This bill aims to make the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) more fair and independent. It directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy to push for stronger conflict-of-interest rules, fair U.S. representation, and real decision-making roles for independent athletes. It also tells the office to work with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and the Team USA Athletes’ Commission, and to lead efforts against systemic doping schemes.

Within 90 days of the bill becoming law, the office must decide if WADA meets these standards. If not, it must use all available tools to secure fair U.S. representation and issue a report within 180 days explaining the barriers. The office may also withhold up to all U.S. membership dues to WADA after consulting certain congressional committees, and it must send Congress a spending plan 30 days before sending any funds to WADA. The bill also updates the law to use “United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee” and defines “independent athlete.”

Key points

• Who is affected: U.S. athletes, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Team USA Athletes’ Commission, WADA, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
• What changes: Pushes WADA to adopt strong conflict-of-interest rules, include independent athletes in decisions, and fight systemic doping; allows the U.S. to withhold dues; requires a public report and a spending plan before funding.
• When: 90 days for the initial decision; 180 days for the follow-up report; 30 days before any U.S. funds go to WADA, a spending plan must be sent to Congress.