WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Independent Women’s Voice will be on Capitol Hill to celebrate the introduction of a bicameral resolution—led by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY)—supporting the designation of National Women’s Sports Week (June 22-28). This National Women’s Sports week resolution was originally introduced last Congress.

National Women’s Sports Week was founded and powered by Independent Women in 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Observed annually during the week of June 23rd, National Women’s Sports Week celebrates female athletes—past, present, and future—for their achievements and contributions to sport. 

The resolution seeks to:

  • Celebrate the contributions of individual American female athletes;
  • Honor the coaches and parents who support female athletes;
  • Promote equal access to athletic opportunities for members of both sexes;
  • Support the commitment of the United States to supporting female athletes; and
  • Advance legislative efforts to protect single-sex sports.


WHAT: Press conference to introduce National Women’s Sports Week bicameral resolution, and discuss the importance of recognizing the week surrounding the anniversary of Title IX. 

WHERE: House Triangle, United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20004  

WHEN: Thursday, June 26 at 2:00 PM

WHO: Independent Women Voice ambassadors will join members for the introduction of Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY)’s National Women’s Sports Week resolution:

  • Payton McNabb, former North Carolina high school athlete injured by a biological male during a high school volleyball match. Learn more about her story here.
  • Linnea Saltz, former NCAA track and field athlete from Southern Utah University who competed against June Eastwood, the first biological male athlete to compete in DI cross country. Learn more about her story here.

Senator Joni Ernst said, “Whether it’s growing as a leader, winning a championship, or securing a scholarship to college, sports open doors for young girls. I’m proud to lead this resolution to celebrate National Women’s Sports Week. Every girl deserves a level playing field — one based on biology, not ideology — where she has every opportunity to compete and win.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said, “Women’s sports have empowered generations of female athletes to compete, lead, and break barriers. National Women’s Sports Week is an opportunity to honor that legacy and recommit to protecting equal opportunities for women and girls under Title IX. I am honored to introduce this legislation and to celebrate the progress female athletes have made and reiterate our continued advocacy to ensure that every young woman in America has the chance to compete on a level playing field.”

Carrie Lukas, president of Independent Women’s Voice, said, “President Trump has taken strong action to defend female athletes. But the fight isn’t over. Too many women and girls are still seeing fair competition ripped away as men are allowed to enter and dominate women’s sports. This has to stop. Women’s sports week is a time to recommit to standing up for fairness and common sense in sports.  Thank you Senator Ernst and Congresswoman Tenney, for marking this week as the time to celebrate women and girls in sports.”

Payton McNabb, Independent Women’s Voice sports ambassador, said, “I’m so thankful to Senator Ernst and Representative Tenney for leading this important resolution. Women’s Sports Week is a powerful reminder of what we’ve gained and what we must continue to protect. I’m proud to stand with leaders who are boldly defending fairness, safety, and opportunity for every female athlete!”

Linnea Saltz, Independent Women’s Voice sports ambassador, said, “As an advocate for protecting the integrity and fairness of women’s sports, I’m incredibly grateful to Senator Ernst and Congresswoman Tenney for their unwavering leadership on this critical issue. The reintroduction of the National Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Week Resolution is a powerful statement in support of women and girls across the country who deserve a level playing field. This resolution reaffirms the importance of preserving single-sex athletic spaces that honor the intent of Title IX and ensure future generations of female athletes have the same opportunities to compete, succeed, and thrive.”

As the number of male athletes seeking to compete on women’s teams and in women’s events grows, the risks to female athletes also grow. Claims to the contrary deny science, defy logic, and undermine Title IX. Released in honor of the 2025 National Women’s Sports Week, in the Third Edition of “Competition: Title IX, Male Athletes, and the Threat To Women’s Sports,” Independent Women Law Center and Independent Women synthesize the science and explain the changing legal landscape and the future of female athletics.

In honor of the 53rd anniversary of Title IX, Independent Women this week hosted “Her Game. Her Legacy.”, an event in Santa Fe, New Mexico highlighting the Trump administration’s leadership in restoring Title IX’s original intent. The event also kicked off National Women’s Sports Week (June 22–28)  and a statewide bus tour that is currently on the road in New Mexico stopping in all 33 counties.

To learn more about National Women’s Sports Week, to book one of Independent Women sports ambassadors, or to RSVP for this press conference, please email [email protected]. 

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Independent Women’s Voice fights for women by expanding support for policy solutions that aren’t just well-intended, but actually enhance freedom, opportunities, and well-being.