE AND INDEPENDENT PATH FOR ATHLETES TO REPORT THESE CONCERNS. WE DOUBLED OUR GRANT TO THE CENTER TO $3.1 MILLION THIS YEAR TO ENABLE IT TO HIRE MORE INVESTIGATORS AND TO RESOLVE CASES MORE QUICKLY. WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH THE CENTER TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THEIR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. SECOND, WE ARE LISTENING TO AND ENHANCING THE VOICES OF ATHLETES IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ATHLETE SURVEYS AND THROUGH A SERIES OF ATHLETE WORKING SESSIONS. THIRD, WE ANNOUNCED A GOVERNANCE REVIEW TO INFORM OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODIES AND ATHLETES AND OUR OVERSIGHT OF THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ORGANIZED AND EMPOWERED TO TAKE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO PROTECT ATHLETES. REBUILDING GYMNASTICS IS THE FOURTH CATEGORY. WE COMMITTED TO A $1.3 MILLION GRANT TO THE NATIONAL GYM FASTICS FOUNDATION ENTIRELY FOR ATHLETE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, MEDICAL SUPPORT AND COUNSELING. WE ARE IN NEARLY CONSTANT CONTACT WITH CEO CARRIE PERRY, GYMNASTICS INTERIM BOARD AND OTHERS AT GYMNASTICS. RECENTLY WE SUPPORTED GYMNASTICS AS THEY ESTABLISHED THAT INTERIM BOARD, AND WE SUPPORTED THEM AS THEY MADE GOVERNANCE REFORMS TO IMPLEMENT BEST PRACTICES. EVEN AS WE MOVE AHEAD A FIFTH CATEGORY OF EFFORT WILL DEVELOP IN THE COMING MONTHS WHEN WE RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF NASSAR'S ABUSE. THE INVESTIGATION COVERS BOTH THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND USA GYMNASTICS AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION ON ABUSE THAT THE INVESTIGATION REVEALS. WE WILL MAKE THAT REPORT PUBLIC IN ITS COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED FORM, AND WE WILL TAKE WHATEVER ACTIONS ARE APPROPRIATE BASED ON THE REPORT'S FINDINGS. WE'VE MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS FOR ATHLETES OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, BUT OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS MUST NOT CEASE. WE MUST SUPPORT THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS AND HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE STOOD UP AGAINST ABUSE. WE PROMISE TO LEAD THE OLYMPIC COMMUNITY TO BRING REAL AND LASTING CHANGE. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. ...

THANK YOU, MISS LYONS. THE CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE MISS PERRY FOR FIVE MINUTES FOR THE PURPOSES OF YOUR OPENING STATEMENT.

CHAIRMAN HARPER, RANKING MEMBER DeGETTE, MEMBERS OF THE OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE, THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME TO TESTIFY TODAY AT THIS VERY IMPORTANT HEARING. FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS USA GYMNASTICS HAS SERVED AS THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY FOR THE SPORT IN THE UNITED STATES. WE HAVE MANY RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE GYMNASTICS COMMUNITY. NONE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF OUR ATHLETES. LIKE ALL OF YOU I WAS APPALLED AND SICKENED BY THE DESPICABLE CRIMES OF LARRY NASSAR. WE MUST DO BETTER. I CAME ON BOARD AT USA GYMNASTICS IN DECEMBER FROM OUTSIDE THE SPORT AND THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT. MY SINGULAR GOAL AND THE REASON I ACCEPTED THIS MISSION IS TO CREATE A SUPPORTIVE AND EMPOWERING CULTURE THAT HELPS OUR ATHLETES ACHIEVE THEIR GYMNASTICS DREAMS AND AN EMPOWERING CULTURE. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO ALL WHO WERE HARMED BY THE HORRIFIC ACTS OF LARRY NASSAR. I WAS IN THE COURTROOM TO LISTEN TO THE INCREDIBLY COURAGEOUS WOMEN EXPLAIN IN VIVID AND PAINFUL DETAIL THE DAMAGE HE DID TO THEIR LIVES. THEIR VOICES WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. I COMMIT TO YOU THAT I WILL KEEP THEIR WORDS AND EXPERIENCES AT THE CORE OF EVERY DECISION I MAKE EVERY DAY AS THE LEADER OF THIS ORGANIZATION. THEIR STORIES HAVE BROKEN MY HEART, BUT THEY HAVE ALSO STRENGTHENED MY RESOLVE. LET THERE BE NO MISTAKE. THOSE DAYS ARE OVER. USA GYMNASTICS IS ON A NEW PATH WITH NEW LEADERSHIP AND A COMMITMENT TO ENSURE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. SINCE DECEMBER 2017, WE HAVE EMBARKED ON A MISSION TO IMPLEMENT A CULTURE THAT PUTS ATHLETES FIRST. TO THAT END, WE ARE WORKING HARD TO REGAIN THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF OUR ATHLETES, THEIR FAMILIES AND ALL WHO ARE A PART OF OUR GYMNASTICS COMMUNITY. IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE BOLD DECISIONS TO PUT USA GYMNASTICS ON A NEW COURSE. WE CLOSE THE NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER AT THE KAROLYI RANCH. WE MADE DIFFICULT PERSONNEL DECISIONS TO ENSURE THAT USA GYMNASTICS HAS A FRESH START. WE FULLY SUPPORT THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATIONS THAT WE HOPE WILL SHED LIGHT ON HOW NASSAR WAS ABLE TO COMMIT THESE HORRIFIC CRIMES. WE FULLY SUPPORT FEDERAL LEGISLATION, NOW A LAW, THAT WILL HELP SAFEGUARD AMATEUR ATHLETES. WE EXPANDED OUR SAFE SPORT DEPARTMENT TO INCLUDE FIVE NEW POSITIONS, FOUR OF WHICH WILL LIVE IN THE REGIONS THAT THEY COVER THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES TO BETTER SUPPORT, TRAIN, EDUCATE AND SERVE OUR MEMBERS. WE CREATED AN ATHLETE TASK FORCE WHERE OUR ATHLETES WILL HELP SHAPE OUR ORGANIZATION'S FUTURE AND ITS STRATEGIC AND OPERATING DECISIONS. WE CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT THE DEBRA DANIELS RECOMMENDATIONS STEMMING FROM AN INDEPENDENT EVALATION OF USA GYMNASTICS POLICIES. WE ARE STRONGLY ENFORCING THE USA GYMNASTICS SAFE SPORT POLICY THAT REQUIRES MANDATORY REPORTING, DEFINES SPECIFIC TYPES OF MISCONDUCT, SETS STANDARDS FOR GROOMING BEHAVIOR AND ESTABLISHES GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY. WE MAY REPORTING OF ABUSE EASIER WITH A DEDICATED TOLL-FREE NUMBER AND ONLINE REPORTING. WE ARE AMENDING OUR BYLAWS TO SUPPORT THE CULTURAL COMMITMENT TO ATHLETE SAFETY AND TO HELP ENFORCE SAFE SPORT POLICY. WE ARE EDUCATING AND TRAINING OUR STAFF, OUR BOARD AND OUR MEMBERS ON THE NEW SAFE SPORT POLICY. I'M PLEASED TO REPORT THAT OUR STAFF AND OUR BOARD ARE 100% SAFE SPORT COMPLAINT. BEGINNING IN 2018, ALL PROFESSIONAL AND CLUB MEMBERS MUST BE SAFE SPORT CERTIFIED AS A CONDITION OF MEMBERSHIP. WE ARE PARTICIPATING IN MEDIATION IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE ATHLETES' CLAIMS FAIRLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY, AND WE CREATED AN ATHLETE ASSISTANCE FUND IN COOPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL GYMNASTICS FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE SURVIVORS OF ABUSE WITH THE NEEDED FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR COUNSELING AND MEDICAL SERVICES. THESE NECESSARY CHANGES ARE NOT JUST AMENDMENTS TO OUR POLICIES. THEY ARE PART OF A CULTURAL SHIFT THAT REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO PRIORITIZE THE SAFETY OF OUR ATHLETES AND MEMBERS. WE WILL HOLD OUR ORGANIZATION TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CARE IN ORDER TO BECOME THE STANDARD BEARER OF CHANGE. THE I'M TESTIFYING TODAY ON BEHALF OF THE NEW USA GYMNASTICS BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THERE IS A PARENT DRIVING THEIR CHILD TO GYMNASTICS CLASS. I WANT THAT PARENT TO KNOW THAT WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN EVERY DAY TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD. ATHLETE SAFETY MUST BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING WE DO. WE HAVE TAKEN DECISIVE ACTION TO GROW INTO A MORE ATHLETE-CENTERED ORGANIZATION, COMMITTED TO HELPING OUR ATHLETES FULFILL THEIR DREAMS IN A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. OUT OF RESPECT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE STOOD ON THE PODIUM UNDER THE UNITED STATES FLAG AND OUT OF DEVOTION TO THE ASPIRING YOUNG ATHLETES WHO SET FOOT IN GYMS EVERY DAY, WE MUST AND WE WILL EMERGE STRONGER AND SAFER. THANK YOU AND I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. ...

