With the extreme winter weather conditions expected to impact our state over the next few days, Louisiana State Police urges our residents and visitors to stay weather aware and avoid ALL unnecessary travel. Roadway conditions, especially bridges and overpasses, tend to decline quickly during these weather events. LSP will work closely with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to monitor and close roadways as necessary; however, it is everyone’s responsibility to prioritize safety and stay off the roads. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should follow these safety tips:

·       Reduce your speed and allow extra time to reach your destination.

·       Increase your following distance behind other vehicles.

·       Do not use cruise control while driving in wet or icy conditions.

·       Anticipate stops and brake gently while stopping.

·       Be watchful for icy patches on overpasses, bridges, and shady spots on the roadway.

·       If you encounter a skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer into the skid until you regain control.

·       Use low-beam headlights only.

·       Watch for slow-moving DOTD vehicles, as well as first responders.

·       Remember that it’s illegal and unsafe to drive around barricades.

·       Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained.

For roadway closure information, motorists can utilize the 511 phone system, 511la.org, or the Louisiana 511 smartphone application. If you experience difficulties or witness hazardous situations while on the road, you may notify the nearest State Police Troop by dialing *LSP (*577). Continue to monitor LSP’s social media accounts for updated information regarding current traffic advisories and roadway conditions. Residents are also encouraged to visit GetAGamePlan.org for preparedness tips and resources to stay safe during severe weather events. Be weather-ready and stay safe, Louisiana!

A video with this information can be found on the LSP YouTube channel. Furthermore, media outlets wishing to schedule weather related interviews with LSP should contact their local Troop Public Information Officer.

DOTD announced on social media it is taking proactive measures in the event of adverse weather, as bitterly cold temperatures and wintry precipitation are forecast for a large portion of the state. 

DOTD crews are pre-treating bridges and overpasses across the state ahead of predicted snowfall. Motorists should be on the lookout for these slow-moving operations including de-icing operations that began over the weekend.

It’s important to keep in mind that weather conditions can change quickly, and bridges and overpasses can become unsafe for travel before DOTD crews are able to place barricades.

Drivers should avoid being on the roadways if travel is not absolutely necessary.

If you must travel during winter weather conditions, motorists should adhere to the following driving safety tips:

• Drive slowly and carefully.

• Avoid driving while distracted.

• Always allow for extra driving time.

• Avoid using cruise control.

• Reduce speeds when visibility is low.

• Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles.

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Be on the lookout for DOTD crews and other emergency responders and their equipment.

• Remember that it’s unlawful and unsafe to drive around a road closed barricade for any reason.

For the most up-to-date road status information, DOTD offers motorists various resources:

• 511 Traveler Information: Travelers can find information regarding road closures by downloading the Louisiana 511 mobile app or by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org. This website offers updates in real time, along with access to our live-stream traffic cameras.

• MyDOTD: Motorists can receive up-to-date information on local projects, lane and road closures, and other DOTD activity by signing up via email for MyDOTD at www.dotd.la.gov.
• Social Media: Find DOTD on social media for updates and information. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).

FREE Community Clothing Giveaway to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Jan 20 from 9am until 1pm at 936 E. Carroll St (across from RR High School). For more information contact Yashica Turner 318.663.9397 or Lessonna Clark or Tarfarire Johnson 318.771.2376.

Red River High School will host “Be a Hero” Blood Drive Monday, Jan 27 from 9am until 2pm in the Vocational Building. Donate and receive a fleece blanket (while supplies last). The public is invited to join in. Sign up here:  https://donor.lifeshare.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/279422

There will be a special meeting for just the Dads/grandpas/uncles/brothers of special needs children on Jan 31 at 6pm at Fairview Baptist Church. The guest speaker will be David Peddy. A fried fish supper will be served. RSVP to Raylie Hardy.

The Umbrella Foundation is offering FREE tutoring every Tuesday in January at the Hangout (across from Red River High School). Students in grades K-5 may participate. Contact Tarfarire Johnson 318.771.2376, Lessonna Clark 318.663.1202 or  Yashica Turner 318.663.9397 for more information.

Lucy Jeter Minter
November 18, 1957 – January 17, 202
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9am at Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold.

