VIDEO: Congresswoman Houchin Manages Debate on Bill to Protect Female Athletes in Sports

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-Ind.-09) managed rule debate on the House Floor on H.R. 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, to protect female athletes competing in sports. This is the second time Congresswoman Houchin has managed debate on the House Floor.
 
During the floor remarks, Congresswoman Houchin mentioned her recent meeting with collegiate athlete, Riley Gaines, who was forced to compete against a biological male.  
 
“We have seen women, strong women like Riley Gaines, speak to the real harm female athletes experience from the issues we are discussing today. For those who do not know, Riley is a former University of Kentucky champion swimmer. My own daughters are swimmers and we have admired Riley’s courage.
 
“I had the chance to speak with Riley just last week. She shared stories on how this problem has been branded from the left as taking away inclusiveness. When, in reality, it is taking away opportunities from our women athletes.
 
“Unfortunately, women are becoming collateral damage. Riley told me stories about her competitor, a biological male, sharing locker rooms and showers with her teammates. And how a year later, one teammate who was quiet at the time wrote letters to her about how the experience still traumatizes her. 
 
“Riley also shared a story of how when that same biological male competitor won, she was asked to step away from the medal ceremony photo. The sport she loved had been reduced to a photo-op. This is not progress, this is quite the opposite,” said Congresswoman Houchin.
 
The floor speech follows Congresswomen Houchin’s remarks in the House Rules Committee yesterday. For the full committee remarks, click here. 
 
"Tens of thousands of Americans have taken action in support of equal opportunity for female athletes through the Independent Women's Forum. I am thankful for Representative Houchin's leadership on this important issue and urge all representatives to work toward the bill's swift passage to preserve equal athletic opportunity for both sexes," said Riley Gaines, Stand with Women Spokeswoman for Independent Women's Voice.
 
For the full floor speech, click here.

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