The Paris 2024 Olympics will be historic as it marks the first time that all athletes on Team USA, regardless of gender, will receive equal pay and benefits during international competitions. This comes into effect due to the Equal Pay for Team USA law, initiated by Senators Maria Cantwell and Shelley Moore Capito.

Key Highlights:
– **Equal Pay Law**: Guarantees equal compensation and benefits for all U.S. athletes in global events, including the Olympics and Paralympics.
– **Legislation Background**: Introduced in 2019 following the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s push for equal pay, it was reintroduced in 2022 and signed into law by President Biden on January 5, 2023.
– **Effective Date**: The law came into force on January 5, 2024, just in time for the Paris Olympics.
– **Scope of the Law**: Applies to 50 sports national governing bodies and includes provisions for medical care, travel, and expenses.
– **Support**: Endorsed by major sports organizations, emphasizing its importance for women’s equality in sports.

Sen. Cantwell stated, “We are sending a message that young women and girls deserve equal pay – it is now the law of the land.” This change upholds the longstanding contributions of female athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic movements.