Angela (Sissy) Judah Williams
June 12, 1972 – January 14, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11am at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Coushatta.

RRPJ is climbing again in readership and views. Everyone at RRPJ wanted to finish the 2024 year strong, and the result reached higher than expected.

Thank you to all of our loyal viewers. This journal reached more than 538,000 views and over 245,000 visitors in 2024. You have responded to the stories and insights and given feedback on the information you would like to see in the new year.

Remember to send your important events, stories, heartwarming happenings, and breaking news stories to redriverparishjournal@gmail.com.

A special thank you goes out to all of our advertisers. As all of the analytics point to continued growth for our journal, we are assured of increased value for our advertising partners. Red River Parish Journal continues to be one of our area’s most affordable means of advertising.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, temperatures well below normal are expected to move into the region during the latter half of the upcoming weekend, and remain through at least the end of the following work week. 

Actual air temperatures will plunge into the teens with wind chills near zero in the ArkLaTex. With prolonged below normal temperatures expected, a moderate winter precipitation signal has emerged across the region.

As of publication, there is about a 30% chance Red River Parish sees some accumulation of winter precipitation. 

Lots of uncertainties still remain with this outlook. Please continue to monitor the forecast for up to date changes. 

Stay tuned to RRPJ for updates!

On Monday, January 13, 2024, Edgefield saw a new era dawn. Chandra Smith Wilson was sworn in as Mayor.

Wilson served as Alderman from 2020 to 2024 before running for Mayor. A resident of Red River Parish and Edgefield, Wilson is a successful businesswoman, realtor, and community activist.

Speaking to RRPJ, Wilson says that her vision for Edgefield is to foster a strong, connected Community. She hopes to accomplish this by strengthening bonds among residents, maintaining a clean and vibrant environment, and improving access to essential services.

She hopes that in coming together, the people of Edgefield can create a welcoming and supportive village that meets the needs of current and future generations.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) urges residents to prepare for extreme cold next week as a winter storm system brings freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow and ice to Louisiana.

State Climatologist Jay Grymes is forecasting morning lows in the 20°Fs across Louisiana on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Temperatures will rise above freezing all three days, but only in the mid to upper 30°Fs for the northern half of the state on Monday and Tuesday.

LDH has reported one winter weather-related death this year: a 65-year-old-male in Rapides Parish who died due to hypothermia. In 2024, there were three winter weather-related deaths, two of which were attributed to hypothermia.

LDH advises residents to stay indoors during extreme cold and to seek shelter if you are unhoused. If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, a hat and gloves and carry a cell phone in case of an emergency. Check on neighbors, children, older adults and chronically ill individuals.

Know the signs of cold-related illness. See a doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you or someone you know has these symptoms:

Hypothermia

• Shivering or fumbling hands
• Exhaustion or drowsiness
• Confusion or memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Bright red, cold skin or very low energy in infants

Frostbite

• Redness or pain in any skin area
• White or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion

Individuals with special medical needs

• Ensure you have an ample supply of prescription medications to last at least a week.
• Inform your caregivers, family members or trusted friends about your special medical needs and emergency plan.
• If you rely on electric-powered medical equipment, such as ventilators, home dialysis machines or other assistive devices, make arrangements for backup power sources. 
• If you rely on oxygen therapy, make sure you have a sufficient supply of oxygen.
• Contact your oxygen supplier to arrange for extra cylinders or backup power sources.
• Follow the instructions and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider regarding oxygen usage, maintenance and safety during storms or hurricanes. 
• Keep copies of your medical records, prescriptions and oxygen equipment specifications on hand. 
• Document the name and contact information of all pharmacies, medical supply vendors, home health/hospice agencies and dialysis centers. 

Generator safety

• Never use portable generators indoors. This includes a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even those with ventilation.
• Gas-powered generators produce carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colorless. Inhaling carbon monoxide can very quickly lead to full incapacitation or death.
• Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
• Place generators outside, more than 20 feet away from the home, doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Do not refuel when hot.
• Keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. 

