Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement after the Department of Justice filed the first Olympic Anti-Doping charges in Manhattan Federal Court. These charges come after Burgess fought to enact the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act to maintain sport integrity and keep Texans, and all American athletes, safe and protected from fraud.

“Yesterday’s charges provide hope to the many American athletes that have been defrauded,” said Burgess. “They would not have been made possible without the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, legislation that I worked to enact. I am grateful that President Trump signed the bill into law in December of 2020. This law helps keep Texans, and all American athletes, safe and protected from fraud while maintaining integrity in sports.”

“I was moved, Congress was moved, by testimony from athletes like Katie Uhlaender, who was cheated out of an Olympic medal because of a doping scheme. From a young age, professional athletes dedicate themselves to becoming the best in their sport. For those skilled enough to make it to the Olympics, their efforts should not be tainted for any reason, especially a doping scheme. No athlete should be subjected to doping, either through a state-run program or as a clean competitor.

“Hopefully, today’s charges are only the beginning of combatting fraud in international sport competition.”

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