House Committee Advances Bill to Block College Athletes' Employee Status

The proposed legislation, backed by Republicans, faces uncertain future in Democrat-controlled Senate amid broader college sports reform efforts.

The House Education and Workforce Committee voted 23-16 along party lines to advance the bill.
The bill aims to prevent college athletes from being classified as employees, which would block unionization efforts.
Republican supporters argue the bill protects student-athletes' economic freedom and prevents sports cuts due to increased costs.
Democratic opponents claim the bill strips athletes of rights and fails to address existing challenges like Title IX loopholes.
Senators Booker, Blumenthal, and Cruz are negotiating a broader college sports reform bill that includes athletes' rights and compensation.