President Joe Biden on Jan. 5 signed into law a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) that requires all athletes representing the United States in international amateur athletic competitions to receive equal compensation and benefits for their work, regardless of gender.
“I’m proud to have championed this bipartisan effort, and look forward to the positive impact this will have on our Team USA athletes now that this is the law of the land,” Sen. Capito said on Monday.
The Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2022, S. 2333, which Sen. Capito cosponsored in July 2021 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), also requires that each national governing body for a sport report annually on compliance with the equal pay and benefits requirement, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“Our Equal Pay for Team USA Act has now become law — ensuring equal compensation for athletes representing our great nation in global competitions,” said Sen. Capito. “When American athletes compete on the world stage, they represent our great nation, our people, and our values. Therefore, it’s only right that female athletes receive the same kind of pay and benefits as their male counterparts, and this law does just that.”
The new law also requires equal payment for medical care, travel, and expenses, and applies to 50 different sports’ national governing bodies, including U.S. Soccer and USA Volleyball, along with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
“The Cantwell-Capito Equal Pay for Team USA Act is officially law,” Sen. Cantwell said. “From here on out, when women win, they no longer have to worry that a men’s team will still somehow be paid more. With President Biden’s signature, we’re ensuring that when you wear the Team USA logo, you will truly be equal.”
S. 2333 received U.S. Senate approval on Dec. 8, 2022, and then the U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 21, 2022 approved the measure on a 350-59 vote before presenting it to the president on Dec. 28, 2022 for his signature to make it law.