Sen. Ted Cruz said Monday he expects the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act to get a Senate floor vote within 10 days after the chamber returned from an Aug. 8 recess. Co-authored with Sen. Maria Cantwell, the bill is likely to follow the Clarity Act on the Senate calendar. Cruz and supporters are pushing for a strong bipartisan margin to send the measure quickly to the House and ultimately to President Donald Trump. Coaches and athletic directors joined Cruz at the press event, saying the law would affect about a half million college athletes.
Protect College Sports Act Poised For Senate Vote Within 10 Days, Cruz Says
U.S. senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell play to introduce a bill in Congress aimed at saving college sports from itself.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told reporters on Capitol Hill Monday that he expects the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act to receive a Senate floor vote within the next 10 days after lawmakers returned from an Aug. 8 recess.
The bill, co-authored by Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and introduced in late May, had hoped to reach the floor before the break following a Senate Commerce Committee vote but did not. Cruz and cosponsor Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) have since said the measure is assured a vote now that the Senate has reconvened.
Timing, Sequence And Senate Dynamics
Lawmakers reconvened in Washington for a session that runs through Oct. 2. Cruz said the Protect College Sports Act is expected to be second in line on the Senate floor after the Clarity Act, legislation aimed at regulating cryptocurrency. Depending on how the Clarity Act proceeds and whether a filibuster arises, Cruz said the Protect College Sports Act could reach the floor as soon as Tuesday.
“That vote will either be this week or next week, depending on how the votes go in the next day. But either way, in the next 10 days, the Senate is voting on the Protect College Sports Act. We are slated to be in second as soon as the crypto bill is completed. I think we’re going to get this done.” — Sen. Ted Cruz
Support, Strategy And Next Steps
The press conference included coaches and athletic leaders who voiced support for the bill: Arkansas coach John Calipari, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, Gonzaga coach Mark Few, AFCA Director Craig Bohland and NABC Director Craig Robinson. Cruz has also used media appearances, including a segment on ESPN’s College GameDay, to rally backing ahead of the expected vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he hopes the measure can reach 60 votes but acknowledged uncertainty. Cruz has pushed to exceed that threshold, aiming for a large bipartisan margin to build momentum for passage in the House and a quick trip to President Donald Trump’s desk.
Cruz used a football analogy to describe the effort: “I think we’re on the 1-yard line. I think we have four downs in front of us to move into the end zone.”
House Considerations And Impact
If the bill clears the Senate, it will face the House, which has voted to shorten its September schedule and will recess beginning Sept. 17 — a change that could compress the timeline for House consideration. Cruz expressed confidence the House would act quickly if the Senate sends the measure forward.
Advocates say the legislation would provide clarity for roughly a half million college athletes and protect aspects of college sports as the schools’ academic year begins.
What To Watch: Timing of the Clarity Act on the Senate calendar, any potential filibuster or amendment fights, and whether House leaders can schedule the bill before the Sept. 17 recess.
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