THANK YOU, MISS PERRY. THE CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE MR. HINCHEY FOR FIVE MINUTES.

CHAIRMAN HARPER, RANKING MEMBER DeGETTE AND THE MEMBERS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY TODAY. IN 2010, USA SWIMMING FACED ITS OWN REALITY THAT WILL CHILDREN AND SWIMMERS WERE BEING SEXUALLY ABUSED IN SPORT. USA SWIMMING APOLOGIZES, ACKNOWLEDGES AND DEEPLY REGRETS THE ABUSE SUFFERED BY CHILDREN, ATHLETES AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN SWIMMING PROGRAMS. PARTICIPATION IN SPORT SHOULD OFFER PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS, BUT FOR SOME IT HAS RESULTED IN ABUSE, TRAUMA THAT WILL NEGATIVELY IMPACT REST OF THEIR LIVES. THAT IS INEXCUSABLE. LIKE THOSE WHO SIT BEFORE ME TODAY, I AM DEEPLY COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN TO GROW, PLAY AND COMPETE. WHILE RECOGNIZING THAT MUCH WORK REMAINS TO BE DONE, LET ME DESCRIBE STEPS USA SWIM HAS TAKEN. IN 20 SO USA SWIMMING ESTABLISHED A COMPREHENSIVE ABUSE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM CALLED SAFE SPORT. USA SWIMMING HIRED AN ATHLETE PROTECTION OFFICER, THE FIRST POSITION OF ITS KIND IN THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT, AND ESTABLISHED A NATIONAL SAFE SPORT COMMITTEE. OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, THE SAFE SPORT PROGRAM HAS EVOLVED. OVER 90 INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN BANNED FROM MEMBERSHIP FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND IS PUBLISHED ON USA SWIMMING'S BAN LIST. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS HAVE BEEN ENHANCED. CURRENTLY WE CONDUCT MONTHLY RECURRING REPORTS ON OUR 50,000 NON-ATHLETE MEMBERS RESULTING IN APPROXIMATELY 600,000 ANNUAL BACKGROUND CHESKS ADULTS WHO HAVE ACCESS TO CHILDREN. WE HAVE OVER 80 INDIVIDUALS DEDICATED TO CHAMPIONING SAFE SPORT ATHLETES AND EFFORTS AT THE LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL. EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES HAVE ALSO INCREASED. OVER 10,000 INDIVIDUALS HAVE RECEIVED SAFE SPORT TRAINING AND IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS OR CONFERENCES. FINALLY, A VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND CALLED SWIM ASSIST HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. HOWEVER, WE CONTINUE TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF CHILD SBUGS IN SWIMMING. THE ORGANIZATION CAN, SHOULD AND WILL DO MORE, AND I WILL LEAD THAT EFFORT. I'M THE FATHER OF SIX, THREE GIRLS AND THREE BOYS AGES 30 TO 11. UPON ASSUMING THE ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT OF USA SWIMMING IN JULY OF TO 17 I RECOGNIZED SAFE SPORT'S SIGNIFICANCE TO THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH THE SUBCOMMITTEE IN THIS INVESTIGATION HAS ONLY INTENSIFIED MY COMMITMENT TO MAKE PROTECTING CHILDREN AND ATHLETES USA SWIMMING'S ABSOLUTE TOP PRIORITY. TO THAT END, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF NEW INITIATIVES UNDERWAY, AND WE'RE VETTING EVEN MORE. THE SAFE SPORT RECOGNIZED CLUB PROGRAM WILL ENHANCE ATHLETE PROTECTION LEVELS AT ALL LEVELS, ESPECIALLY THE LOCAL LEVEL. THE TRAIN THE TRAINERS PROGRAM WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ADVOCATES SPREADING THE SAFE SPORT PROGRAM THROUGHOUT OUR ORGANIZATION. I HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO MEET AND ENGAGE WITH SURVIVORS OF ABUSE TO ENSURE THAT WE HEAR ABUSE TO ENSURE WE HEAR THEIR VOICES. AND LEARN FROM THEIR EXPERIENCES. IN ADDITION, USA SWIMMING WILL CONTINUE TO BE A RESPONSIBLE LEAD ER LEADER, STEWARD AND MEMBER OF THE SWIMMING COMMUNITY. IT HAS POLLICIES THAT REQUIRE REPORT LG, PROHIBIT RETALIATION AND LIMIT ONE-ON-ONE ACTIONS BETWEEN ADULTS AND CHILDREN. FURTHER, USA SWIMMING SUPPORTS THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT AND IS FULLY COMMITTED TO ITS SUCCESS. WHILE WE CAN'T CHANGE THE PAST, WE CAN LEARN FROM IT AND DO BETTER. OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING A SAFE, HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR ATHLETES IS CON STANLT AND LONG LASTING. THANK YOUEN ALOOK FORWARD TO ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS. ...

