US Lawmakers Propose Funding Cut for Global Doping Watchdog Over Chinese Olympic Doping Case

‘Athletes around the world deserve to know they are competing on a fair and level playing field at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.’

Swimmers compete in the semifinal of the men's 200m backstroke swimming event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, west of Paris, on July 31, 2024. Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images

Bipartisan lawmakers introduced legislation that will cut U.S. funding to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) if the organization fails to implement governance reforms. The proposal was made amid controversy over Chinese swimmers being allowed to compete at the Olympics despite testing positive for a banned substance.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), alongside Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn), and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) introduced the Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act of 2024 on July 30.