Senate now taking final procedural vote on college sports regulation bill. Needs 60 yeas

The fate of the college sports bill - and why the Senate could now be in session next week. foxnews.com/politics/reporte…

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Senate Passing The College Sports Bill And How The Ohio Senate Race Could Keep the Senate In Session For Another Week The Senate is poised to pass the bill fundamentally altering money and eligibility rules in college sports perhaps later today or tomorrow.  The Senate takes a test vote on the measure today. More than 70 senators support the legislation. The bill establishes a ceiling for how much money schools can allocate to pay students for their name, image and likeness. It also limits transfers and sets eligibility standards.  The Senate could pass the bill later today if there’s a time agreement.  But does the Senate really want to make college sports the punctuation point before it leaves for the midterms? It’s possible that senators have no other choice.  Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) wants to do a bipartisan permitting reform bill. The legislation would deal with data centers, drilling and environmental concerns. But that bill is aspirational and not ready yet.  Thune said last night that the odds favored the Senate staying in session next week - which they were scheduled to do anyway.  What has emerged is a dispute over the Ratepayer Protection Act. That bill passed the House last week 417-3. It would defray the cost of utilities consumers must pay if they reside near data centers.  Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) is one of the most vulnerable Republicans on the ballot this fall. He’s faced criticism back home for his support for data centers. So Husted asked the Senate last week to pass the House bill on the spot.  Reluctant to give Husted a win, Democrats blocked him.  Now Republicans may want to stay in session and run all of the parliamentary traps to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act. For Republicans, that’s a better exclamation point before the recess.  But look at this exchange yesterday between yours truly and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY): Pergram: Was this blocked in the Senate last week by Democrats as an effort to prevent Senator Husted from having a win in his competitive race?  Schumer: Sen. Husted's bill is a fraud. It's voluntary. No company has to do it. The bill we have is mandatory. It is much stronger and is what is needed. Republicans are sure to capitalize on the “fraud” part. You may even hear that in ads back in Ohio. Republicans will emphasize that Schumer is calling a bill which commanded 417 yeas in the House a “fraud.”  Therefore, Republicans want to get Democrats on the record about this bill. That could help lift the GOP before the midterms. And certainly Husted.  So, it’s possible that once the Senate is done with this bill, it remains in session and tackles this measure next week - finally emphasizing an affordability issue

Senate confirmation hearing today on the nomination of Heidi Overton to be Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration

Senate back in session today. Another procedural vote on college sports bill. Senators could finish the bill if there’s a time agreement

Schumer when I ask why Senate Dems blocked bill to defray the cost of data centers on consumers which passed the House 417-3: “Sen. Husted's bill is a fraud. It's voluntary. No company has to do it. The bill we have is mandatory. It is much stronger and is what is needed.”

From colleague Jack Boisseau. Thune: I’d say right now still odds are we plan on being here next week. I'd say that still looks like the case. But that changes the election.

Schumer: “We have a damn good chance of winning the Senate.”

A hearing on men competing in women's sports as the Senate approaches passing a bill to regulate money in intercollegiate athletics. My report: foxnews.com/video/6405484211…

Senate hearing today on Flock cameras

Senate hearing today on men in womes sports

Senate back in session, continuing work on college sports bill today

The Senate focuses on the college sports bill, not affordability, before the election. My report. foxbusiness.com/video/640545…

Senate breaks filibuster on college sports bill, 70-21

Senate to vote tonight to end debate on substitute amendment on college sports bill. Needs 60 yeas

If you want a Capitol tour, consider “Ellie’s Version.” Found on a stairwell on the House side of the Capitol.

Finding a message. Both parties try to curate how they coax voters to support their side before the midterms.foxnews.com/politics/reporte…

Senate back in session today. Senate working on nominations and the college sports regulation bill this week

Tonight on Jeopardy! The category is about years ending in 6. The question is “What is 1866?”