THE CHAIR RECOGNIZES MR. NORTH KOREAAL McNALLY.

FOR UNDER EIGHT MONTH, I'VE SERVED AS USA DIRECTOR UNDER TAE KWON DO AND I THANK YOU FOR THE ABILITY TO EXPRESS UNDER MY LEADERSHIP TO ENSURING THAT ATHLETES ARE PROTECTED FROM SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITHIN THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMUNITY AS WELL AS ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING OUTSIDE. USA WHICH FORMED IN 2004 AFTER THE DISILLUSION OF THE PREVIOUS GOVERN INGING BODTY OF THE UNION. FEW RECORDS EXIST AND NO CONTINUITY EXISTS WITH REGARD TO THE ORGANIZATION NIECE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LEADERSHIP OR SENIOR STAFF. I HAVE CONCLUDED THE ORGANIZATION'S RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS VARIED AS ADMINISTRATION'S BOUGHT AND ETHICS COMMITTEE'S CHANGED PERSONNEL. USA TAE KWON DO HAS SOUGHT TO PROTECT MEMBERS FROM MISCONDUCT WHILE PROTECT INGING THE RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED. ...

COULD YOU PULL THE MICROPHONE CLOSER TO YOU? THANK YOU.

IN 2015, FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS BY AN ATHLETE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AT THE HANDS OF A USA COACH, FROM FIRM TO SERVE AS INDEPENDENT COUNSEL. FROM THIS DAY FORWARD, THEY HAVE RERYED TO INVESTIGATE H HISTORY IN AN EFFORT TO DEPLOY ANY INCIDENTS. WITH NO CONTROL OVER CONTROL AND WITH ONLY RUDIMENTARY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO USA TAE KWON DO. THE DIRECTION OF OUTSIDE COUNTYSEL IN CONDUCTION WITH THE SUPPORT OF USA TAE KWON DO LEADERSHIP, A NUMP MEASURES WERE IMPLEMENTED TO ADDRESS PENDING ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT. DISCOVER ADDITIONAL CLAIMS AND EXECUTE REMEDIES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF USA TAE KWON DO ATHLETES. THE INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED BY THE COUNSEL HIRE EDD AT THE DIRECTION OF TAE KWON DO AND EXCEEDED IN EXPOSE INGING THE AS EARLY AS 1994. THE PURSUIT OF SANCTIONS HAVE PROVED TO BE B ELUSIVE WITH MANY VICTIMS HE HAS TAN TO REOPEN OLD WOUNDS AND RELUCTANT TO DISCUSS MATTERS ABOUT WHICH THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND PLAYERS WERE AWARE. SEVERAL VICTIMS EXPOSED COUNSEL THAT THEY COULD DO SO CONFIDENTLY. THE COMMITTEE HAS EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN JEAN LOPEZ. I DO WANT TO EMPHASIZE USA TAE KWON DO SUBMITTED EVIDENCE TO THE FBI, SUGARLAND, TEXAS DEPARTMENT AND THE COLORADO SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT. WITH CREATION OF SAFE SPORT IN MARCH 17th, ALL CASES STILL PENDING AND CASES WERE TRANS TRANSFERRED. UNDER MY LEADERSHIP, USA HAS TAKEN EFFORTS TO BE IN ATHLETE PROTECTION. THESE INCLUDE THE IMMEDIATE REFERRAL OF ALL ALLEGATIONS SO SAFE SPOT. IF WE BELIEVE THERE IS A THREAT TO ATHLETES CURRENTLY. WE KNOW ENSURE LEADERSHIP CONTAINS BOTH GENDERS. B EVEN VENDORS WHO WERE WORKING OUR EVENTS. WHICH PROVIDES ALLEGATION ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. FINALLY, USA TAE KWON DO WILL HOST THE NOT IN MY SPORT CAMPAIGN WITH THE FWOEL OF INFORMING PARTICIPANTS AS TO WHAT IS ACCEPT BABLE BEHAVIOR AND WHAT IS A VIOLATION AND ALSO TO EMPOWER OUR ATHLETES AND MAKE THEIR STATEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS. THERE IS NO DOUBT MORE WORK TO BE DONE. THE ENTIRE OLYMPIC FAMILY MUST ENSURE THAT RESOURCES REMAIN AVAILABLE TO SAFE SPOT. ...

