Congress

Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed a federal tax incentive to keep Hollywood film and television production in the United States, following a meeting with actor Jon Voight. Trump described Hollywood as a 'total disaster' and urged Congress to pass the measure, arguing it would revive domestic production and counter the trend of productions moving overseas. The proposal marks a shift from state-level incentives and has drawn bipartisan attention.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 2, 12:10 AM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a continuing resolution on Tuesday to extend federal funding through December 11, preventing a fourth government shutdown during President Trump's second term. The bill, passed 370-48, now goes to President Trump for signature after Senate passage on August 8. Congress has failed to complete any of the 12 full-year spending bills for fiscal year 2027. The stopgap measure does not address the national debt exceeding $40 trillion.

15 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 1, 08:50 PM UTC

The Pentagon has removed all public reports from the independent Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) office, citing concerns that foreign adversaries could use AI to analyze vulnerabilities. Congressional leaders, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Donald Norcross, are demanding answers, citing legal obligations to publish the reports. The move follows a 74% staff cut and nearly 80% budget reduction ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in May 2026, ahead of a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. Critics warn the cuts reduce oversight for unproven projects like the Golden Dome Missile Defense System, which could cost up to $4.4 trillion.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 31, 01:08 PM UTC

On August 19-20, 2026, Bitcoin surged from near $57,735 to over $72,000, driven by a massive short squeeze that liquidated over $3 billion in crypto positions. The rally was fueled by the U.S. Treasury’s announcement to double long-bond buybacks (loosening financial conditions) and President Trump’s White House meeting with crypto executives, where he vowed pro-crypto policies. Bitcoin hit $71,385–$72,000, with Ethereum and XRP rising 19% each. Total crypto market cap reached $2.52 trillion.

22 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 27, 06:42 PM UTC

On India’s 80th Independence Day (August 15, 2026), the BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of signaling to stop the full version of the national song 'Vande Mataram' at a Congress event. BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, demanded an apology, calling it an insult. Congress denied the charge, explaining Gandhi was asking for a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, with both sides citing historical precedents and recent legal amendments.

10 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 20, 07:07 AM UTC

On India's 80th Independence Day (August 15, 2026), Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the term 'dimagi Naxals' (intellectual Maoists) in his Red Fort speech, accusing ideological supporters of Naxalism of entrenching themselves in the system. Opposition leaders, including Congress's P. Chidambaram and CPI(M)'s M.A. Baby, condemned the remark as an attempt to stigmatize dissent and stifle democratic debate. The BJP later escalated by labeling Congress the 'Dimagi Naxal Congress,' deepening political polarization ahead of elections.

8 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 18, 03:16 AM UTC

A federal appeals court ruled 2-1 that the Trump administration must halt above-ground construction of a $400 million White House ballroom, built on the demolished East Wing site, unless Congress approves. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, citing violations of federal law. The ruling is stayed for 14 days to allow an appeal to the Supreme Court. Below-ground bunker work may continue. The project’s cost has escalated to $600 million.

13 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 10, 01:10 PM UTC

The House Ethics Committee released a 25-page report on August 3, 2026, finding substantial evidence that Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) violated sexual harassment and hostile workplace rules. The report details persistent unprofessional conduct toward two young female staffers, including lavish gifts, unwanted romantic advances, and inappropriate messages. Edwards deleted incriminating texts and denied wrongdoing. The committee recommended a formal censure, requiring a simple House majority vote. The Democratic Women’s Caucus has called for his resignation.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 5, 04:32 PM UTC

Voting commenced on July 30, 2026, for the Manjalpur Assembly byelection in Gujarat's Vadodara district, triggered by the death of eight-time BJP MLA and former minister Yogesh Patel on June 2. The ruling BJP fielded former Vadodara Municipal Corporation councillor Satish Govindbhai Patel, while Congress nominated its Gujarat Vice-President and former minister Bhikhabhai Rabari. Polling runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 260 polling stations across 62 locations, with 2.19 lakh eligible voters (including 1,11,645 men, 1,07,847 women, and two third-gender voters). The Election Commission implemented 100% webcasting, mobile deposit facilities, and real-time monitoring. Counting is scheduled for August 3. The constituency recorded 60.15% turnout in the 2022 elections. Yogesh Patel had represented the seat since 2012 after shifting from Raopura, winning eight consecutive terms over 36 years.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 05:16 AM UTC

