Mr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to proceed in continuing an important discussion on the Protect College Sports Act. This historic, sweeping legislation, formed in a bipartisan fashion by my colleagues Senator Schmitt, the Presiding Officer, Senator Coons, Senator Welch, Senator Capito, Senator Hickenlooper, Senator Ricketts, Senator Lujan, Senator Hoeven, and Senator Cruz and myself, is a bipartisan effort to try to bring some reason to the craziness that has basically been plaguing the most important aspects of college sports.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+18$516K raised
Maria Cantwell
Senator · Washington · Democrat
Maria Cantwell
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, I come to the floor because we are going to be voting shortly on two things this afternoon: one on a judicial nominee and, second, on cloture on the underlying substitute of the Protect College Sports Act. I just wanted to make sure that we were talking to colleagues about changes that were in that underlying substitute that we have been able to make. I think earlier today, at 3 or 3:30, was the deadline for filing amendments.
Mr. President, there is a lot to say in a short period of time, but we will be having a vote soon to move to proceed to the Protect College Sports Act, a bill that does deserve the attention of this institution. There are lots of things I would like to focus on. I didn't necessarily call the shot that we were having this vote, but, I will tell you, it is definitely worth proceeding to.
Biography
Maria Cantwell began her career in public service after working in the technology sector, bringing a practical perspective to economic growth and innovation. Elected as U.S. Senator for Washington in 2000, she has focused on advancing clean energy, protecting consumer privacy, and expanding digital infrastructure. Cantwell authored the landmark Internet Tax Freedom Act and has played a key role on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Through pragmatic leadership and coalition-building, she works to strengthen Washington’s economy and ensure her constituents thrive in a changing world.
Education
- B.A., Miami University, Miami, OH1980
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2001–PresentSenator from Washington. 5 terms.
U.S. Representative
1993–1995Represented Washington's 1st congressional district for 1 term.
Vice President of Marketing, RealNetworks
1995–1999Worked in the private sector as a senior executive, including overseeing early live internet streaming of Major League Baseball games.
State Representative, Washington House of Representatives
1987–1993Represented a district in the Washington State House, including work on the 1990 Growth Management Act and nursing home regulation legislation.
Campaign Staff, Alan Cranston 1984 Presidential Campaign
1983–1984Worked in Seattle on U.S. Senator Alan Cranston’s campaign for the 1984 Democratic presidential nomination.
Campaign Staff, Jerry Springer 1982 Ohio Gubernatorial Campaign
1982Worked on Jerry Springer’s unsuccessful campaign for governor of Ohio.
Policy Focus
Transportation and Public Works12%
Science, Technology, Communications9%
Taxation6%
Public Lands and Natural Resources5%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Maria Cantwell's record in Congress.
Net Neutrality Advocacy
Championed legislation to preserve net neutrality protections for internet users nationwide.
Great American Outdoors Act
Co-sponsored and helped pass the Act, securing permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Clean Energy Investments
Led efforts to expand federal investment in clean energy research and development through the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Salmon Recovery Funding
Secured federal funding to support salmon habitat restoration and recovery in the Pacific Northwest.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationRanking Member
- Senate Committee on Finance
- Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
- Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Joint Committee on Taxation
- Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
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