Discussion · Senate
Ted Cruz Republican
“Vote no on this amendment. It doubles a medical fund for college athletes to $200 million and makes schools pay for it. The bill already makes schools pay for sports injuries for five years after an athlete finishes playing. Forcing schools to pay more will hurt athletes by cutting their scholarships, team spots, and sports programs.”
“Mr. President, I oppose this amendment. It doubles the maximum size of the bill’s medical fund from $100 million to $200 million and sticks the bill on the school in your State. The Protect College Sports Act already establishes the most sweeping new health protections in history for student-athletes. Division I schools right now must cover out-of-pocket costs for injuries while athletes are enrolled and for 5 years after their eligibility ends. At markup, the Commerce Committee adopted Senator Kim’s amendment which allowed the trust fund to increase up to $100 million. This amendment skips way past that and doubles that, adding an additional $100 million. Where does that money come from? It comes from the schools at the expense of student-athletes. It comes at the expense of revenue-share payments. It comes at the expense of scholarships and benefits for student-athletes. And, in the end, unfunded mandates lead to fewer roster spots, fewer scholarships, and cuts to sports. So I urge a ``no’’ vote.”
Mr. President, I oppose this amendment. It doubles the maximum size of the bill’s medical fund from $100 million to $200 million and sticks the bill on the school in your State. The Protect College Sports Act already establishes the most sweeping new health protections in history for student-athletes. Division I schools right now must cover out-of-pocket costs for injuries while athletes are enrolled and for 5 years after their eligibility ends. At markup, the Commerce Committee adopted Senator Kim’s amendment which allowed the trust fund to increase up to $100 million. This amendment skips way past that and doubles that, adding an additional $100 million. Where does that money come from? It comes from the schools at the expense of student-athletes. It comes at the expense of revenue-share payments. It comes at the expense of scholarships and benefits for student-athletes. And, in the end, unfunded mandates lead to fewer roster spots, fewer scholarships, and cuts to sports. So I urge a ``no’’ vote.