Discussion · Senate
Tammy Baldwin Democrat
“I want the Senate to pass my amendment. The bill could let the NCAA argue that state health and safety laws no longer apply. That could delay or throw out athlete lawsuits over brain injuries and sexual assault. My amendment fixes this problem.”
“Mr. President, look, as currently drafted--because the Protect College Sports Act includes health, safety, and wellness standards--the NCAA and athletic conferences could argue that State health and safety protection for athletes conflict with and prevent compliance with this bill. As a result, student athletes bringing such cases, including things like brain injuries or sexual assault, could face unnecessary prejudicial delay fighting the NCAA or institutions’ preemption argument or even have their cases preempted and kicked out of court. This bipartisan amendment addresses that, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. President, look, as currently drafted--because the Protect College Sports Act includes health, safety, and wellness standards--the NCAA and athletic conferences could argue that State health and safety protection for athletes conflict with and prevent compliance with this bill. As a result, student athletes bringing such cases, including things like brain injuries or sexual assault, could face unnecessary prejudicial delay fighting the NCAA or institutions’ preemption argument or even have their cases preempted and kicked out of court. This bipartisan amendment addresses that, and I urge my colleagues to support it.