Twenty senators are calling on USA Hockey to address allegations of unequal pay and treatment of the U.S. women’s hockey team.
In a letter to Dave Ogrean, the executive editor of USA Hockey, the 20 Democratic senators said they are “disturbed by reports” from the women’s team that the association does not provide “equitable support” for female athletes.
"We urge you to resolve this dispute quickly to ensure that the USA Women's National Hockey Team receives equitable resources," the senators wrote in a joint letter. "These elite athletes indeed deserve fairness and respect, and we hope you will be a leader on this issue as women continue to push for equality in athletics."
The letter says that women frequently have to pay for their own equipment and are compensated only $6,000 every four years.
Sen. Patrick Leahy
Patrick Joseph LeahyBoth sides play blame game on first day of shutdown Senate approves funding bill, preventing partial government shutdown Trump retreats on shutdown MORE (D-Vt.), one of the letter’s signatories, on Monday echoed the letter in a series of tweets, saying he stands with the women’s team and urges USA Hockey to “step up.”
“.@usahockey should step up & treat all our national athletes the same. This will send a powerful message around the globe,” Leahy wrote.
Other signatories on the letter include Sen. Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Ann WarrenWarren records video message for benefit concert for Tree of Life synagogue Bloomberg ready to spend at least 0M if he runs for White House in 2020 Poll: Most Democrats excited about having 'someone new' run in 2020 MORE (D-Mass.), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Sen. Bob Casey
Robert (Bob) Patrick CaseyWHIP LIST: Who’s in and out in the 2020 race Senators' last-minute demands may delay funding bill Would-be 2020 Dem candidates head for the exits MORE Jr. (D-Pa.).
