Senate pushes final pre-election bills on NIL, data-center costs and climate waivers

As the Senate enters its final workweek before the midterm elections, it will begin with a vote on a bipartisan NIL legislation that formalizes student-athlete rights to monetize their name, image and likeness, led by Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell. The chamber will also consider a Republican-driven proposal that would make large data-center operators pay for needed upgrades to the electric grid, a measure Democrats say should be compulsory rather than voluntary.

GOP senators have advanced Congressional Review Act resolutions aimed at nullifying California’s EPA-issued emission waivers for docked ships and harbor craft, a step challenged by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Additional agenda items include a hearing where former special counsel John L. “Jack” Smith will testify before the Judiciary Committee, and a Homeland Security subcommittee session on protecting the nation from rogue artificial-intelligence attacks. The House has already passed the data-center bill, but Senate approval remains uncertain.