(CNN) Sen. Joe Manchin introduced a bill Tuesday that would withhold federal funding for the United States' hosting of the 2026 men's World Cup until the men's and reigning champion women's national soccer teams receive equal pay.

Trophy in hand, many members of the team are now returning to another face off -- in March, 28 members of the USWNT sued the US Soccer Federation for allegedly discriminating against the women by paying them less than members of the men's national team "for substantially equal work." The soccer federation and the plaintiffs last month tentatively agreed to mediation, which is expected to begin now that the World Cup is over.

Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, was inspired to sponsor the legislation after receiving a letter from West Virginia University's women's soccer coach Nikki Izzo-Brown, asking for his support for the US Women's National Team's pursuit of equal pay, he said in a statement.

"The clear unequitable pay between the U.S. men's and women's soccer teams is unacceptable and I'm glad the U.S. Women's Soccer Team latest victory is causing public outcry," Manchin added. "They are the best in the world and deserve to be paid accordingly."

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