House Vote on College Athlete Pay Bill Canceled Amid GOP Divisions

A key vote on a bill to set national rules for college athlete pay has been canceled. The decision came after some Republican lawmakers refused to support the measure, ensuring it would fail. The bill, called the SCORE Act, aimed to create a single, federal standard for student athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This refers to money earned from endorsements or sponsorships. Currently, a mix of state laws and school rules governs these deals, creating confusion. Republican leaders pulled the vote when it became clear they did not have enough support within their own party. Some members expressed concerns that the legislation did not do enough to protect athletes’ rights and long-term interests. The White House had publicly urged Congress to pass the bill. Former President Donald Trump also voiced his support for the legislation. Despite this backing, the disagreements proved insurmountable, leaving the issue of a national NIL standard unresolved.