Bill would let merchant marine academy set up nonprofit for athletics
Passed one chamberS. 3266Latest action
Sponsor: Roger F. Wicker · Senator · MS
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: USMMA Athletics Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 3266 lets the Transportation Secretary create a nonprofit to fund and manage USMMA athletic programs.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The USMMA Athletics Act allows the Secretary of Transportation to establish a government-owned nonprofit corporation to support athletics at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The corporation could sign contracts including sole-source deals, lease academy property for up to five years, accept outside funding like NCAA and ticket revenue, and manage licensing of academy trademarks.
Who does it affect?
This affects USMMA student-athletes, coaches, and staff, plus the Department of Transportation, which oversees the academy. Businesses or organizations partnering on sponsorships, media rights, or merchandise licensing could also be affected.
Why does it matter?
The changes give the academy's athletic programs more funding flexibility and independent management, but they also reduce standard oversight tools like competitive bidding requirements, which lawmakers may want to monitor.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 20, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- HouseYou are here · Aug 10, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Held at the desk.