Senate Weighs College Sports NIL Bill Before 2026 Midterms as $6 Diesel Fuels Affordability Backlash
Updated
Updated · Roll Call · Sep 18
Senate Weighs College Sports NIL Bill Before 2026 Midterms as $6 Diesel Fuels Affordability Backlash
3 articles · Updated · Roll Call · Sep 18
Summary
Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell’s Protect College Sports Act has risen to the Senate’s top pre-midterm item, with lawmakers considering a vote in the coming days and Trump backing the measure.
That push reflects a lack of viable paths for bigger priorities, after the CLARITY crypto bill failed 49-50, a data-center ratepayer measure was blocked, and the House left town until November.
Republicans including John Kennedy, Josh Hawley and Rick Scott warned that ending on an NCAA-focused bill could look tone-deaf as diesel tops $6 a gallon, the Fed raises rates and voters fixate on living costs.
Some vulnerable Republicans still see political value in the NIL fight — Pete Ricketts said it matters in Nebraska — while Susan Collins wants an insulin-cap vote before recess.
The debate has become part of each party’s closing message for November, with Democrats arguing Trump’s tariffs and affordability record are helping them compete in key Senate races.