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, newly elected at the party's General Council meeting in Mamallapuram, criticized both the Congress and BJP for allegedly conspiring against Tamil Nadu over the Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river. He challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu on August 1, to publicly commit to protecting the state's water rights. Ramadoss also reiterated PMK's opposition to NEET, announced a two-year campaign for total prohibition starting October 2, and criticized the Tamil Nadu government's recent notification on privatizing liquor shops. He urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to convene an all-party meeting and take the issue to the Prime Minister, while ruling out any alliance with the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:45 PM UTC

Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbu Kumar announced on July 29, 2026, that areas with unusually high or low numbers of voters classified under the 'Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, Dead and Others' (ASDDO) category will be reviewed. In Bengaluru, at least nine Assembly constituencies have over 40% of their electorate categorized as ASDDO, with Basavanagudi and Bommanahalli exceeding 47%. BBMP South recorded the highest concentration, with five of its seven constituencies above 40%. Despite concerns from resident welfare associations, activists, and political parties, Kumar stated no formal complaints had been received and that all ASDDO classifications were supported by documentary evidence. However, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) admitted to The Hindu that verification procedures were not uniformly followed, with genuine electors wrongly classified. The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee submitted a representation expressing concern that over 80 lakh electors were placed under ASDDO and requested a second round of physical verification before any deletions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:17 PM UTC

On July 29, 2026, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) accused the Congress-led Telangana government of delaying the completion and operationalisation of the 1,000-bedded Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS) Hospital in Alwal, Hyderabad. BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank led a delegation to the site, alleging that despite earlier claims by Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy that 90% of construction was complete, the hospital remains unfinished and unopened. Krishank also criticized Secunderabad Cantonment MLA Sri Ganesh for staging photo opportunities rather than delivering results. In response, MLA Sri Ganesh stated that only 14% of construction was completed under the previous BRS government, while nearly 90% has been finished since Congress took office. He added that advanced medical equipment is being procured from abroad and the hospital will serve the Secunderabad Cantonment and surrounding areas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:55 PM UTC

In a rare display of cross-party unity, councillors from the DMK, BJP, and AIADMK criticized the ruling TVK government's handling of civic infrastructure in Chennai during a Chennai Corporation Council meeting on July 29, 2026. BJP councillor Uma Anandan stated that the previous DMK government was superior in service delivery and infrastructure development. DMK councillors complained about water supply disruptions and rising mosquito density, alleging that TVK officials are reluctant to address issues raised by opposition members. Chennai Mayor R. Priya accused the TVK government of renaming DMK welfare schemes. In response, Congress floor leader Samuel Thiraviam defended the TVK government, accusing the BJP and DMK of spreading disinformation and praising Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Rahul Gandhi for their initiatives.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:44 PM UTC

The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) held a coordination meeting in New Delhi, chaired by AICC in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan and attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other senior leaders. The meeting reviewed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, aiming to ensure no eligible voter is left out. The party decided to intensify grassroots outreach for welfare schemes and accelerate graduate voter enrolment for the upcoming MLC elections. Transparent candidate selection for the Graduates MLC polls was emphasized, with district ministers tasked to submit panels of three candidates to the party high command. The meeting stressed closer coordination between the party organization and the Telangana government.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:06 PM UTC

President Trump renewed his call for Senate Republicans to adopt a House-passed budget resolution before the upcoming congressional recess. The resolution would allow the Senate to pass a $95 billion emergency funding package with a simple majority vote in September. The package includes $73 billion to support the Iran war effort and $12 billion for other unspecified purposes. The move is aimed at expediting funding without needing a 60-vote supermajority, reflecting the administration's push for swift legislative action on national security priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:35 AM UTC