Heating safety

• Ensure that you have a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector.
• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
• Ensure your heating system has been properly serviced and is clean, functioning correctly and properly ventilated to the exterior. If you use a fireplace or chimney, have them inspected and cleaned as well.
• Do not use gas or electric ovens or stoves for heating. Gas ovens may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric ovens are not designed for space heating.
• Do not burn outdoor barbecue materials indoors, even in a fireplace.
• Plug space heaters directly into the wall socket, not into extension cords. Do not use the heater if the cords are frayed or splitting. 
• Place space heaters 3 to 5 feet away from bedding or other flammable materials.
• Never allow children to play with or around the heater.  
• Unplug the heater when not in use. 
• Never leave the heater unattended.

Alcohol and hypothermia

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypothermia both physiologically and through impaired decision-making. It causes blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation), and while it makes the skin feel warm, it increases heat loss. 

Alcohol also:

• Reduces the shivering response, which is the body’s natural way of producing heat, keeping the body warm. 
• Causes our brainstem to lower our core body temperature.
• Impairs judgment, which can lead to risky behaviors such as not dressing appropriately in very cold weather and not responding appropriately to signs of hypothermia such as shivering, slurred speech, or mumbling.

Drink responsibly and limit the amount of time you spend outside when the temperature is near or below freezing. 

Safe traveling

• Be cautious and alert. Never drive distracted
• Stay off the road as much as possible.
• If you must drive, use extreme caution during icy or foggy conditions.
• Take extra care on elevated roads, like bridges.

Staying informed and connected

• Follow the instructions of emergency officials.
• Stay tuned to your local news.
• Use weather apps and websites that provide accurate and up-to-date information.
• Maintain communication with neighbors, friends, family members, local community groups and neighborhood associations.

Additional tips

• Wear warm clothes and go to a public place like a library, recreation center, or mall for temporary relief.
• Protect outdoor pipes, bring in plants or pets, and take other necessary precautions.

On January 19, National Popcorn Day is a crunch we all love to enjoy. The annual celebration recognizes a treat that satisfies munchies, day or night.

It can be sweet or savory, caramelized, buttered or plain, molded into a candied ball, or tossed with nuts and chocolate. It’s perfect anytime, anywhere–on the go, in the theater, or in your living room. 

In the mid1800s Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, developed a machine for popping corn with steam. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago.

At about the same time, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world. Then in 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote Take Me out to the Ballgame. From that point onward, popcorn, specifically Cracker Jack, became forever married to the game.

Popcorn also makes every trip to the movie theater a little bit sweeter.

The microwave oven spurred the next big advancement for popcorn. With the invention of the microwave, a whole new market opened for the snack food.

Today, Americans consume 13 billion quarts of popcorn a year, more than any other country in the world. A majority of the popcorn produced in the world is grown in the United States. Nebraska leads the corn belt in popcorn production.

Celebrate by popping your favorite popcorn and share a bowl with a friend. Or head to the movies, grab a large bucket and enjoy. In fact, customers can take any clean container of their choice and Cinemark Theatres will fill it with fresh popcorn for $5, up to the equivalent of two XL popcorn sizes or 400 ounces.

Source: nationaltoday.com; nationaldaycalendar.com

Last week we talked about the early journey of my life and the difficulties I faced before the age of 9. Today we’ll continue this journey of perseverance and determination, along with two people who changed the course of my life forever. 

At the ripe old age of seven, and with my Little League baseball career on hold due to an age issue, I truly struggled in school the entire first half of the school year. Then that Christmas in 1968 my aunt and uncle (Laverne and Loyd Graf Jr.) came to Rosenberg, Texas, and brought me to their home in Northeast Texas…Mt. Pleasant. 

My aunt enrolled me in school there and I spent Christmas break and the entire spring and early summer trying to get caught up so I could finish out the first grade. I was also blessed to have a 1^st grade teacher by the name of Mickey Sinclair who played a huge roll in me passing and moving on to the 2^nd grade. 

This was when my life began to change for the good. I passed the first grade and spent the entire summer of ’68 there with my aunt and uncle working and playing on their ranch. It was an awesome summer as I made new friends and met my best bud…. Kevin Owsley. We took swimming lessons and played on the same Pee Wee League team, the Yankees! 

We had some great sleep overs and camping trips while becoming as close as brothers. I also learned how to fish and what it meant to do chores on our ranch. It really was the best summer of my life!  It was also the beginning of my baseball playing career and it didn’t take me long to realize, this sport was going take me places. God had blessed me with athletic ability and a good throwing arm. Turns out, sports gave me a purpose in life and a sense of belonging. 

