WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott introduced a resolution calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to move the 2022 Winter Olympics out of Communist China and rebid it to another country unless Beijing immediately addresses its egregious and numerous violations of human rights. Senators Mike Braun, Marco Rubio, Todd Young, Tom Cotton, Jim Inhofe, and Marsha Blackburn joined Senator Scott in sponsoring this resolution.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China is committing genocide against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, restricting the human rights of Hong Kongers, and threatening Taiwan. Communist China should not be allowed to host the 2022 Olympic Games while simultaneously running concentration camps, violating human rights and systematically oppressing the people of Hong Kong. The Olympic Games are an incredible opportunity to allow the world’s best athletes to represent their countries and unite our nations, and under no circumstance should be hosted by one of the world’s worst human rights abusers. I am proud to lead my colleagues to send a clear message to the IOC: stand up for freedom and urge Communist China to do the right thing, or find a new home for the 2022 Olympic Games.”

Senator James Inhofe said, “I am glad to join Sen. Rick Scott in re-introducing this resolution calling on the International Olympic Committee to move the 2022 Winter Olympics out of Communist China, and relocate the games to a country where the government respects the dignity and human rights of all people. The Chinese Communist Party continues to oppress the Chinese people—we’ve seen it in the genocide in Xinjiang as well as in Hong Kong. We should not condone the Party’s actions by allowing the 2022 Winter Olympics to take place in Beijing.”

Senator Tom Cotton said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s genocide of the Uyghurs disqualifies China from hosting the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee ought to relocate the 2022 games to a nation that respects the lives and rights of its citizens.”

Senator Marco Rubio said, “The Trump Administration formally determined the Chinese government and Communist Party is committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, and the Biden Administration has publicly confirmed that it is official U.S. government policy that genocide is occurring. It is insane that a country actively involved in egregious human rights abuses that amount to genocide would have the privilege of hosting the Olympics or any other international sporting event. China should be no exception. It is time to find a new location for the Olympics.”

Senator Todd Young said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s horrific record of human rights abuses should not be ignored and party leadership rewarded by allowing them to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The Olympic Games are about coming together and showcasing the best athletes around the world. The Chinese Communist Party’s actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and elsewhere makes such unity impossible. The International Olympic Committee should abandon plans for the 2022 Games in China and seek out a new host country that respects the most basic human rights.”

See the resolution October 17, 2019: December 3, 2019: December 19, 2019: March 4, 2020: April 8, 2020: July 20, 2020: August, 6, 2020: September 11, 2020: September 14, 2020: September 30, 2020: October 7, 2020: October 20, 2020: November 16, 2020: December 31, 2020: ###