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Directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to take formal oversight and budgetary control steps related to the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA). It gives ONDCP authority to define “independent athlete,” to assess WADA governance on a set schedule, to consult with U.S. sports bodies, to require spending plans before U.S. funds are obligated to WADA, and to take actions (including withholding U.S. dues) if WADA fails to meet governance standards.
Amends Section 701 of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 (21 U.S.C. 2001) by making multiple changes in subsections (a) and (b) and by adding a new subsection (d) titled “Authority with respect to the World Anti‑Doping Agency.”
Defines the term “United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee” as the organization established by title 36, United States Code (chapter 2205).
Redesignates and renumbers certain paragraphs in subsection (a) (paragraphs moved and renumbered so they appear in numeric order).
Adds a new definition for “independent athlete”: an Olympic or Paralympic athlete who does not serve in any capacity on the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, an international sports federation recognized by those committees, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, or at the World Anti‑Doping Agency.
Edits subsection (b) text to replace certain language with “United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee” where specified and adds a new paragraph (6) directing the Committee to carry out responsibilities with respect to WADA as described in new subsection (d).
Primary effects fall on federal and sports governance actors and on athletes internationally and domestically. ONDCP gains new oversight responsibilities and will need to allocate staff time and resources to conduct governance assessments, consultations, and to prepare spending plans before obligating funds. U.S. national sports bodies (e.g., Olympic/Paralympic organizations and national governing bodies) will be required as consultation partners and may influence ONDCP assessments and actions. WADA could face increased U.S. scrutiny, reporting demands, and potential conditionality of U.S. dues, which may pressure WADA governance reforms or create diplomatic/coordination challenges with international partners. Competitive athletes — including independent athletes not affiliated with national federations — stand to benefit from clearer definitions and stronger governance oversight intended to protect fair competition and anti‑doping enforcement. The provision may change the timing and transparency of U.S. financial support for international anti‑doping activities, but it does not itself fund new programs or impose mandates on state or local governments.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Introduced January 23, 2025 by Marsha Blackburn · Last progress January 23, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 340.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-111.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.