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Committee advances bill to withhold U.S. dues from WADA if governance reforms not implemented

5098562 · June 26, 2025

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Summary

The committee ordered favorably reported the Restoring Confidence in the World Anti‑Doping Agency Act, giving the U.S. authority to withhold dues from WADA if specified governance reforms and investigations are not carried out.

The Senate Commerce Committee ordered favorably reported the Restoring Confidence in the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) Act, legislation that would give U.S. authorities the option to withhold dues from WADA if the agency fails to implement specified governance reforms.

Senator Marsha Blackburn framed the bill as an accountability measure following allegations that WADA did not adequately investigate positive tests among Chinese swimmers before the Tokyo Olympics. In markup she said the legislation would “hold the World Anti Doping Agency…accountable” and would give the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) permanent authority to withhold funds if WADA did not meet reform benchmarks.

Supporters described the bill as protecting fairness for U.S. athletes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and other international competitions. The committee ordered S.233 (as amended) to be reported favorably alongside other measures; the markup record shows unanimous or near‑unanimous consent to report multiple bills together.

The committee did not set an implementation timetable in markup; sponsors said withholding dues would be an option tied to demonstrated failures to meet governance reforms and investigative obligations.