Senate passes Protect College Sports Act, House hurdles remain

The US Senate has approved the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at curbing spending and addressing other issues in college athletics.

The bill cleared the Senate with a 77‑22 vote on Monday, according to its sponsor Sen. Ted Cruz, R‑Texas. Cruz said he hopes the House will reconvene after the mid‑term elections and pass the legislation within four weeks, with President Donald Trump signing it into law later this autumn.

Despite the Senate victory, the bill faces significant obstacles in the closely divided House. Some Republican members argue it does not provide sufficient antitrust protection for the NCAA and view it as government overreach. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R‑La., has warned that the legislation must address the employment status of student‑athletes.

Democratic opposition also remains strong. The NAACP and the Congressional Black Caucus have voiced criticism, with NAACP President Derrick Johnson calling the bill “sharecropping” that would harm student‑athletes. Several Democratic co‑sponsors have withdrawn their support.

Key provisions of the act include lawsuit protections for the NCAA and an increase in the revenue‑sharing pool for athletes from $21.5 million to $48.8 million via a new “retention pool.”

Whether the House can muster the necessary cross‑party votes before the next session remains uncertain.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Caio Cezar / Pexels.