Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
House Republicans Take Action Against USA Fencing Leadership
House Republicans have taken a significant step by subpoenaing Damien Lehfeldt, the board chairman of USA Fencing (USFA). This action aims to compel him to testify before Congress regarding the ongoing debate about the participation of transgender women in sports designated for biological women. This hearing is scheduled for May 7 and forms part of a broader investigation into the fairness and inclusivity policies within amateur sports.
The decision to subpoena follows indications from USA Fencing’s Chief Executive Officer, Phil Andrews, who communicated that Lehfeldt would not be available to testify for unspecified reasons. This absence raised eyebrows especially given Lehfeldt’s prior public statements which suggested he would participate in the hearing.
The legality of the subpoena hinges on the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. According to a letter signed by GOP House Oversight Chairman James Comer, the act mandates that national governing bodies, such as the USFA, provide equal opportunities for all athletes, irrespective of their sex. The letter expresses the Subcommittee’s concerns that USFA’s current policies may fall short of this legal obligation. These discussions reflect a growing need to re-evaluate the adequacy of existing regulations regarding the participation of transgender athletes in amateur sports.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy intensified after a notable incident earlier this year involving female fencer Stephanie Turner. She faced disciplinary actions from USA Fencing after refusing to compete against a transgender opponent who previously participated in men’s divisions. This incident occurred during a regional competition in March and was marked by a highly charged moment where Turner took a symbolic knee at the onset of her match. Her actions, which went viral on social media, resulted in a
