[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 168 (Thursday, November 14, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6578-S6579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO BARBARA EHARDT AND RECOGNIZING AMERICAN WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY

  Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, today, I join Idaho State Representative 
Barbara Ehardt to recognize and honor her enduring fight to protect 
title IX and the freedoms of female athletes.
  For more than 50 years, title IX has been instrumental in leveling 
the playing field for women's sports. It has ensured safer and fairer 
competition and opened doors to incredible opportunities for 
generations of American girls and women. By recognizing the 
fundamental, biological differences between men and women, title IX 
allows each to pursue educational programs and activities equally, 
including athletics. Title IX is not just a bureaucratic regulation; it 
is a representation of our dedication to fairness and opportunity for 
men and women.
  Representative Ehardt is quick to say that title IX changed her life. 
It gave her opportunities to participate and win in school athletics--
eventually propelling her to a 15-year career as a NCAA Division I 
women's basketball coach. Representative Ehardt's story is

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echoed by countless women across the county who have worked tirelessly 
to compete in the sport they love.
  Generations of Americans have devoted themselves to promoting and 
advancing women's sports, including right here in the Gem State. In 
2020, Idaho became first in the Nation to enact legislation that 
protects female athletes through the Fairness in Women's Sports Act. I 
thank Representative Ehardt for spearheading this bill and Idaho 
Governor Brad Little for signing it. The Fairness in Women's Sports Act 
protects the integrity of women's sports and guarantees fair 
competition for Idaho's female athletes.
  Despite more than 50 years of progress, threats to dismantle and 
distort the protections in title IX persist. Today, Americans fear the 
loss of safety and opportunity for their daughters in education and 
athletics.
  In Congress, I will continue to fight to protect fairness in women's 
athletics and defend the provisions in title IX from these dangerous 
attacks. We must not erase the contributions of women and girls in 
athletics. We must empower and provide the framework that allows young 
girls and women to play, compete, and win.
  With the support and incredible work of people like Representative 
Ehardt, I am certain we will ensure these rights for women in Idaho and 
beyond. I am proud to deliver Representative Barbara Ehardt with this 
gold letter in recognition of her devotion to fairness in women's 
sports and selfless efforts to provide Idaho girls and women with 
opportunities to succeed.

                          ____________________