The U.S. Senate has taken significant steps towards reforming the collegiate athletic system. On Monday night, in a 77-22 vote, the Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026. This legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
The bill aims to establish standardized rules for college athletics as the landscape evolves with athletes’ newfound ability to earn money through their name, image, and likeness. Proponents of the bill state that Congressional action is vital to unify diverse state laws, while critics warn that the act may curtail athletes’ rights.
Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey, a Democrat, publicly opposed the bill. He expressed his concerns on X, stating, “College athletes put their bodies on the line every day and generate billions of dollars for their universities, conferences, and the NCAA. The Protect College Sports Act pulls the rug out from under them. I will keep fighting alongside college athletes until they get the rights and protections they deserve.”
Conversely, Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, celebrated the passage in an email to Newsweek. He described the day as monumental for college athletics and mentioned that the act would benefit current and future student athletes, maintaining the cherished tradition of college sports.
“After years of discussions and months of intense deliberations, we achieved what many said was impossible and succeeded in getting the Protect College Sports Act through the Senate with a huge bipartisan vote. I am proud of our success, and I trust the House of Representatives will remain focused on bringing stability to college sports by delivering the Protect College Sports Act to President Trump’s desk without delay,” Cruz added.
President Donald Trump also commented on the vote, labeling it “a really big deal.” He congratulated Randy Levine, President of the New York Yankees, and others involved for their successful efforts.
The bill comes in the wake of a 2025 court settlement that allowed schools to compensate athletes for their image, likeness, and name, as reported by the Associated Press.
Senators Who Voted Against the Bill:
- Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland Democrat
- Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat
- Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware Democrat
- Cory Booker, New Jersey Democrat
- Tammy Duckworth, Illinois Democrat
- Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Democrat
- Tim Kaine, Virginia Democrat
- Mark Kelly, Arizona Democrat
- Andy Kim, New Jersey Democrat
- Ed Markey, Massachusetts Democrat
- Jeff Merkley, Oregon Democrat
- Chris Murphy, Connecticut Democrat
- Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican
- Jack Reed, Rhode Island Democrat
- Bernie Sanders, Vermont Independent
- Adam Schiff, California Democrat
- Chuck Schumer, New York Democrat
- Rick Scott, Florida Republican
- Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat
- Raphael Warnock, Georgia Democrat
- Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democrat
- Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island Democrat
This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.