In the News

The representative from Colorado, first elected in 1996, spent 14 years as the Democrats’ chief deputy whip and often holds the gavel in the House.

Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.) said a draft version of Cures 2.0, the followup to the 21st Century Cures law, will come out early next year, with the aim of passing it next year. Biden, whose cancer moonshot initiative was part of the 2016 law (Pub. L. 114-255), presided over the Senate when it passed that chamber.

Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), who introduced the House proposal for new research aid, called the challenges for research universities a “crisis.” “Aside from studies being shut down, researchers themselves are at risk of losing their jobs,” she said. “The impact on younger researchers and graduate students could have a wave effect.” If additional research funding can’t be included in a comprehensive Covid package before the November elections, DeGette said she would push to pass legislation during the lame-duck session.

The USOPC had been working on reforms, even before Congress got involved. But DeGette said the bill was about “making good on our promise to protect [Olympic athletes].” “When the organization that was created to care for our nation’s top athletes becomes more concerned with winning and protecting its brand, it’s time for change — and this legislation will ensure our athletes have a say in the process,” she said.

The idea for the commission was largely developed and added by Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.).

“As the host of the 2028 Olympic Games, it will be our responsibility to ensure every athlete here is able to compete on a level playing field,“ said U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, one of the sponsors of the measure. “This legislation should send a very clear message that anyone thinking about cheating their way onto a podium in 2028 needs to think twice.”