US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and John Boozman (R-AR) have introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor Team USA athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy. The senators, who co-chair the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, aim to show support for American athletes competing on the international stage.
Senator Lankford stated, “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.”
Senator Klobuchar highlighted Minnesota’s connection to winter sports: “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. 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.”
Senator Boozman commented on the unifying power of sports: “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.”
Senator Bennet emphasized Colorado’s role: “The Olympics mean a lot to Colorado. Our state is not only home to the US 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.”
The resolution acknowledges more than a century of Olympic history promoting youth education through amateur athletics, fostering international friendships through sport, and encouraging values like solidarity and fair play.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games will be held from February 6–22 in Italy with over 2,900 athletes from 93 countries competing across 16 disciplines. The Paralympic Games will follow from March 6–15 with participation from more than 50 countries.
Team USA has historically achieved strong results at both Summer and Winter Games with a total medal count exceeding five thousand since their first appearances. For Milan-Cortina 2026, Team USA plans to send 232 athletes—115 women and 117 men—to participate across all contested events.
The resolution also thanks Italian authorities for hosting this year’s Games while noting that after their conclusion, Los Angeles will host the Summer Games in 2028 followed by Utah hosting Winter events in 2034.
Lankford represents Oklahoma statewide in his role as U.S. Senator where he leads several committees including Ethics, Finance, Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, Intelligence; he is recognized as an advocate for taxpayers’ interests according to his official website. His work includes supporting families’ well-being alongside constituent services throughout Oklahoma.
The full text of this resolution can be found online.