At the end of the summer of ’68, my bio mom came and picked me up and took me back to Houston where I started the 2^nd grade. I really missed my aunt and uncle, along with all my friends back in Mt. Pleasant. Once again, there I was at the age of 8 and back into the same bad environment, struggling in school, but this time my mom had moved us to Houston. 

I was staying out till all hours of the night and running the streets of Houston while living in an apartment complex that did not have the best people living there. With so much freedom and mingling with thieves and drug dealers on a regular basis, bad temptations were a constant. I was actually smoking cigarettes and if you’re wondering, Marlboro was my choice of sticks. Now instead of just looking for food in the neighborhood, I’m also looking for smokes. 

During my time in Houston, I always knew that the people I was hanging with were not held in high esteem. For some reason, (only God knows) I separated myself from them and tried to keep my distance. One thing that came out of this, was the fact that I became street wise at a very early age and learned how to read people pretty quick. No doubt that the Lord above was looking out for me at this time of my life as I was headed down the wrong road. 

Failing the 2^nd grade at Christmas…again… Aunt Laverne and Uncle Jr. drove to Houston and picked me up and took me back to Mt. Pleasant for good. Once again, I found myself doing extra schoolwork during the holidays and the following spring of ’69 to get caught up and pass the 2^nd grade. But for me, my biggest joy was the fact that I was back with my friends and playing baseball once again for the Pee Wee League Yankees. By the way, the Yankees in two seasons under Coach James Stansell, were 24-0!!! 

Then a day that’s burned in my memory occurred. At the end of the summer of ’69, my bio mom showed up and was planning on taking me back to Houston. But my aunt and uncle stepped in and said “no” and felt it was better for me to stay with them permanently. So, I remember quite vividly the day my mom gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and told me how much she loved me as I watched her with sadness in my heart, drive away for the last time. Even though I talked with her maybe a handful of times, I never saw her again until the day of her funeral. 

To this day, I can’t imagine how hard this must have been for her, but looking back, she knew it was the best thing she could ever do for me. As a parent myself with three awesome kids, I cannot even fathom giving up any one of them for any reason! Sadly, my bio mom was just not capable of raising two boys on her own since she had already divorced for the second time. But for me, I finally had some consistency and direction in my life and all was good! 

Next week I’ll wrap up this incredible journey and give credit to the two people who made a commitment to a young boy and put him on the path to success.Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

The Umbrella Foundation is offering FREE tutoring every Tuesday in January at the Hangout (across from Red River High School). Students in grades K-5 may participate. Contact Tarfarire Johnson 318.771.2376, Lessonna Clark 318.663.1202 or  Yashica Turner 318.663.9397 for more information.

First Baptist Church Coushatta is hosting Basketball JAM Camp, a month long camp that consists of weekly age-group practices honing in on learning the skills and drills of basketball, devotional times at the end of each practice and Family day on the last Saturday with scrimmages to show off what the children have learned. The fun will take place throughout the month of March. Coach Mike McConathy will be helping us with the skills and drills. Registration is now open for children in grades PreK4-6.  

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic Learning and Global Education will offer a 40-Hour Basic Private Investigator Training Course on Jan. 31– Feb. 2 and Feb. 7-9 in the second-floor classroom of South Hall on NSU’s Natchitoches
campus. The class will be on Friday from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The fee is $375 plus an additional $100 board fee due on Feb. 9 made payable to the Louisiana State Board of Private Investigator Examiners. For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

Bennie Dayle Peek
February 14, 1939 – January 12, 2025
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta.

Hilda McCoy
June 10, 1949 – January 15, 2025
Graveside services will be held Monday, January 20, 2025 at 1pm at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Ringgold.

The first meeting of the new Coushatta Town Council was filled with appointments and resolutions.

Red River Clerk of Court Stuart Shaw began the meeting by swearing in council members. New members Katherine Smith and Jamari Jones joined past members Reginald Prelow, jr, Janice Lewis, and Edna Webb for the new leadership term.