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused opposition parties, particularly Congress, of avoiding substantive debate on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. He claimed Congress leaders spoke on unrelated issues and engaged in politics rather than discussing the Bill, which aims to curb paper leaks and protect student welfare. Rijiju specifically criticized Rahul Gandhi for using 'abusive and undemocratic language' and urged him to devote at least five minutes of his speech to the Bill. The opposition, meanwhile, focused on the government's lathi-charge on protesters during a July 20 march to Parliament. The Bill is part of the government's response to student demands for exam integrity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:39 AM UTC

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on July 28, 2026, condemned remarks made by Congress MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi regarding Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi. BJP media cell convenor Anil Baluni stated that Joshi had only commented on the legal process, not the Bilkis Bano case itself, and denied Joshi made any such statement. Priyanka Gandhi's remarks in the Lok Sabha were expunged by Speaker Om Birla. Rahul Gandhi, outside Parliament, referred to Joshi as 'filthy' over his reported comments on the release of Bilkis Bano's rapists. The exchange occurred during debate on the Public Examination (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which includes provisions against exam paper leaks. Baluni accused the Congress of distorting statements for political convenience and called the allegations baseless.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:43 PM UTC

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has nominated four-time Congress councillor V.R. Sudheer as its candidate for the Kochi Corporation deputy mayor election, scheduled for Wednesday. Sudheer represents the Elamakkara South division. The post has been vacant since May 13, when incumbent Deepak Joy resigned after being elected as Thripunithura MLA. The UDF holds a majority with 48 members (including one Independent) in the 76-member house, making the outcome a foregone conclusion. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has fielded P.J. Yesudas, and the BJP has nominated first-time councillor Jalaja S. Acharya. The Congress had previously arranged split terms for the deputy mayor and mayor positions between its 'A' and 'I' factions. Sudheer's selection was finalized in a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party chaired by District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:27 PM UTC

Within days of SpaceX’s June 12, 2026 IPO, six U.S. House members or their spouses purchased between $83,000 and $480,000 in shares. Five serve on committees overseeing defense, satellite communications, or federal contracting—areas tied to SpaceX’s business. While legal and managed by outside advisers, the trades have drawn ethics scrutiny, especially as the House recently passed the Stop Insider Trading Act to ban such purchases. SpaceX stock has since declined.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:13 PM UTC

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized BJP MPs for giving a hero's welcome to former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the Parliament premises on July 27, 2026, just two days after he resigned amid large-scale student protests. She called the reception 'shameful' and accused the Modi government of harassing students and suppressing dissent. Opposition MPs raised slogans like 'Chor, chor, paper chor' against Pradhan. Rahul Gandhi also condemned the felicitation, calling Pradhan a symbol of corruption and a ruined education system linked to student deaths and protests. Priyanka Gandhi asserted that Pradhan resigned out of fear of youth outrage, not moral conscience, and warned that students across the country are watching and will remember the faces of those celebrating him.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 10:09 AM UTC

On July 28, 2026, all legislators of Assam, except those from the Raijor Dal, announced they would donate one month's salary for flood relief and rehabilitation. Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass and Deputy Speaker Habbey Teron also pledged their salaries, along with all assembly secretariat staff donating one day's pay. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika confirmed BJP MLAs would participate. Leader of the Opposition Wajed Ali Choudhury stated Congress had already provided relief and would donate. Trinamool Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed, AIUDF's Mazibur Rahman, AGP's Prithiraj Rava, and BPF's Paniram Brahma also committed. Raijor Dal MLA Mehboob Muktar was present but made no announcement. The gesture comes as Assam continues to grapple with severe flooding.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:17 AM UTC

A group of over 50 academics sent a letter to congressional leaders on Monday, urging them to restore the independence of federal agencies following last month's Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. Slaughter. The ruling granted President Trump the authority to fire commissioners of independent agencies without cause. The professors argue that the decision has stalled business at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), disrupting its regulatory functions. The letter calls on Congress to take legislative action to re-establish protections for agency independence, which the academics view as essential for nonpartisan oversight and consumer safety. The development highlights ongoing tensions between executive power and the autonomy of regulatory bodies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:37 PM UTC

