Department of Commerce Heeds Senators’ Call to Establish Committee to Prepare for Major Sporting Events

WASHINGTON - Following calls from U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) - co-chairs of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus - and 19 of their colleagues, the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with Department of State, announced today that the Tourism Policy Council will establish a Subcommittee on Large Scale Sporting Events.

This subcommittee would help ensure the safety and preparedness for major sporting events taking place in cities across the United States over the next decade, including Kansas City. Earlier this year, Sens. Moran and Klobuchar called on the Biden administration to establish a Global Sporting Task Force to help prepare and lead the coordination for upcoming sporting events in the U.S., including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 and 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

"Kansas City and other major cities across the country are poised to host some of the world's most renowned sporting events that will showcase our country and bolster our economy," said Sen. Moran. "These games will require a coordinated effort at every level of government to make certain athletes and fans remain safe and have a seamless experience traveling to and from the events. I applaud the Department of Commerce for following our calls to establish a committee to provide fans and athletes with a safe, efficient and memorable experience."

"As hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic games, the United States has a unique opportunity to strengthen our economy and showcase America's global leadership," said Sen. Klobuchar. "Thank you to Secretary Blinken and Raimondo for taking action to welcome visitors to the U.S. by ensuring those traveling to the games have a seamless and safe experience."

Sens. Moran and Klobuchar were joined by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Alex Padilla (D-Cali.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in calling on the administration to establish this committee.

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