Congressman Cohen Introduces Private Bill to Provide Permanent Residence Status to Russian Whistleblowers

Press Release

Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) this week introduced a private bill for the relief of Vitaly Stepanov and Yuliya Stepanova to provide them permanent residence status in the United States.

Both Vitaly and Yuliya, as well as their infant son Robert, were forced to flee their home nation of Russia in 2014 after exposing Russia's widespread, state-sponsored doping program before the 2016 Summer Olympics. The information the Stepanov's shared led to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now World Athletics, barring Russia from the track and field events at the Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The introduction of this bill comes at the conclusion of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China, where once again, Russia is in the news cycle for doping violations. In the spirit of protecting athletes abroad and upholding clean international sport, the Helsinki Commission continues to take action to look out for and provide safe haven to whistleblowers.

"Courageous whistleblowers, like Vitaly and Yuliya, should not have to fear for their lives for doing the right thing. They knew what was at risk when they chose to expose Russia's state-sponsored doping program and remained steadfast in their commitment to protect clean athletes. Their courage and selflessness have helped to hold bad actors accountable and maintain a higher sense of integrity in international sport. I believe it is the duty of the United States Congress to protect and encourage whistleblowers in exposing corruption and bad actors. For this reason, Congress should pass this bill and welcome the Stepanov's into the United States, granting them permanent residence status," said Co-Chairman Cohen.

"Yuliya and Vitaly Stepanov are more than worthy of our support, and deserving of a more certain future lived in the United States. As the world witnessed at this year's Olympic Games, authoritarian regimes, like Russia, continue to show a complete disregard for the principles of fair play. As we continue our important work to combat corruption in international competition, it is of the utmost importance that Congress stand firmly behind whistleblowers. That is why I support this bill, and urge my colleagues in the House to do the same," said Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02), the Helsinki Commission's ranking member.

"This year's Olympic Games in Beijing are a devastating reminder that fair competition and integrity in international sport continues to be threatened. Despite the progress the U.S. has made to deter bad actors, including the passage of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, it is still the case that there are some who will go to great lengths to abuse athletes and engage in doping for their own selfish or national agendas. It is, therefore, our responsibility to stand by the side of brave individuals, like Vitaly Stepanov and Yuliya Stepanova, who are willing to put their wellbeing at risk to protect clean sport, athlete rights, and the principles of fair play. On behalf of USADA, I want to thank Helsinki Commission Co-Chairman Steve Cohen for introducing this important bill. It is our shared hope that the Stepanov family will find solace and comfort here in the United States," said United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) CEO Travis T. Tygart.

The Helsinki Commission is committed to maintaining a fair and clean playing field in international sport. In 2020, the Commission worked with congressional colleagues to pass the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act (RADA), criminalizing doping in international sport. Earlier this year, the Commission built on these efforts by introducing the Guaranteeing Oversight and Litigation on Doping (GOLD) Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate, which enables doping fraud to also activate charges under the U.S. criminal anti-money laundering and racketeering statutes.

The private bill for relief of the Stepanov family, as part of a larger effort to support whistleblowers, continues to build on the Commission's work to promote a fair and clean playing field in international sport.

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