WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate is set to hold a procedural vote on Tuesday on the Clarity Act, marking one of the first items on the agenda as lawmakers resume sessions. The chamber previously avoided a possible government shutdown for the time being, allowing focus to shift to legislative priorities such as the sports regulation bill.

Sen. Ted Cruz co-authored the Protect College Sports Act with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and with the support of Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) in late May. The Big Ten and SEC backed the measure in July. The White House backs the Protect College Sports Act, aligning the executive branch with the bipartisan legislative effort.

The Congressional Black Caucus said it could not support advancing the Protect College Sports Act in its current form. The caucus issued a statement criticizing the development process of the bill. "The Protect College Sports Act has failed to meaningfully incorporate the perspectives of Black athletes, Black coaches, Black agents, HBCUs, or the Congressional Black Caucus," the caucus said.

"Black athletes have transformed college athletics into one of the most successful enterprises in America." "Yet the people most affected by this legislation have not been meaningfully included in shaping it."

Lobbying efforts surrounding the bill have involved high-profile entities and individuals. Disney, the parent company of ESPN, has lobbied directly for the Protect College Sports Act. Conversely, Michele Roberts and DeMaurice Smith, former heads of the NBA and NFL players’ unions, are lobbying against the Protect College Sports Act. The advocacy group Saving College Sports, which fronts much of the bill's PR push, is run by Cruz's former chief of staff.

In other Senate business, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Monday for an all-senators briefing from administration officials to discuss actions on AI. This request comes as the body prepares to address a range of technological and regulatory issues upon its return.

What's New

Sen. Cruz co-authored the Protect College Sports Act with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and with the support of Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) in late May.

Michele Roberts and DeMaurice Smith, former heads of the NBA and NFL players’ unions, are lobbying against the Protect College Sports Act. The advocacy group Saving College Sports, which fronts much of the bill's PR push, is run by Cruz's former chief of staff.

Why It Matters

The Protect College Sports Act represents a federal intervention into college athletics, regulating name, image and likeness rights and transfer eligibility. With support from the White House, the Big Ten, and the SEC, the bill has political and institutional momentum as Senate GOP leaders aim to advance it.

However, the opposition from the Congressional Black Caucus points to a debate over who shapes policy affecting Black athletes, who the caucus noted have transformed college athletics into a successful enterprise. The involvement of former union leaders lobbying against the bill and corporate lobbying by Disney illustrates the complex array of interests seeking to influence the final legislation.