On the recordMay 25, 2017
I am pleased to join the gentleman from Louisiana and the ranking member from Michigan in support of this amendment. I think it has an underlying premise that we should all celebrate and attempt to ensure that it is in place. I, too, agree that I look forward to reconciling the House and Senate bill, but the amendment specifically addresses the provisions in the bill concerning one-on-one interactions between young athletes and the adults who they work with; and I believe the clear understanding that we all hope can be implemented is that we don't have one-on-one interactions without overall supervision or other kids or other adult participants so that we do not create an atmosphere where a child can be intimidated or abused. Under the proposed change, national governing bodies will be required to institute and enforce reasonable procedures designed to avoid one- on-one interactions between young athletes and their coaches, instructors, and doctors that cannot be observed or interrupted by another adult. First of all, we know that the expanse of sports is expanding. There are so many new sports, so many new opportunities for adults, many committed and dedicated adults, but the real issue is: Let's protect the children. Mr. Chair, I rise to support the Goodlatte amendment. {time} 1000
