Republican lawmakers led by Rep. August Pfluger of Texas are demanding answers from the WNBA over what they describe as repeated physical attacks on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, arguing the league has failed to protect one of its biggest attractions adequately.

In a letter sent Wednesday to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Pfluger and 10 other Republican members of Congress called on the league to provide details about its handling of on-court violence, player discipline, and protections against online harassment.

The lawmakers requested a response by July 24.

The letter argues Clark has been subjected to "unnecessary physical hostility and violence," citing incidents in which she has been hip-checked, poked in the eye, and struck in the throat during games.

The lawmakers also said they were concerned by reports that some of the treatment Clark has received "may be racially motivated."

"As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation," the letter states.

They warned that if discrimination or retaliation creates a hostile work environment, federal agencies, including the Justice Department, Labor Department, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, could investigate potential civil rights violations.

The letter follows heightened scrutiny over officiating after Clark was struck in the throat during a June 24 game against the Phoenix Mercury. No foul was called during the game, but the WNBA later upgraded the play to a Flagrant 2 foul and suspended Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game.

The Indiana Fever said Wednesday that neither the organization nor Clark had any involvement with the congressional effort and learned of the letter only after it became public.

"Our organization nor Caitlin has had any interaction with anyone in this congressional group and we were unaware of their letter," the team said in a statement.

The Fever added that it has consistently emphasized player safety in discussions with the league and will continue to advocate for its players.

Clark has publicly called for improved officiating while also condemning harassment directed at players. After Thomas said she and her family received racist abuse and death threats following the June incident, Clark said "harassment" and "hate" have no place in the league.

The WNBA had not publicly responded to the lawmakers' letter as of Thursday.