Klobuchar, Bennet, Lankford, Boozman Introduce Resolution to Recognize Winter Olympic Team

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), James Lankford (R-OK), and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced their bipartisan resolution honoring Team USA Olympic and Paralympic athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Games. The Olympic Games will begin this evening in Italy. Klobuchar, Bennet, Lankford, and Boozman serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus.

"Minnesota has a great tradition of excelling at winter sports - the long winters give us plenty of time to practice! - so it's no surprise our state is well represented in this year's games," said Klobuchar. "This resolution recognizes our strong bipartisan support for all members of Team USA who have been preparing for this for years and will compete for our country. I look forward to cheering them on."

"The Olympics mean a lot to Colorado. Our state is not only home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, but at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, we also have the largest delegation of athletes representing America in Milan and Cortina. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, I am looking forward to cheering on Team USA as they compete for Olympic gold and applaud these athletes' commitment to excellence, team spirit, and fair competition," said Bennet.

"Oklahomans are proud to stand behind Team USA as they compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. As we look ahead to welcoming events in Oklahoma City in 2028, our state is ready to show the world the Oklahoma Standard while cheering on America's athletes every step of the way," said Lankford.

"Sports brings people together from all walks of life, and there is no bigger stage than the Olympics. We are proud of the U.S. athletes representing our nation at the highest level of competition and look forward to cheering them on. I am pleased to join my colleagues in expressing the Senate's support for these remarkable Americans," said Boozman.

So far, the 28 Minnesotans on Team USA include alpine skier Paula Moltzan of Prior Lake; biathletes Margaret Freed of Apple Valley and Lucinda Anderson of Golden Valley; curlers Aidan Oldenburg of Mapleton, Tabitha Lovick of Eagan, Tara Peterson of Eagan, Rich Ruohonen of Brooklyn Park, Aileen Geving of Duluth and Cory Thiesse of Duluth; cross-country skiers Zak Ketterson of Bloomington and Jessie Diggins of Afton; women's hockey players Taylor Heise of Lake City, Grace Zumwinkle of Excelsior, Kelly Pannek of Plymouth, Lee Stecklein of Roseville, and Rory Guilday of Chanhassen; men's hockey players Jake Oettinger of Lakeville, Brock Faber of Maple Grove, Jackson LaCombe of Eden Prairie, Jake Guentzel of Woodbury and Brock Nelson of Warroad; speed skaters Giorgia Birkeland of White Bear Lake and Greta Myers of Lino Lakes; snowboarder Iris Pflum of Minneapolis; Para Nordic Skiers Max Nelson of Grant and Sydney Peterson of Lake Elmo; Wheelchair Curler Oyuna Uranchimeg of Burnsville; and sled hockey player Landon Uthke of Albert Lea.

Full text of the resolution is available HERE and below:

Whereas, for more than 100 years, the Olympic and Paralympic Movements have-

(1) educated young people through amateur athletics;

(2) brought together athletes from many countries in friendly competition; and

(3) forged new relationships among athletes bound by friendship, solidarity, and fair play;

Whereas the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games will take place in Italy from February 6, 2026, to February 22, 2026, and the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games will take place in Italy from March 6, 2026, to March 15, 2026;

Whereas the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams (referred to in this preamble as "Team USA") have won 2,077 gold medals, 1,780 silver medals, and 1,657 bronze medals, totaling 5,514 medals, during the past Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games;

Whereas, at the 2026 Olympic Games, over 2,900 athletes from93 countries will compete in 16 sport disciplines and 116 medal events, and at the 2026 Paralympic Games, 665 athletes from more than 50 countries will compete in 16 sports disciplines and 79 events;

Whereas, at the 2026 Olympic Games, Team USA will compete in 16sports disciplines and 111 contested events ;

Whereas the United States plans to send 232 athletes to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games, including 115 women and 117 men;

Whereas the United States has already qualified at least 36 athletes to participate in the 2026 Paralympic Games, with many more expected to qualify;

Whereas the people of the United States stand united in respect, admiration, and pride for the athletes of Team USA and their athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, grace under pressure, goodwill toward other competitors, and commitment to excellence;

Whereas the many accomplishments of Team USA would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the many sports organizations, administrators, coaches, and family members who have provided critical support to the athletes;

Whereas the United States maintains a commitment to the safety and security of Team USA;

Whereas the United States Government is grateful to Italy for hosting the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games;

Whereas, upon the conclusion of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the United States will assume the role of host-country of the next Summer Games and stands ready to support the athletes and organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games and those of the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and

Whereas Team USA exemplifies rigorous competition, fair play, and the pursuit of dreams: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate-

(1) applauds the athletes and coaches of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams (referred to in this resolution as "Team USA") and the families who support them;

(2) commends the Government of Italy and the regional and local governments of Italy , including Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, for their efforts to commit tremendous resources to provide a safe and secure environment for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games;

(3) supports the athletes of Team USA in competing at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games; and

(4) commits to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the fans attending and athletes competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games, at events in both Los Angeles and Oklahoma City, and in the 2034 Utah Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

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Permalink: https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2026/2/klobuchar-bennet-lankford-boozman-introduce-resolution-to-recognize-winter-olympic-team