SE Kansas News

The U.S. Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Department of State, has announced the formation of a Subcommittee on Large Scale Sporting Events under the Tourism Policy Council. This decision follows requests from U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who co-chair the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, along with 19 other senators.

The subcommittee aims to ensure safety and preparedness for major sporting events in various U.S. cities over the next decade, including Kansas City. Earlier this year, Senators Moran and Klobuchar urged the Biden administration to create a Global Sporting Task Force to coordinate upcoming events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 and 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

"Kansas City and other major cities across the country are poised to host some of the world’s most renowned sporting events that will showcase our country and bolster our economy," stated Senator Moran. "These games will require a coordinated effort at every level of government to make certain athletes and fans remain safe and have a seamless experience traveling to and from the events. I applaud the Department of Commerce for following our calls to establish a committee to provide fans and athletes with a safe, efficient, and memorable experience."

Senator Klobuchar added, "As hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic games, the United States has a unique opportunity to strengthen our economy and showcase America's global leadership." She also expressed gratitude towards Secretary Blinken and Raimondo for their efforts in ensuring visitors have a seamless experience.

In addition to Senators Moran and Klobuchar, several other senators supported this initiative: Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Alex Padilla (D-Cali.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).