Passed one chamber, waiting for the other to take it up
Passed one chamber, and the other has not yet sent it to a committee or put it on its calendar.
The other chamber will hand it to a committee, place it on its calendar, or leave it where it is. Nothing has been decided, and a bill can sit here indefinitely.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed Senate unanimous consent
- Awaiting House
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "USMMA Athletics Act of 2026," aims to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. It authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a nonprofit corporation to serve these athletic programs. This corporation would be owned by the United States and must operate for charitable, educational, and civic purposes. The act allows for the creation of various financial structures, including sole-source contracts and the licensing of trademarks. It also provides mechanisms for transferring assets and accepting various forms of financial support. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to provide a formal structure to bolster the academy's athletic endeavors.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Athletic Programs: The creation of a dedicated corporation is intended to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Efficient Program Support: The Secretary is authorized to enter into sole-source contracts and cooperative agreements to acquire property, services, or travel for the direct benefit of the academy (Section 2(d)(1) and (2)).
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Financial Flexibility: The Secretary can accept various funds, such as those from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, athletic conferences, and game guarantees, to support athletic programs (Section 2(h)(3)).
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Revenue Generation through Licensing: The Secretary may license trademarks and service marks related to the academy to support athletic programs and recruiting activities (Section 2(c) and Section 2(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Liability Restrictions: While the Secretary can provide support services, the provision of these services cannot result in any liability for the United States to the corporation (Section 2(f)(2)).
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Employment Status Clarification: Personnel or employees of the established corporation are not considered employees of the United States (Section 2(h)(2)).
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Constraints on Board Members: Members of the corporation's board of directors are prohibited from receiving compensation, except for reasonable travel and related expenses (Section 2(c)(1)).
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Restrictions on Department Employees: Employees of the Department of Transportation serving on the board are limited to oversight and advice and may not participate in day-to-day operations (Section 2(c)(2)(A)(i)).
- 8/10/2026
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 8/6/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4492-4493; text: CR S4492-4493)
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4492-4493; text: CR S4492-4493)
- 6/15/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-126.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 434.
- 2/12/2026
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 11/20/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona