Press Releases

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Walberg, Representatives Steube, Miller and Van Duyne, and Riley Gaines — 12-time All-American NCAA Swimmer and ambassador to the Independent Women’s Forum — commend today’s passage of H.R. 28, The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, at a press conference following the successful vote in the House.

Click HERE to watch the press conference. 

“This is a great day for women in America. House Republicans yet again stood up for women,” Speaker Mike Johnson said. “Today, the House voted to uphold common sense. We voted to require all schools receiving federal funds to uphold the original meaning of Title IX and keep biological men out of women’s sports. Last Congress, we also voted on this legislation. And not one Democrats joined us. The American people sent a clear message in November. They want a return to common sense, but Democrats are ignoring them.”

“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,” Riley Gaines said. “Thanks to the leadership of Speaker Johnson for prioritizing the protection of women’s rights, Representative Stuebe for advancing critical legislation, and all of the members of Congress who voted in support of America’s women and girls. Today’s House passage of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act means we’re one step closer to ensuring no more women lose trophies, roster spots, playing time, scholarships, or fair competition to men in their own sport. Independent Women, through the Riley Gaines Stand With Women Scorecard, has given Americans a unique tool to know who stands with women and who does not. And today upon scoring this vote, it’s clear which members of the U.S. House will advance truth and fairness — answering the demands from Americans nationwide.” 

"The House has delivered on its promise to protect women’s sports,” Rep. Greg Steube said. “Americans are united in our belief that men have no place in women’s sports, whether it’s breaking records, entering locker rooms, or stealing scholarship opportunities. Denying biological truth erases fairness in sports and puts women’s safety and opportunities at risk. Today’s passage sends a clear message to the Senate—protecting women and girls in sports is not negotiable.”

“The strides women have made across all corners of the sports world deserve to be celebrated and protected,” Chairman Tim Walberg said. “Yet, girls and women are losing opportunities to compete when a biological male enters the field. How is this any different than keeping women off the field altogether? Allowing women and girls to suffer for the sake of the dishonesty of wokeness is inexcusable. I am pleased to see the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act pass the House and I applaud Congressman Steube and the countless women who are fighting to protect the legacy—and future—of women’s athletics in this country.”

“The American people spoke loud and clear in November that they do not want men in women’s sports or locker rooms, and we are following through with the mandate given to us. I have 5 daughters, 2 daughters-in-law, and 9 granddaughters. I know firsthand how hard each of them has worked in school to get scholarships and to compete in sports. It sickens me knowing that confused and predatory men can take away years of hard work from our girls and enter their locker rooms. Title IX was a hard-fought victory, and we must not allow the Left to erase 50 years of equal rights in one fell swoop,” Rep. Mary Miller said.

“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, this radical movement to allow biological boys to compete against girls is about erasing women entirely,” Rep. Beth Van Duyne said.“I’m grateful to stand with Speaker Johnson and our colleagues on the side of sanity, protecting the dignity of women athletes, and on the side of the American people who are disgusted that we must be even having this debate. This is a fight we must, and will, win on behalf of our daughters and generations of women athletes to follow.”

Background:

• House Republicans adopted the 119th Congress rules package with rules for 12 priority pieces of legislation, including the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The legislation amends Title IX to protect the law’s intent and the integrity of women’s athletics.

• Last year, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized a radical Title IX rule that would have prevented schools that receive federal funding from banning biological males from competing in female sports.

• In the 118^th Congress, House Republicans passed H.R. 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, without a single Democrat voting in favor. The Senate companion legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) was never brought to the floor by the Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. 

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