Newly Elected Mayor Ashanti Cole presented his appointees for town positions.
The Council approved all of the recommendations. Stephanie Babers will remain the town clerk, Joe Hays will be the town attorney, and Michael McDuffy will be the police chief. Janice Lewis is the mayor pro tem.

Resolutions approved by the Council included changing names and signatures on the bank accounts and the 2025 systems survey and compliance questionnaire.

A large crowd joined the meeting to express well wishes for all the newly elected and appointed members.

January is School Board Appreciation Month. To celebrate, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated members of the Red River Parish School Board.

These remarkable individuals tirelessly serve our students, schools and community, devoting countless hours to ensuring that we continually improve and every student has access to a high-quality education.

Being a school board member is no small task. It requires vision, leadership and an unwavering commitment to the community.

These elected officials face significant challenges, often making difficult decisions that have a profound impact on our students and educators. Their work involves long hours spent reviewing policies, attending
meetings, listening to community feedback and collaborating with staff and community, all with the goal of continual improvement for our schools and our outcomes for students.

Under their leadership, the Red River Parish School District has made strides in culture, achievement, communication, systems and financial health. Their thoughtful guidance ensures that our schools are a place where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

I would also like to extend appreciation to the school boards across the state who share this important mission. The collective efforts of these leaders help create stronger, more vibrant communities for us all.

To the Red River Parish School Board Members:
Mr. Cleve Miller                         Mr. Gary Giddens
Ms. Melinda Hardy                    Ms. Kasandria White
Mr. Richard Cannon                  Mr. Richard Logan, Sr.
Ms. Susan Taylor

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service. Your hard work and leadership do not go unnoticed, and our students, educators and community are better for it.

I am privileged to work with you and for you.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Alison Strong
Red River Parish School District

Matt Vines

All of the holiday tournament and challenging pre-district schedules are in the rearview mirror as parish teams strap in for district play.

The Riverdale girls (20-5) have won their first three district contests, including a 41-38 slugfest with Claiborne Academy at home Monday.

The rivalry motto of throwing the records out of the window held true as Claiborne entered with a 10-8 mark, but the Lady Rebels held for their 13th straight win.

Riverdale has beaten three of the four other district members with just one-win Union Christian left in the first wave of district competition. The Lady Rebels host the Louisiana School on Friday before welcoming Union Christian on Saturday. The regular season ends Jan. 31

The Riverdale boys (1-10) are looking for their first district win as Union Christian visits Saturday. The Rebels have dropped their last 10 games after winning the season-opener.

Red River kicks off district play Thursday
The Red River boys and girls basketball teams will kick off District 3-2A play Thursday with both squads host Many to start an eight-game district slate.

Natchitoches Parish power Lakeview isn’t the frontrunner on the boys or girls side after the Gators dropped to Class 1A starting this athletics season.

The Bulldogs have stepped into that role so far as they’ve compiled a 12-3 record not including Tuesday night’s meeting with a five-win Southwood team.

Red River was favored to win their fifth straight game and sixth win overall against a Class 4A or 5A opponent this season.

The Bulldogs entered the week holding more than a full-point lead in the Division III Non-Select power rankings, which means teams will have to travel to Coushatta for the playoffs instead of Red River needing to win three games away from home to reach the state championship game this past season.

The Lady Bulldogs enter district play looking to snap a lengthy losing streak pending Tuesday’s result against Pineville. Most of those losses have come by double-digits.

Red River (6-11) started the season 4-1 but has since compiled a 2-10 record. They’ll face a capable Many bunch that’s won 12 games this season.

The Lady Bulldogs are still in contention to host a home playoff game as they sit at No. 18 in the Division III Non-Select power rankings, needing to jump into the top 16.

The music is rocking, and the flipping is intense. That is just the tip of the iceberg on competition day for Kiptin Williams.

Williams is in her second season as part of the Natchitoches Flipping Athletic (NFA) co-ed stunting team. She competes in Future Flyer Faceoff stunt competitions throughout the United States.

Williams is the daughter of Kassie Bethard Williams and Josh Williams and the granddaughter of Rhoda and Robert Bethard of Coushatta.

In the inaugural TVCC Future Flyer competition, Williams placed first in her 7-9 division. Most recently, she secured another first-place finish in the 7-9 beginner division at the Kentucky competition. A top three placement at one of the future flyer competitions earns a bid to nationals on Labor Day weekend.