CHAIRMAN HARPER, MEMBERS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR AFFORDING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU TODAY AND ENSURE USA VOL BY BALL'S COMMITMENT. I JOINED IN 2017 AND THAT N THAT TIME FRAME, ISK PROUD TO LEAD AN ORGANIZATION THAT RESPECTS ALL OF OUR PARTICIPANTS AND PLACES THE HIGHEST VALUE ON PERSONAL SAFETY BEFORE COUNTS. WE REPORT AND INVESTIGATE ANY ALLEGATION BROUGHT FORWARD AND WE HAVE THE OBLIGATION TO TAKE FORWARD ANY ANCHOR. THIS IS THE CORE OF OUR VALUES. USA VOLLEYBALL HAS LONG CHAMPIONED A CULTURE OF PARTICIPANTS. WE WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO IMPLEMENT A ROBUST SCREENING POLICY. BEGINNING IN THE 2004 AND 2005 SEASON. WE STARTED WORKING WITH CSSCI AND IMPLEMENTED A POLICY FOR INDIVIDUALS TO SUBMIT TO A BACKGROUND SCREENING. RECOGNIZING A NEED TO DO MORE TO PROTECT ATHLETES, US, VOLLEYBALL FORM EDED A COMMISSION. THIS COMMISSION SET OUT TO REVIEW THE CURRENT TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICES AND ATHLETE SURVEY TO PRODUCE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THEM TO COMMIT. INCLUDED DEVELOPING A PROCEDURE FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT. TWO, FORMLATING ACTIONS FOR REAL BEHAVIOR AND THREE, PROVIDING CONTINUAL EDGEUCATION TO PARENTS. THE COMMISSIONS WORK PAVED THE WAY FOR USA VOL BY BALL BEFORE IT WAS CALLED SAFE SPORT. AS I HOPE IS EVIDENCE, USA VOLLEY BILLION HAS LONG CONSIDERED THE SAFETY OF OUR ATHLETES TO A PRIORITY. THIS WAS NOT CREATED AS A RESPONSE TO HEADLINES OR BECAUSE OF MOUNTING PUBLIC SCRUTINY. WE RECOGNIZE PROTECTING OUR ATHLETES AND MEMBERS AT AS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE CASE OF MR. RICK BUTLER. MR. BUTLER IS A WELL-KNOWN PRIVATE VOLLEYBALL CLUB OWNER AND COACH IN AURORA, ILLINOIS. HIS CLUB, SPORTS PERFORMANCE VOLLEYBALL, IS NOT OWNED OR OPERATED BY USA VOLLEYBALL, HOWEVER, ITS ATHLETES AND COACHES ARE REQUIRED TO BE B MEMBERS IF THEY WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN SANCTIONED EVENTS. IN 1995, ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WERE BROUGHT FORTH BY THREE WOMEN WHO WERE MEMBERS WHO PLAYED AT HIS CLUB. THE WOMEN CLAIMED THAT MR. BUTLER HAD A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM IN THE 1980s WHILE HE WAS THEIR COACH AND WHILE THEY WERE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. AS A RESULT OF THOSE ALLEGATIONS, IN 1995, USA VOLLEY VOLLEYBALL FOUND MR. BUTLER VIOLATED THE RULES AND THEY VOTED TO BAN HIM FOR LIFE. AFTER FIVE YEARS PASSED AND UPON HIS REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT, THEY VOTED TO CONDITIONALLY REENSTATE HIM IN THE YEAR TO20 00 WITH HIS INABLEILITY TO EVER COACH EVENTS. TO BE CLEAR, REGARDLESS OF ALL THE HEADLINES SURROUND THG MATTER AND SINCE THE YEAR 1995, MR. BUTLER HAS BEEN BANNED FROM COACHING JUNIOR GIRLS, A CONDITION OF HIS LIFETIME BAN THAT NEVER CHANGED. FURTHER MORE, THESE ALLEGATIONS ARE A RESULT OF HIS ACTIVITIES AS A CLUB DIRECTOR AND COACH AND NOT A PART OF USA VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAMS. IN LATE 2016, SEVERAL BRAVE WOMEN CAME FORWARD TO USA VOLLEY VOLLEYBALL TO PROVIDE NEW ALLEGATIONS DATING BACK TO THE 1980s.BASED ON THESE WOMEN'S CLAIMS, USA VOLLEYBALL FILED NEW CHARGES AND IN JANUARY 2018. THE ETHICS COMMITTEE HELD A HEARING REGARDING THESE ALLEGATIONS. HE WAS FOUND TO HAVE VIOLATED THE RULE AND AS A RESULT, HE WAS BAN EDNED FROM TOTAL PARTICIPATION IN USA VOLLEYBALL FOR LIFE. OUR EFFORTS ARE APPLAUDED BY MICHIGAN NANCY HOGSHEAD. ONE OF THE MOST VOCAL ADVOCATES FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN SPORTS. H HER LETTER ADDRESSED TO ME, SHE WROTE IN PART, QUOTE, WE ARE REACHINGING OUT TODAY TO THANK YOU FOR BANNING RICK BUTLER FOR HIS SEXUAL PREDATION OF YOUNG GIRLS. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR STRONG COMMITMENT. WE ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT THESE EFFORTS WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE THE NEXT TIME A SPORTS ORGANIZATION HAS TO MAKE A CALL TO INVESTIGATE, HOLD A HEARING ON BAN A MEMBER IF NECESSARY. END QUOTE CH I DO NOT PRETEND WE HAVE BEEN PERFECT NOR DO I IGNORE THE FACT THERE ARE SOME OFFENDERS THAT ARE MISSED. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION OF ANY MISCONDUCT, PAST OR PRESENT, CONTACT OUR OFFICES OR THE U.S. CENTER FOR SACH SPORT. WE'LL LISTEN AND ACT. WE WANT TO CREATE THE SAFEST, MOST ENJOYABLE ATMOSPHERE AND LOOK FORWARD TO A DAY WHEN THERE IS NO SEXUAL ABUSE OR MISCONDUCT IN VOLLEYBALL. WE'LL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE THIS A REALITY. THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR QUESTIONS. ...

THANK YOU. THE CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE U.S. CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT.

THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN HARPER IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE UNITED STATES CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. AN INDEPENDENT NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION IN DENVER, COLORADO. LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN. OUR CENTER IS DEDICATED TO MAKING ATHLETE WELL BEING THE CENTER PIECE THROUGH ABUSE PREVENTION PREVENTION, EDUCATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY. FAR TOO MANY F F OUR NATION'S ATH LEASELETES HAVE SUFFERED ABUSE AT THE HANDS OF PERPETRATORS WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A SPORTS ENVIRONMENT WHERE ATHLETES FORM BONDS WITH THEIR COACHES, TRUSTED ADULTS AND TEAMMATES. AS YOU SAID, IF ONE ATHLETE IS ABUSED, IT'S ONE TOO MANY. I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT SPORT AT ITS CORE BUILDING CHARACTER, PROMOTES HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND DEVELOPS SELF-CONFIDENCE. WE NEVER WANT TO LOSE SIGHT OF THOSE VALUES. ON MARCH 3rd, 2017, WE OPENED OUR DOORS AN STARTED TAKING REPORTS ON DAY ONE. TODAY, YOU AREOUR OPERATIONS INCLUDE A NINE-MEMBER BOARD AND 14 EMPLOYEES. THANKS TO THE SUPPORT FROM CONGRESS AND LEADERSHIP OF BROOKS, WE WERE RECOGNIZED IN THE PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AND SAFE SPORT AUTHORIZATION ACT, WHICH BECAME LAW IN FEBRUARY. THE LAW REQUIRES ANYONE WORKING IN AMATEUR SPORT MUST REPORT THE SUSPECTED ABUSE OF MINORS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PROHIBITS RETALIATION OF THOSE WHO CHOSE TO COME FORWARD. ADULTS WHO HAVE REGULAR CONTACT WITH MINORS MUST NOW COMPLETE MOHANNAD STORY TRAINING AND ADHERE TO BEST PRACTICE, POLL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES LIKE THE CODE. THE CODE SPECIFICALLY OUTLINES AND PROHIBITS ABUSE AND MISCONDUCT AND DEFINES THE PROCESS SURROUNDING REPORTING. REPORTS COULD BE MADE THROUGH THE CENTER'S WEBSITE OR BY CALLING OUR OFFICE. I WANT TO STRES TO ANYONE LISTENING. REPORTS CAN BE MADE ANONYMOUSLY. AND THERE IS NO STATUTE OF LIMB TAXS. THE SAFE OF THOSE WE SERVE IS OUR PRIOR THETY. OUR QUALIFIED INVESTIGATORS ARE DESIGNED TO HANDLE EACH REPORT WITH CARE OF TRAUMA INFORMED RESPONSE. BEFORE I GO INTO THE NUMBER, I WANT TO UNDERSCORE THAT WE NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT BEHIND THESE NUMBERS ARE PEOPLE. MEN, WOMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS DEALING WITH THE LINGERING EFFECTS OF ABUSE. IN OUR FIRST YEAR, WE RESPONDED TO MORE THAN 500 REPORTS. THIS YEAR, WE EXPECT THAT TO DOUBLE. THIS TIME LAST YEAR, WE ARE GETTING 20 TO 30 REPORTS PER MONTH. NOW, WE'RE GETTING 20 TO 30 REPORTS PER WEEK. SO FAR, WE HAVE ISSUED 169 SANCTIONS. INCLUDING SANCTIONS 142 INDIVIDUALS WITH PERMANENT INELIGIBILITY. THAT'S NO SMALL DETAIL. 142 INDIVIDUALS ARE UNABLE TO COACH OR PARTICIPATE IN OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC SPORTS. THESE ADULTS ARE LISTED IN OUR ONLINE SEARCH BABLE DATABASE WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO WANT TO USE IT. WE KNOW HOW HARD IT IS FOR VICTIMS TO COME FORWARD. OUR GOAL IS TO CONTINUE BUILDING TRUST WHILE ESTABLISHING A CULTURE WHERE EVERYONE FEELS SAFE, SUPPORTED AND EMPOWERED TO REPORT. WITH THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE TO END ALL FORMS OF ABUSE. IN ADDITION TO INVESTIGATING REPORTS, WE PROVIDE TRAINING FOR PARENTS AND YOUTH SPORT ORGANIZATIONS AT ALL LEVELS N. OUR FIRST YEAR, ALMOST 400,000 PEOPLE COMPLETED OUR ONLINE TRAINING. AND HURRICANES MORE HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST AND ACCESSING IT. THIS PAST YEAR WAS STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND I KNOW WE HAVE A LOT MORE WORK TO DO. IN CLOSING, SPORT HAS THE POWER TO BE AN INCREDIBLY POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON PARTICIPANTS, COMMUNITIES AND OUR NATION. I THANK YOU FOR HELPING US US TO PRIORITIZE OUR MISSION TO END ABUSE. THANK YOU. ...

CHAIR WILL NOW BEGIN THE QUESTIONS BY THE MEMBERS AND WE ARE GOING TO ASK UNANIMOUS CONSENT THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE DOCUMENT BINDER BE INTRODUCEDED INTO THE RECORD AND TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO MAKE ANY APPROPRIATE REDAXS. WITHOUT OBJECTIONS, THE DOCUMENTS WILL BE ENTERED IN WITHOUT REDAXS THAT STAFF DETERMINES ARE APPROPRIATE. IF I MAY ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS. DOES THE USOC SEE ITSELF AS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING AND EBBNFORCING POLICIES THAT KEEP ATHLETES SAFE? ...

YES, I THINK WE VIEW OURSELVES RESPONSIBLE. IF WE'VE HAD A FAIL, IT'S NOT THAT WE HAVEN'T ACCESSED OUR AUTHORITY.

IS ATET A TOP PRIORITY?

IT IS.

I'M GLAD YOU SAID THAT AND VIEW IT THAT WAY BUT WE'RE ALL WORRIED IT HASN'T ALWAYS BEEN THE CASE. IF YOU COULD LOOK AT THE DOCUMENT BIND ERER THAT'S BEFORE YOU THERE AN AND TURN TO TAB ONE. YOU'LL SEE AN ARTICLE DATED FEBRUARY 23rd OF 2018. IT REFERENCES A DEPOSITION IN A LAWSUIT IN WHICH A TAE KWON DO ATHLETE ALLEGED SHE WAS RAPED BY HER KOEFCOACH. GARY JOHANNSENS WAS ASKED WHETHER PROTECTING ATHLETES FROM ABUSE FROM ABUSE. HIS RESPONSE, THE USOC DOES NOT HAVE ATHLETES. DOES THE USOC BELIEVE IT HAS THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE NGBs TOIMPLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES? ...

YES, I BELIEVE THE ACT DOES GRANT THAT AUTHORITY.

THE USOC PROVIDES NGBs WITH SUPPORT AND IN SOME INSTANCES, THE UCOB HAS PROVIDED CHANGES.

THAT'S CORRECT.

HOWEVER, EACH NGB HAS THEIR OWN STRUCTURE AND BYLAWS IN POLICY. AS I MENTIONED, YOU CAN HAVE ALL OF F THE POLICIES AND PROCEEDDURES IN THE WORLD AND IF THEY'RE NOT PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED, THEY'RE NOT DOING MUCH GOOD. USOC ENGAGED BAKER TILLEY TO PROVIDE AUDITS OF THE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS TO ASSESS THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH SAFE SPORT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. THE AUDIT REPORTS FOR EACH ORGANIZATION WERE ISSUED LAST YEAR IN OCTOBER 2017, SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS WERE FOUND TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFE SPORT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND DIDN'T HAVE ANY OBSERVATIONS. BUT MANY WERE FOUND TO HAVE DE DEFICIENCIES. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY AUDITS FOUND DEFICIENCIES? ...

YES, IN FACT AT THAT TIME, THE MAJORITY HAD DEFICIENCIES, HOWEVER, I'M PLEASED TO SAY THAT ALL ARE NOW IN COMPLIANCE.

WOULD IT BE FAIR TO SAY THAT 43 HAS DEFICIENCYIES?

