Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353

Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement urging the International Olympic Committee to take action against Russia after the World Anti-Doping Agency confirmed accusations of state-sponsored doping by Russian Olympic athletes:

"I urge Olympic authorities to deal swiftly and justly with Russia to preserve the integrity of the Rio Games. Only a fool would believe that Russia's massive doping scheme would occur without the direct involvement of Vladimir Putin, his intelligence services, and the head of his sports ministry. It is pathetic that Putin felt the need to cheat at the Sochi Olympics, and it is pathetic to watch him play dumb today and shift blame by suspending lower-level officials. The truth is that Putin feels he needs to steal gold medals to divert the Russian people's attention away from Russia's failing economy and his corrupt and repressive rule. In this entire sordid affair, the Russian president's basic weakness and lack of honor is on full display."