Senate faces final pre-election votes, with college sports bill leading
The Senate is expected to hold its last votes before the midterm elections this week, starting with a bipartisan college sports name, image and likeness bill. That measure, led by Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, is likely to be the final major legislation before Election Day. Senators may also consider a Republican bill on data center electricity costs and resolutions targeting California emission waivers, though Democratic support is uncertain.
Senators return for what may be their last session before midterm campaigning. Monday’s scheduled vote concerns a bipartisan college athletics measure from Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz and ranking member Maria Cantwell, which would establish national name, image and likeness rules and is seen as the week’s likeliest major legislative achievement.
Other possible items include a GOP proposal requiring large data centers to fund grid upgrades, which the House approved 417-3 but Senate Democrats criticize as voluntary; resolutions to overturn EPA waivers letting California impose stricter docked-ship emissions rules; and unfinished nominations. Hearings feature former special counsel Jack Smith and a panel on rogue AI threats.
The college sports bill could reshape how athletes, universities and boosters handle endorsement deals, potentially standardizing rules across states. If data-center cost legislation advances, electricity ratepayers and technology firms may see new cost-sharing arrangements. California emissions resolutions could affect port operations and air-quality rules, while judicial review may determine their reach. The week’s outcomes may also shape how voters view Congress before midterms.