CORRECT.

THE AUDIT ITSELF FOUND A NUMBER OF DEFICIENCIES FOR USOC. IF YOU COULD TURN TO TAB TWO IN YOUR NOTEBOOK THERE. IN B TAB TWO, YOU'LL SEE THAT AUDIT AUDIT, THESE INCLUDED A LACK OF GUIDANCE ON CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING BY SURVIVORS, TRAINING AND BACKGROUND CHECKS TO NAME A FEW. UNLIKE THE NGBs WITH DEFICIENCIES, HOWEVER, THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN A FOLLOW UP AUDIT OF THE USCO SRKSUSO KRRK.C. DO YOU PLAN THE TO CONDUCT A FOLLOW UP AUDIT IN. ...

CAN I HAVE A MOMENT?

YES, MA'AM.

HAVING LOOKED AT THIS, IT IS REQUIRED WE SHOULD DO THE SAME WE EXPECT. WE SHOULD HAVE A FOLLOW UP AUDIT. WHAT ABILITY DOES THE USOC HAVE TO ENFORCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. ...

ONE OF THE AREAS WE NEED TO LOOK AT AND THIS IS WHY WE'VE INTRODUCED A GOVERNANCE REVIEW IS THAT WE HAVE TWO MAIN LEVERS. WE CAN TAKE AWAY FUNDING AND DESERT. OUR MAIN ACTIVITY IS TO DECIDE IF AN NGB IS DESERT FI EDED. ...

YOU HAVE A NUMBER OF TOOLS AT YOUR DISPOSAL. YOU KNOW, WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD IT TAKE TO WARRANT THAT THE USOC TAKE SUCH ACTIONS? WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SEE? WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE TO SEE IN BEHAVIOR BY AN NGB TO DESERT OR WITHHOLD FUNDS? WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? ...

A NUMBER OF THINGS. THEY INCLUDE THE ABLE TOY MANAGE EFFECTIVELY. WE LOOK FOR THEM TO HAVE APPROPRIATE FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND IN RECENT YEARS, WE'VE ADDED THE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT THEY MEET ALL OF THE SAFE SPORT STANDARDS THEY HAVE JUST IMPLEMENTED ALL OF IF NEW LANGUAGE THAT'S IN THE LEGISLATION, SO WE HAVE ADDED TO OUR LIST OF COMPLIANCE THAT THEY MUST HAVE THESE SAFE SPORT PROTECTIONS AND WE AUDIT AGAINST THAT ON A REGULAR BASIS NOW. ...

CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE ONE COMMITTEE FOR FIVE MINUTES.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN. I'D LOICK TOIKE TO FOLLOW UP ON YOUR QUESTIONING. THERE'S ROUGH LYLY 49 AND AS WE HEARD TODAY FROM A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE, EVERY GROUP HAS THEIR OWN GOVERNING PRINCE P PRINCIPLES. IS THAT CORRECT? ...

KREK.

THAT'S PROBABLY WHY IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT WE HAVE AN ORGANIZATION LIKE THIS SO THEY CAN HAVE AN OVERRIDING PROTOCOL FOR COMPLAINT OF THIS NATURE.

YES, I TOTALLY AGREE.

THAT'S ONE REASON WHY CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT WAS FOUNDED IN MARCH OF 2017. JUST A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. IS THAT RIGHT IS THIS.

CORRECT.

NOW, I WANT TO TURN TO YOU, MICHIGAN BECAUSE YOU TESTIFIED THAT LAST YEAR, THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT HAD ABOUT 20 TO 30 COMPLAINTS PER MONTH. THIS YEAR, IT'S 20 TO 30 PER WEEK AND YOU'VE GOT ABOUT 800 REPORTS PENDING RIGHT NOW. IS THAT RIGHT? ...

NO, MA'AM, THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. WE'VE HAD 800, OVER 800 TOTAL REPORTS TO COME IN. SINCE WE OPENED OUR DOORS.

IN THE ROUGHLY 14 MONTHS, YOU'VE HAD 800 REPORTS. NOW, IN MAY 17th SUBMISSION, SAFE SORT REPORT SPORT REPORTED THAT THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PROVIDED $2.7 MILLION IN 2017 AND IS GOING TO PROVIDE $3.1 MILLION IN 2018 AND $3.1 MILLION FOR 2019. SAME AMOUNT. IS THAT RIGHT? ...

YES, MA'AM.

NOW, GETTING BACK TO MY, TO YOUR TESTIMONY, I THINK YOU HAD SAID EVER SINCE THE ME TOO MOVEMENT, YOU TOLD ME THIS YESTERDAY. EVER SINCE THE ME TOO MOVEMENT, THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT HAS SEEN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS SKYROCKET. IS THAT RIGHT? ...

BETWEEN THE ME TOO MOVEMENT AND NASSAR TRIAL.

AND THAT'S PROBABLY A GOOD THING BECAUSE PEOPLE REALIZE THEY CAN REPORT. PRZ AND WHAT YOU'RE DOING. IS THAT RIGHT?

YES, MA'AM.

NOW SO YOU, YOU GET MONEY FROM THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE FOR YOUR FUNDING. YOU ALSO GET MONEY FROM THE DIFFERENT NOBs ACCORDING TO A SCHEDULE FOR HOW MUCH THEY'RE GIVING. IS THAT RIGHT? ...

YES. EACH NATIONAL GUARDING BODY GIVES US A FEE BASED ON THEIR SIZE.

NOW, WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET RIGHT NOW?

RIGHT NOW, IT'S LITTLE OVER H 4-.6 BILLION.

AND HOW MANY INVESTIGATORS DO YOU HAVE?

INTERNALLY, WE HAVE FIVE FULL TIME INVESTIGATORS, PLUS THREE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF. WE HAVE SEVEN EXTERNAL CONTRACTED INVESTIGATORS AS WELL.

SO YOU HAVE ROUGHLY 13.

12 OR 13. PEOPLE. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT'S SUFFICIENT WITH THE INCREASE IN COMPLAINTS TO THOR LOWROWRY INVESTIGATE EVERY COMPLAINT?

NO. I WANT TO TALK TO YOU FOR A MINUTES BECAUSE I SPOKE WITH YOU YESTERDAY. DO YOU BELIEVE THE CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT HAS SUFFICIENT FUNDING TO BE ABLE TO INVESTIGATE ALL OF THESE COME PLAPTS THAT THEY'RE GETTING? ...

OOIT NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE ENTIRE BUDGET, BUT THEY CAN USE MORE.

