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Senate Committee Passes College Sports Reform Bill, Full Vote Pending

7/19/2026

Center

Congress Targets Reform

July is framed as the month Congress can pass a college-sports reform bill before the August recess and November midterms.
The college-sports bill cleared a Senate committee with a 19-9 vote on June 18 and is pending a full Senate vote.
Legislation would set revenue-sharing rules, name-image-likeness caps, and transfer and coaching-move regulations for student-athletes.
Senators and NCAA leaders say Congress’s gridlock, executive orders, and $30 trillion debt hinder bipartisan action.

Right

Comer Blocks DC Tax

Comer framed the proposal as a defense against ‘radical D.C. socialists’ seeking to fund tax hikes.
The D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act, introduced by James Comer, Oversight Chair, requires congressional approval of tax measures, pending markup.
Council proposed 3% surtax on income over $400,000 for individuals or $500,000 for couples, $200 million.
Oversight Committee spokesperson said bill signals D.C. cannot tax its way out of fiscal problems.

History

Historical Context

Congress’s constitutional authority over D.C. persisted after the 1973 Home Rule Act gave the city an elected mayor and 13-member council but kept budget review power. From 1974-1990 the House rejected three tax proposals worth $150 million, showing the fiscal veto. Rep. James Comer’s 2024 Taxing Authority Review Act now asks Congress to approve a 3% surtax projected to raise $200 million.

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Congress Targets Reform

July is framed as the month Congress can pass a college-sports reform bill before the August recess and November midterms.
The college-sports bill cleared a Senate committee with a 19-9 vote on June 18 and is pending a full Senate vote.
Legislation would set revenue-sharing rules, name-image-likeness caps, and transfer and coaching-move regulations for student-athletes.
Senators and NCAA leaders say Congress’s gridlock, executive orders, and $30 trillion debt hinder bipartisan action.

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