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USADA responded immediately.
"We will reach out to Congressman Sensenbrenner and offer to come in and discuss the process, which is the same in all cases whether it involves high profile athletes or those who are not," said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart.
If the arbitration process goes against Armstrong, USADA would probably ban him for life from cycling and other sports along with stripping the Tour titles Armstrong won from 1999-2005. USADA has granted Armstrong an extension of up to 30 days to contest the drug charges.
"People are concerned, we are very concerned and we have spoken publicly about the need for fairness and due process and we hope Lance is given the opportunity for the due process any American deserves in this respect," says Katherine McLane, the spokeswoman for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
The foundation has hired one of Washington's most venerable and powerful law and lobbying firms, Patton Boggs, to represent it.
"The foundation has worked with many firms in Washington over the course of the last decade to further the fight against cancer and we're pleased to partner with Patton Boggs on the important domestic policy issues that will have such an impact on cancer survivors and their families," said McLane.
USADA has long hired its own lobbyists in an effort to ensure a steady stream of congressional appropriations.
The foundation, which provides support for people affected by cancer, was founded in 1997 by Armstrong, a cancer survivor. The group's yellow "LIVESTRONG" wristbands are recognized around the world.
[Associated
Press;
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