Shreveport Reporter

House Republicans have unanimously voted in favor of H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. This legislative move was celebrated by several key figures at a press conference following the vote.

Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, "This is a great day for women in America. House Republicans yet again stood up for women." He emphasized that the legislation aims to uphold Title IX's original intent by preventing biological men from participating in women's sports. Johnson criticized Democrats for not supporting similar legislation previously.

Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American NCAA Swimmer and ambassador to the Independent Women’s Forum, stated, "There is a national mandate from the American people to stand up for objective truth and to stand with women — preserving our privacy, safety, and equal opportunities." She praised Speaker Johnson and Representative Steube for their leadership on this issue.

Representative Greg Steube added, "The House has delivered on its promise to protect women’s sports," highlighting that Americans believe men should not compete in women's sports due to fairness concerns.

Chairman Tim Walberg noted the importance of protecting opportunities for women athletes: "The strides women have made across all corners of the sports world deserve to be celebrated and protected."

Rep. Mary Miller shared her personal connection to the issue, expressing concern over men's participation in women's sports: "I have 5 daughters, 2 daughters-in-law, and 9 granddaughters... Title IX was a hard-fought victory."

Rep. Beth Van Duyne voiced her support: "This isn’t just about how little those who want men competing in women’s sports care about the physical damage inflicted on women athletes."

Background information provided during the press conference mentioned that House Republicans had adopted rules prioritizing this legislation among others. Last year, similar legislation passed without Democratic support but stalled in the Senate.