The Protect College Sports Act passed the U.S. Senate with a 77-22 vote, but faces significant hurdles in the House. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns over athlete employee status, conference realignment, and the bill’s prescriptive approach. With only 20 legislative days remaining before the end of the year, time is short.
The House is not expected to return before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, and if the bill fails to pass, it must restart in the new Congress. Sen. Ted Cruz, who co-authored the bill with Sen. Maria Cantwell, calls it the NCAA’s “last, best chance.” President Donald Trump supports the bill and may pressure House leadership. Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise remain optimistic, though Scalise previously opposed the bill over employee status provisions.
The bill needs 218 votes to pass the House.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing