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How College Football Helped the Senate Get Its Act Together

Cantwell worked with Ted Cruz on the bipartisan bill that passed the Senate.

How College Football Helped the Senate Get Its Act Together
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This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026
tl;dr

The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act 77–22 after Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell worked across party lines on the measure. Its prospects in the House remain uncertain amid opposition to both the Senate bill and a separate House proposal.

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Maria Cantwell D · WA · SEN
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Maria Cantwell
D · WA · SEN

Senator and co-negotiator of the Protect College Sports Act

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ted Cruz
R · TX · SEN

Senator and co-negotiator of the Protect College Sports Act

Cruz's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who supported the legislation

Eric Schmitt
R · MO · SEN

Senator and co-sponsor of the Protect College Sports Act

House Minority Leader identified as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus

Part of a bigger story

13 OUTLETS
Senate Passes College Sports Bill Backed by Maria Cantwell

Outlets agree the Senate voted 77-22 to pass the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan measure co-sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell that sets federal standards for college athlete compensation, eligibility, and transfers. Left-leaning outlets point to the rare bipartisan support while noting critics' concerns over antitrust exemptions. Center outlets, such as CBS News, highlight the sweeping nature of the rules and the measure's uncertain future in the House. Right-leaning outlets focus on Cantwell's negotiations with college conferences to establish federal rules regulating athlete compensation deals.

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