Burgess amendment protecting amateur athletes passes House

A bipartisan amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) received approval by the U.S. House of Representatives to be included in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2020.

“I am grateful that the House passed this commonsense amendment to support young athletes,” said Rep. Burgess following the House vote.

Rep. Burgess on June 19 sponsored House Amendment (H.Amdt.) 387 to increase funding for the Keep Young Athletes Safe Act grant program by $2.5 million and to reduce funding for salaries and expenses at the U.S. Commerce Department by $2.5 million, according to the text of the amendment.On the same day, the House passed H.Amdt. 387 by voice vote.

The increased financial support for the Keep Young Athletes Safe Act grant program, which provides funding for nonprofit organizations like the U.S. Center for SafeSport, would help protect amateur athletes in the Olympic program, according to information provided by Rep. Burgess’s office.

“All abuse is both tragic and preventable,” the congressman said. “As young Americans represent our nation in sports at home and around the world, no athlete should face emotional, physical or sexual abuse. It is critical for Congress to fully support the Keep Young Athletes Safe Act grant program to ensure that we are doing all we can to protect American athletes from the evils of abuse.”

Among the members who supported Rep. Burgess in introducing H.Amdt. 387 were U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Diana DeGette (D-CO).