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP for failing to fulfill their 2016 and 2021 promises to make Assam 'flood-free' within five years. In a post on X, Kharge noted that ten years of BJP rule have passed without a comprehensive flood-control system. He expressed deep distress over the ongoing floods, which have killed at least 68 people and affected nearly 10 lakh individuals across 25 districts. Kharge urged the Union and Assam governments to mobilize all resources for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation, and demanded immediate assistance from the PM-CARES Fund. He called for a scientifically designed, permanent flood-management strategy including early-warning systems, stronger embankments, wetland restoration, and climate-resilient infrastructure, rather than annual relief measures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:39 PM UTC

President Donald Trump stated on July 27, 2026, that the United States has sold over $13 billion worth of Venezuelan oil since taking control of the country's energy exports following the overthrow of former President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026. Trump made the remarks while traveling to Michigan, claiming the revenue has 'paid for that war many times over.' The Financial Times had estimated around $13 billion in revenue from the oil sales program this year. Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously disclosed that the U.S. had sold approximately 150 million barrels of Venezuelan oil since January. Democrats in Congress are demanding greater transparency from the Trump administration regarding the revenue collected, how the funds are spent, and how the program is monitored.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:25 PM UTC

All 100 U.S. senators have been invited to a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. in the U.S. Capitol, according to multiple sources confirmed to The Hill. The meeting, first reported by Punchbowl News, comes as the Senate considers legislation that would impose harsher sanctions on Russia and its trading partners. The gathering underscores the ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine amid the war with Russia and the legislative push to tighten economic pressure on Moscow. The meeting is expected to involve discussions on the sanctions bill and broader security assistance to Ukraine.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:10 PM UTC

The Trump administration faces accusations of concealing U.S. military casualties from the Iran war, including three Iranian strikes in Jordan that wounded dozens. The Pentagon reduced the official death toll from 18 to 14, removing four post-ceasefire deaths, citing "temporary data disruptions." Critics allege political motives to hide the war's unpopularity. Total U.S. fatalities stand at 17 with over 400 wounded since the war began on February 28. The Pentagon denies the allegations as "baseless."

29 reports · 12 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:53 PM UTC

The Telangana High Court ordered the removal of HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath for contempt after his agency demolished structures on a disputed 40-acre private land in Lothkunta, despite court orders. The court initially deployed army forces to protect the site but later stayed that order. The ruling sparked political backlash, with the BJP criticizing the state government. Ranganath claims the land is government property and vows legal recourse.

8 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 31, 03:17 PM UTC

The Congress party, led by Jairam Ramesh, criticized the Modi government after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to send a legal representative to the inaugural hearing of a Special Fast Track Court in Delhi's Rouse Avenue complex on July 27, 2026. The court was established to handle the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case. The absence forced an immediate adjournment, prompting the court to direct the director of prosecution to appoint a public prosecutor. The Delhi High Court had designated the fast-track court on July 23 following Prime Minister Modi's announcement amid protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demanded education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmandra Pradhan. Pradhan resigned on July 25, leading to the end of the protests. Ramesh questioned the government's credibility in touting fast-track courts as a solution to paper leaks when its own investigative agency showed no initiative.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:04 PM UTC

A protest over the NEET question paper leak at Bengaluru's Freedom Park on July 24 has triggered a political controversy after police registered an FIR against a woman for displaying posters referencing Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, both accused in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case. Around 1,000-1,500 students and activists gathered for a peaceful demonstration. Police seized the posters, alleging they could provoke public disorder and disturb communal harmony. The woman's identity remains unknown as she left the scene. Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress government of failing to act against 'anti-national activities,' while Home Minister Priyank Kharge defended the police response, noting an FIR was promptly filed. The case was registered under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and police are analyzing CCTV footage to identify the suspect.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:19 PM UTC

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his penultimate State of the Nation Address to Congress, focusing heavily on his administration's anti-corruption campaign. He also addressed ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, asserting that Filipinos 'do not yield' in the face of external pressures. The speech, reported by The Business Times Singapore, highlights the president's domestic policy priorities and his firm stance on territorial disputes ahead of his scheduled departure from office in 2028.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:39 AM UTC