NOW, OVER AT YOUR ORGANIZATION, YOU GIVE $50,000 A YEAR TO CENTER FOR SAFE SPORT. IS THAT RIGHT?

AND YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE MORE. IS THAT CORRECT?

ABSOLUTELY. IT'S ONE OF THE LARGER NGBs AND BASED ON WHO WE ARE, P IF WE CAN PROVIDE MORE RESOURCES, WE WILL.

NOW MRS. LYONS, THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, ACCORDING TO THE MOST RECENT TAX FILING, THE ORGANIZATION'S REVENUES ARE IN THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLL DOLLARS. IS THAT CORRECT? ...

CORRECT.

AND SO I WANT TO ASK YOU, ARE YOU COMMITTED TO GIVING THE FULL FUNDING THAT SAFE SPORT NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO CONDUCT THOROUGH LYLY ALL THE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE MANY COMPLAINTS THEY'RE RECEIVING? ...

YES, AND OUR BOARD HAS SAID IF THEY EXPRESS ADDITIONAL NEED, WE'LL REVISIT THAT.

AND MRS. FAULT, ARE YOU ENGAGING OUTSIDE EVALUATORS TO DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF A BUDGET THAT YOU REALLY NEED TO DO A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION?

YES, WE ARE.

WHEN DO YOU EXPECT THAT INFORMATION?

WE, I WOULD HOPE WE WOULD IN THE NEXT SIX WEEK, BE ABLE TO COME BACK AND PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE BASED ON WHAT WE'RE SEEING NOW.

LET ME JUST SAY, THIS COMMITTEE IS FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF WHAT YOUR ORGANIZATION WAS ESTABLISHEDED TO DO AND IT APPEAR THAT IS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY ATHLETIC COMMUNITY IS. AND SO WHATEVER MONEY YOU NEED TO ACTUALLY DO YOUR WORK, PLEASE LET US MOE AND WE WILL HELP WORK WITH YOU AND THE USOC AND ALL OF THE DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THAT. THAT'S GOING TO BE CRITICAL TO REVOLVING ALL OF THE ISSUES RELATING TO THESE VICTIMS AND THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO DO. ...

THANK YOU, MA'AM.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN.

NOW RECOGNIZES CHAIRMAN WALDEN, THE CHAIR OF FULL COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE FOR FIVE MINUTES.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIRMAN. MRS. LYONS. THERE APPEARS TO BE A HISTORY OF THE USOC KNOWING ABOUT ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND DOING NOTHING. OVER THE YEARS, THEY HAVE TAKE AN NUMBER OF POSITIONS ON HOW MUCH AUTHORITY IT HAS TO PROTECT LEETS. THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE QUOTE ATHLETES, CLOSED QUOTE THARKS THE TED STOOEMPBS ACT DOESN'T GIVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO MANDATE THAT THE NGBs TAKE AX ON THIS ISSUE. AS RECENTLY AS 2016, THE OFFICIALS SAID IN A DEPOSITION THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO QUOTE DO ANYTHING CLOSE QUOTE IF USOC WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF ATHLETES. I WANT TO ASK YOU A SIMPLE QUESTION. WHAT IS THE AUTHORITY OF THE U USOC WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING ATHLETES? ...

I THINK THE ACT GIVES US A MUCH BROADER AUTHORITY THAN WE HAVE EXERCISE ND THE PAST.

SO ONE OF THE CONCERN THAT IS THE COMMITTEE HAS HEARD SURVIVORS IS THAT THE USO KRRKSC IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT IT OWN REPUTATION ABOUT MEDALS AND MONEY THAN IT IS ABOUT ATHLETE'S SAFETY. IF YOU WOULD PLEASE TURN TO TAB THREE IN THE BINDER, THE EXHIBIT BINDER. AS YOU'RE FINDING THAT, I'LL JUST MENTION THIS IS A USOC POLL DOCUMENT ON ATHLETE SAFETY ISSUED JUST LAST MONTH. TAB THREE. IF YOU'LL TURN TO PAGE SEVEN OF TAB THREE, THERE IS A LIST OF SIX ITEMS THAT A REVIEW PANEL OF USOC OFFICIALS WILL CONSIDER QUOTE UNQUOTE IN DECIDING A COMPLAINT AND IMPOSE INGING A SANCTION. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY ONE OF THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER IS IS AND I QUOTE, THE EFFECT ON THE USOC'S REPUTATION. ...

I HAVE TO ADMIT TO NOT HAVING SEEN THAT BEFORE AND I HAVE TO SAY IT DOES NOT BELONG ON THAT LIST.

APPRECIATE THAT CANDIDATEOR. THIS WAS NOT THE ONLY DOCUMENT ON USOC'S REPUTATION. THERE'S SIMILAR LANGUAGE IN THE SAFE SPORT POLICY FROM JUNE OF 2017. THAT WOULD BE ON TAB FOUR. AND IN THE USOC'S TRAINING ACCESS PROTOCOL FROM 2011, TAB FIVE. WHEN THE USOC AND NGBs WOULDHAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE ABUSE. SO I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO REVIEW THOSE. AND ACT APPROPRIATELY. ...

THANK YOU. WE WILL. I'M HEARTENED BY THE PROGRESS THAT'S BEEN MADE, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE REPUTATION DOES NOT PLAY A REELOLE IN SAFE SPORT DECISIONS. A FACTOR QUOTE UNQUOTE RELEVANT TO DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE SANCTION IS THE AND I QUOTE, REAL OR PERCEIVED IMPACT OF THE INCIDENT ON THE REPORTING PARTY NGP, NGBs OR USOC. TAB 30, PAGE NINE. AGAIN, WHY IS THE IMPACT ON THE NGB OR USOC A FACTOR IN CONSIDERING WHETHER A SAFE SPORT VIOLATION HAS OCCURRED AND WHETHER TO ISSUE A SANCTION. THAT WOULD BE TAB 30 ON PAGE 9. ...

I BELIEVE THIS IS REFERENCING THAT IF CONDUCT IS SUCH THAT IT REFLECTS POORLY ON THE SPORT THAND THOSE THAT SUPPORT THE SPORT THEN THAT -- MEANING THAT POOR CONDUCT. AND ITS POOR REFLECTION ON THE SPORT MATTERS. ...

