Senate Unanimously Passes Bennet, Romney Resolution Supporting Team USA at 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Resolution Commemorates Olympic and Paralympic Games, Celebrates Unity and Competition on the World Stage

Washington, D.C. — The Senate today unanimously passed a resolution U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) introduced to commemorate the past success of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams and show support for Team USA in the 2020 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. 

“The Olympics mean a lot to Colorado,” said Bennet. “Our state not only hosts the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, we also have the third highest number of athletes representing America in Tokyo this year. As the games begin, the Senate affirms its overwhelming support for the American delegation and the commitment to excellence, teamwork, and fair competition they embody. We wish them the best of luck.”

In addition to Bennet and Romney, this resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

The text of the resolution is available HERE and below.

Whereas, for 125 years, the Olympic Movement has worked to build a better and more peaceful world by educating young people through amateur athletics, bringing together athletes from many countries in friendly competition, and forging new relationships bound by friendship, solidarity, and fair play;

Whereas the 2020 Olympic Games will take place in Tokyo, Japan, from July 23, 2021, to August 8, 2021, and the 2020 Paralympic Games will take place in Tokyo, Japan, from August 24, 2021, to September 5, 2021;

Whereas, at the 2020 Olympic Games, 206 countries will compete in more than 330 events in nearly 40 disciplines, and at the 2020 Paralympic Games, more than 165 countries will compete in events in 22 disciplines;

Whereas the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams have won 1,974 gold medals, 1,685 silver medals, and 1,536 bronze medals, totaling 5,195 medals, during the past Olympic and Paralympic Games;

Whereas the United States plans to send 613 athletes to participate in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including a record 329 women;

Whereas the people of the United States stand united in respect for and admiration of the members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams and the athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams;

Whereas the many accomplishments of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many others, including individuals on the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the National Governing Bodies of Sport and the many administrators, coaches, and family members who provided critical support to the athletes;

Whereas the United States Government is grateful to Japan for hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games;

Whereas Japan successfully hosted the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the first ever Olympic Games to be held in Asia, as a symbol of Japanese postwar reconstruction and a catalyst for economic growth and technological development;

Whereas Japan successfully hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano;

Whereas the people of the United States take great pride in the qualities of commitment to excellence, grace under pressure, and goodwill toward competitors exhibited by the athletes of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams; 

and  

Whereas the Olympic Movement celebrates competition, fair play, and the pursuit of glory, elevating the eternal qualities of the human spirit to the world stage: 

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate— 

(1) supports proceeding with the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in a safe and secure environment;

(2) commends the Government of Japan and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in their efforts to commit tremendous resources to provide a safe and secure environment for the athletes competing in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games;

(3) applauds the athletes and coaches of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams and their families who support them;

(4) supports the athletes of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams in their endeavors at the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan; and

(5) supports the goals and ideals of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.