(4/14/99)
Senator Richard Bryan of Nevada says, "I believe it's time for Juan Antonio Samaranch to resign. I don't believe that any credible reform can be undertaken at the international level until he steps down."
Some powerful Senators ripped into leaders of the International Olympic Committee today but promised not to introduce legislation that could interfere with funding for the 2002 games in Salt Lake City.
Charles Sherrill reports from our Washington bureau.
The aim of today's hearing was to find out whether the International Olympic Committee really intends to change the way it does business and if so when.
Senators did not like what they heard.
Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain was visibly frustrated by
the vague and evasive testimony of the two witness sent to speak for the IOC.
Members of the panel that proposed reforms in both the U.S. and International Committees also complained about the IOC.
Senator Fritz Hollings warned that
IOC foot dragging could kill corporate funding for the games.
The panel praised Salt Lake's response to the scandal and pledged to hold off on legislation that could damage the Utah games.
Senators Stevens and Hollings met privately
with Salt Lake Committee President Mitt Romney.
Romney said, "Both indicated that they want to support the Olympics. They're not going to do anything which will hurt America's games."
McCain says he will introduce legislation that would make it illegal to offer bribes to kickbacks to the IOC in the future.
