Rep. Steve Knight of Palmdale was among a number of southland politicians who applauded a bipartisan resolution on Capitol Hill to bring the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti joined members of Congress in Washington, D.C., including Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles, to unveil a House resolution expressing general support for the bid. Knight said the 2024 Olympics is the “right event in the right city at the right moment” as a reason why the measure drew bipartisan support.
The resolution, which has not yet been introduced and still needs approval by Congress, would reflect Congress’ “sincere hope that the United States will be selected as the site for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and pledges its cooperation and support toward their successful fulfillment in the highest sense of the Olympic tradition.”
The resolution does not address security-related funding, which would be discussed by Congress at a later date.
“Our country knows from experience that hosting the world’s greatest sports event can have profound and positive sporting, social and economic impacts,” Roybal-Allard said. “I urge my Congressional colleagues to follow the sun to L.A., and help us bring the Olympic Games back to the City of Angels.”
Garcetti thanked the Congressional representatives for their support, which adds to backing from President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
“L.A. is a city with the Olympics in its DNA, and we are honored to have been selected as the U.S. bid to bring the Games back to our country for the first time in 28 years,” Garcetti said.
LA 2024 bid committee chair Casey Wasserman and Olympic swimmer Janet Evans also participated in this week’s announcement.
“With every show of support we get, we are demonstrating more clearly LA 2024’s alignment with the future of our city, our state and the rest of the United States,” Wasserman said. “To us, LA 2024 is an opportunity to welcome the world back to America for a celebration of unity and humanity in the new Los Angeles.”
Los Angeles, which also hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984, is competing with Paris, Rome and Budapest. The International Olympic Committee is scheduled to select a host city for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics during a meeting in Lima, Peru, in
