Senate Delays Vote on Protect College Sports Act Until September
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The U.S. Senate postponed consideration of the Protect College Sports Act until after its August recess, leaving the bill's future uncertain amid opposition and pending amendments.
The Senate adjourned for its five-week August recess without taking a vote on the Protect College Sports Act, a proposal that would set federal standards for college athletics. Lawmakers said the bill will likely return to the floor after the recess, but the delay gives opponents additional time to criticize the measure.
The legislation faced a wave of objections this week, including a statement from the Congressional Black Caucus, amendments from several Republican senators, and a joint letter from labor unions. Senate leaders also prioritized other legislation on government funding, sanctions against Russia and budget matters, pushing the sports bill aside.
Senators Ted Cruz and Eric Schmitt, co-authors of the bill with Maria Cantwell, said they have secured a guaranteed vote in September. > "The Protect College Sports Act continues to show great momentum," the statement read. Cantwell added that the September timetable provides more time to address challenges facing student-athletes and universities.
Republican leaders aim for a super-majority of at least 66 votes to overcome a filibuster, though a simple 60-vote threshold would suffice. Cruz has suggested the bill could attract as many as 80 votes, but amendments from senators such as Tommy Tuberville and Ashley Moody have sparked further debate over provisions related to state laws on gender-specific sports and conference realignment rules.
The bill’s future also depends on actions in the House, where leaders have expressed criticism, and on the broader political calendar, with lawmakers returning to their districts for the October campaign season. Meanwhile, NCAA and conference officials are exploring alternative reforms, including changes to the existing revenue-share settlement and possible self-governance models for major conferences.