A resolution supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams in the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 602
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Sports and Recreation
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-25: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-03T19:54:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 602) expresses strong support for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams (referred to as "Team USA") as they prepare for and compete in the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. It highlights the historical and ongoing value of the Olympic and Paralympic movements in promoting education, international friendship, and fair competition through amateur sports. The resolution also acknowledges the United States' role in hosting future games and commits to ensuring their safety.
Key Provisions
- Applause for Team USA: The Senate applauds the athletes, coaches, and supporting families of Team USA for their accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication.
- Commendation for Italy: It praises the Italian government, including regional and local authorities in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, for investing resources to create a safe environment for the 2026 games.
- Support for Competition: The resolution explicitly supports Team USA's participation in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games (February 6–22) and Paralympic Games (March 6–15), noting expected U.S. participation of 232 athletes in the Olympics (including 115 women and 117 men) across 16 sports and 111 events, and at least 36 qualified athletes (with more anticipated) in the Paralympics.
- Commitment to Future U.S.-Hosted Games: The Senate pledges to ensure safety and security for participants and fans at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games (including events in Oklahoma City) and the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The preamble provides context, such as Team USA's past medal achievements (1,803 total from 2000–2026), the global scale of the 2026 games (over 2,900 Olympic athletes from 93 countries and 665 Paralympic athletes from more than 50 countries), and the role of sports organizations, coaches, and families in supporting athletes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a formal expression of Senate sentiment rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: It signals U.S. government prioritization of athlete safety and security for international competitions, potentially influencing coordination between agencies like the State Department and security entities for the 2026 games and future U.S.-hosted events. No direct funding or mandates are imposed.
- On Citizens: Boosts national pride and morale among Americans by celebrating athletic excellence and unity, while encouraging public support for Team USA. It may indirectly promote youth participation in sports.
- On International Relations: Strengthens diplomatic ties with Italy by expressing gratitude for hosting the 2026 games, fostering goodwill in global sports diplomacy. It also positions the U.S. as a reliable partner in the Olympic movement ahead of its 2028 and 2034 hosting roles.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Athletes, Coaches, and Families: Direct beneficiaries of the Senate's applause and support, recognizing their efforts and sacrifices.
- U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Sports Organizations: Acknowledged for their critical role in athlete development and preparation.
- Italian Government and Local Hosts: Commended for their organizational efforts, enhancing bilateral appreciation.
- U.S. Government and Future Event Organizers: Implied stakeholders through commitments to security for 2028 and 2034 games, affecting federal, state (California, Utah, Oklahoma), and local planning.
- American Public and Fans: Engaged through themes of national pride and unity in supporting international competition.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution requiring only a majority vote in the Senate (agreed to on February 25, 2026, with an amended preamble). It does not require House approval or presidential signature, aligning with Congress's power to express policy views under Article I of the Constitution.
- Political: Demonstrates broad bipartisan support, with cosponsors from both parties (e.g., Democrats like Ms. Klobuchar and Republicans like Mr. Lankford), underscoring unity on non-controversial issues like national sports pride. It reinforces the U.S. commitment to the Olympic Charter's ideals of fair play and international solidarity, potentially aiding soft diplomacy without partisan division.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (22)
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-25: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-25: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and an amended preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-25: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-25: Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S515)
- 2026-02-05: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams in the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (4 pages)
- Supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams in the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. — issued 2026-02-05 — PDF (4 pages)