U.S. Senate returns to address crypto and college sports bills

The United States Senate is returning from a five-week recess to address several legislative priorities ahead of the November midterm elections. Key items on the agenda include the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (H.R. 3633), which aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets. A procedural vote to invoke cloture on this cryptocurrency bill is scheduled for Tuesday.

Additionally, the Senate is expected to consider the Protect College Sports Act. This bipartisan legislation seeks to regulate college athletics, specifically regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and transfer eligibility. While the bill has received support from the White House and major conferences like the Big Ten and SEC, it faces opposition from the Congressional Black Caucus, which stated the current text fails to meaningfully incorporate the perspectives of Black athletes, coaches, and HBCUs.

On the judicial front, the Senate is scheduled to vote on the confirmation of Matthew R. Byrne to serve as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.