Grassley Statement on DOJ Settlement Over Nassar Abuse Case

Grassley Statement on DOJ Settlement Over Nassar Abuse Case

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released the following statement regarding the Justice Department's $138.7 million settlement with the victims of former U.S.A. Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

"The survivors of Larry Nassar's abuse were betrayed by the institutions they should have been able to trust. At a time when these athletes were in grave need of help, the FBI indefensibly failed to do its job," Grassley said. "Though the past can never be undone, today's settlement is an important step to bringing about some justice for what these athletes have suffered. I once again commend the survivors for their bravery and poise, and for courageously speaking out about their experiences. Their steadfast fight for change has forged a better future for the athletes and young women who follow in their footsteps."

As then-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley in 2017 convened the first ever congressional hearing on sexual abuse of young athletes. In 2021, as the Judiciary Committee's ranking member, he led congressional oversight of the FBI's mishandling of the Nassar investigation.

In the aftermath of the Nassar abuse scandal, Grassley authored bipartisan legislation to strengthen the federal sex tourism prevention law that had previously been too weak to convict Nassar. The bill was signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

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