Senate sends sexual abuse reporting bill to Trump’s desk

The Senate easily cleared a bill Tuesday to force athletic organizations to swiftly report sexual abuse allegations and establish preventative policies.

The chamber passed the legislation by unanimous consent, sending it to President Trump’s desk for a signature. The House passed the legislation in a 406-3 vote on Monday. 

The congressional action comes after the sentencing of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and ahead of next month’s Winter Olympic Games begin in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Nassar was sentenced last week to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing more than 150 young female athletes. 

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The bill passed by Congress this week requires the reporting of sexual abuse allegations to law enforcement within 24 hours, and says the United States Center for Safe Sport needs to develop and enforce policies and training for sports governing bodies to prevent abuse of athletes.

It also requires amateur sports organizations to establish procedures limiting one-on-one interactions between athletes under 18 years of age and adults who aren’t their legal guardians.

“The young athletes who train to represent our country at the top levels of competition, and those at all levels who aspire to compete, should not have to fear victimization by trusted coaches and sports officials,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who crafted the Senate’s legislation that initially passed late last year, said in a statement. 

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) added that “the days of turning a blind eye to abuse are over.”

“This vital reform was only possible because of the incredibly courageous women who decided to come forward, share their pain and do all they could to make sure this dark chapter is never repeated,” she said.