Partnered with a male base, Williams and the base perform a one-minute routine packed with the base tossing her into various positions in the air. To perfect her skills and routine, she practices weekly at the Natchitoches Flipping Athletics gym, which holds the distinction of being the most award-winning youth co-ed program in the world! A partnership with Northwestern State University cheerleaders matches the flippers with their male base.

Kiptin is excited that local friends and family will have the opportunity to see her compete in the future flyer competition in Natchitoches in May.

WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Walberg, Representatives Steube, Miller and Van Duyne, and Riley Gaines — 12-time All-American NCAA Swimmer and ambassador to the Independent Women’s Forum — commend today’s passage of H.R. 28, The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, at a press conference following the successful vote in the House.

“This is a great day for women in America. House Republicans yet again stood up for women,” Speaker Mike Johnson said. “Today, the House voted to uphold common sense. We voted to require all schools receiving federal funds to uphold the original meaning of Title IX and keep biological men out of women’s sports. Last Congress, we also voted on this legislation. And not one Democrats joined us. The American people sent a clear message in November. They want a return to common sense, but Democrats are ignoring them.”

“There is a national mandate from the American people to stand up for objective truth and to stand with women — preserving our privacy, safety, and equal opportunities,” Riley Gaines said. “Thanks to the leadership of Speaker Johnson for prioritizing the protection of women’s rights, Representative Stuebe for advancing critical legislation, and all of the members of Congress who voted in support of America’s women and girls. Today’s House passage of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act means we’re one step closer to ensuring no more women lose trophies, roster spots, playing time, scholarships, or fair competition to men in their own sport. Independent Women, through the Riley Gaines Stand With Women Scorecard, has given Americans a unique tool to know who stands with women and who does not. And today upon scoring this vote, it’s clear which members of the U.S. House will advance truth and fairness — answering the demands from Americans nationwide.” 

“The House has delivered on its promise to protect women’s sports,” Rep. Greg Steube said. “Americans are united in our belief that men have no place in women’s sports, whether it’s breaking records, entering locker rooms, or stealing scholarship opportunities. Denying biological truth erases fairness in sports and puts women’s safety and opportunities at risk. Today’s passage sends a clear message to the Senate—protecting women and girls in sports is not negotiable.”

“The strides women have made across all corners of the sports world deserve to be celebrated and protected,” Chairman Tim Walberg said. “Yet, girls and women are losing opportunities to compete when a biological male enters the field. How is this any different than keeping women off the field altogether? Allowing women and girls to suffer for the sake of the dishonesty of wokeness is inexcusable. I am pleased to see the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act pass the House and I applaud Congressman Steube and the countless women who are fighting to protect the legacy—and future—of women’s athletics in this country.”

“The American people spoke loud and clear in November that they do not want men in women’s sports or locker rooms, and we are following through with the mandate given to us. I have 5 daughters, 2 daughters-in-law, and 9 granddaughters. I know firsthand how hard each of them has worked in school to get scholarships and to compete in sports. It sickens me knowing that confused and predatory men can take away years of hard work from our girls and enter their locker rooms. Title IX was a hard-fought victory, and we must not allow the Left to erase 50 years of equal rights in one fell swoop,” Rep. Mary Miller said.

“This isn’t just about how little those who want men competing in women’s sports care about the physical damage inflicted on women athletes, this radical movement to allow biological boys to compete against girls is about erasing women entirely,” Rep. Beth Van Duyne said.“I’m grateful to stand with Speaker Johnson and our colleagues on the side of sanity, protecting the dignity of women athletes, and on the side of the American people who are disgusted that we must be even having this debate. This is a fight we must, and will, win on behalf of our daughters and generations of women athletes to follow.”

Background:

• House Republicans adopted the 119th Congress rules package with rules for 12 priority pieces of legislation, including the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The legislation amends Title IX to protect the law’s intent and the integrity of women’s athletics.
• Last year, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized a radical Title IX rule that would have prevented schools that receive federal funding from banning biological males from competing in female sports.
• In the 118^th Congress, House Republicans passed H.R. 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, without a single Democrat voting in favor. The Senate companion legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) was never brought to the floor by the Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.