I WOULD JUST SAY THAT WE DO A LOT OF LEGISLATING AROUND HERE AND WORDS MATTER. YOU THINK THEY ARE WHAT I THINK THEY ARE. TWO OR THREE OR FOUR FIVE YEARS FROM NOW, SOMEBODY MAY GO, IF I DO THAT, THAT MAY REFLECT POORLY ON THE ORGANIZATION IF WORD GETSES OUT. I WOULD CAUTION YOU THAT I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MAY THINK IT IS, BUT YOU BETTER BE DARN WELL CLEAR THAT THE PATIENT'S SAFETY COMES FIRST I THINK THAT'S WHERE YOU'RE HEADED. I RESPECT THAT, BUT IT CLEARLY IS NOT WHERE WE WERE IN THE PAST. ...

ABSOLUTELY.

WE WORK FOR ATHLETES.

I'LL YIELD BACK.

CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE THE GENTLEWOMAN FROM FLORIDA FOR FIVE MINUTES.

THANK YOU, CHAIRMAN HARPER. I WANT TO FOCUS ON WHETHER THE CULTURE OF WINNING ABOVE ALL ELSE INCREASES THE RISK OF ATHLETE ABUSE. BUT FIRST, LET ME SAY IT IS HORRENDOUS IT HAS TAKEN A SCANDAL OF SUCH EPIC PRO,PORTIONS WHERE HUNDREDS OF GIRLS IN U.S. GYMNASTICS WERE ABUSED BY A DOCTOR TO GET TO THIS POINT. BUT ACCORD INGING TO THE "WASHINGTON POST," U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ATTORNEY WAS CEO EZDE POSED IN 2016 WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE PRIORITIES, HE STATED THE USOC HAS A LOT OF PRIORITIES. CHIEF AMONG THEM IS SENDING ATHLETES TO THE OLYMPICS AND DOING WELL. WHEN ASKED WHETHER PROTECTING ATHLETES, THIS LAWYER REPORTEDLY SAID THE USOC DOESN'T HAVE ATHLETES, IMPLYING THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ATHLETE WELFARE. YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH THESE REMARKS. CORRECT? ...

I AM.

I FRMLY BELIEVE AS MANY DO, THAT THE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HAS A RESPONSIBLEILITY TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF ATHLETES. IN FEBRUARY, YOU RELEASED STATEMENT OUTLINING SEVEN STEPS YOU INTEND TO TAKE TO ENSURE A SAFE SPORTS ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING AN EFFORT TO QUOTE IMPLEMENT A CULTURE CHANGE AT USA GYMNASTICS. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THIS? YOU'VE GIVEN US SPECIFICS, BUT TELL US REALLY WHAT YOU SEE THE, WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD HERE?. ...

WE BELIEVE PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY GO HAND IN HAND. WE DON'T BELIEVE ATHLETES CAN PERFORM AT THEIR BEST UNLESS THEY'RE IN A SAFE, RESPECTFUL TRAINING ENVIRONMENT. IN TERMS OF WHAT WE NEED TO CHANGE IN THE CULTURE AND ACROSS THE ENTIRE MOVEMENT. NOT JUST WITHIN GYMNASTICS AN MISS PERRY IS DOIPG A LOT OF WORK, WE HAVE TO PUT THAT SAFETY MUCH MORE FRONT AND CENTER. ...

BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE IN THE PAST, IT'S BEEN A CULTURE OF PROTECT THE COACH AND NOT PROTECT THE ATHLETE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHY, WHY HASN'T IT BEEN THE POLICY AND WILL IT BE THE POLICY OF ACTUALLY REFERRING THESE CASES AND COMPLAINTS TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WHEN THEY HAPPEN? ...

WELL, IT IS NOW THE LAW THAT THOSE TYPE OF CASE MUST BE REMANDED TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ANYONE WHO DOES NOT DO SO IS VIOLATING A FEDERAL LAW. IT ISICALLY IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT -- ...

HOW HAVE YOU COMMUNICATED THAT?

RECEIVED THAT. THEY HAVE MADE THE CHANGES WITHIN THEIR BYLAWS AND OTHER MATERIALS. THEY'RE REQUIRED TO BE B UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE CENTER AND...

THIS CULTURE CHANGE IS A KEY PART OF SAFE SPORT'S MISSION. YOU OUTLINED SPECIFIC STEPS THAT SAFE SPORT IS TAKING TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. IT'S CHEERILYLEARLY NEEDED. MUHAO OF WHAT WE'RE HEARING TODAY SOUNDS GOOD, BUT I'M WORRIED WE DON'T HAVE A WAY TO KNOW WHETHER THINGS WILL ACTUALLY GET BETTER. ONE OF THE CONCERNS IS WHETHER OR NOT SAFE SPORT IS ACTUALLY INDEPENDENT, WHAT CAN YOU TELL US TO ASSURE US THAT YOU'RE ACTING INDEPENDENTLY AND MOVING AWAY FROM THE CULTURE OF PROTECT THE COACH AND ARGS ORGANIZATION TO PROTECT THE ATHLETE. ...

WE HAVE AN INDEPENDENT NINE PERSON BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT MEET A HIGH STANDARD OF INDEPENDENCE INDEPENDENCE. THEY HAVE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE. THEY COME FROM ETHICS, AN ETHICS COMPLIANCE WORLD. SOME OF THEM AND THE LIKE. SO THEY HOLD THIS TO A HIGH STANDARD. I CAN TELL YOU THAT OUR INVESTIGATORS ARE THE SAME. WHEN WE TAKE ON A CASE, WHEN WE TAKE IN A REPORT, WE DO THAT IN AN INDEPENDENT, CONFIDENT AND PROFESSIONAL MANNER. AND WE ACT ACCORDINGLY. ...

SO ONE OF THE ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE BUT I'M SURE IT APPLIES HERE, IS RETALIATION. THAT YOU'LL HAVE AN ATHLETE THAT WILL COME FORWARD WITH A COMPLAINT, BUT THE ORGANIZATION OR COACH MAY THEN HEAR ABOUT IT SOME WAY OR THERE MIGHT BE RUMORS THEN THEY DON'T GET TO COMPETE. WHAT IS BEING DONE TO ADDRESS RETALIATION AND MAKE SURE THAT THE ATH LEES ARE PROTECTED FROM IT? ...

AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. RETALIATION IS A VIOLATION OF THE SAFE SPORT CODE AND IS SUBJECT TO SANCTION AND THE NEW LAW, THE PROTECTING YOUNG VICTIMS AND SAFE SPORT AUTHORIZATION ACT PUT SOME TEETH INTO THAT AND PROPROVIDES FURTHER PROTECTIONS FOR THOSE COMING FORWARD. BOTH REPORTING PARTIES AS WELL AS WITNESSES. ...