Congress

Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant at Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington, D.C.-area home in October 2026, weeks before midterm elections. The probe examines whether Omar or her late father misstated her birth date on immigration paperwork to derive citizenship. Agents seized her phone, notebooks, computers and passport, and subpoenaed relatives. The Wall Street Journal reported the investigation aims to build a case to strip her citizenship and deport her. Omar denounced the search as political intimidation; Democratic leaders condemned it, while Trump officials claimed a strong case.

45 reports · 7 sources · Updated Oct 19, 12:57 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending congressionally passed sanctions on Russia two days before they were due to take effect, citing US "national interests." The Graham Act measures would have allowed tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the top purchasers of Russian oil and gas, and targeted Russian officials, financial institutions and the "shadow fleet." Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the move as a 60-day pause to assess global economic impact. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the waiver, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US had "completely disregard" the sanctions and was "rewarding Putin."

23 reports · 4 sources · Updated Oct 19, 12:05 AM UTC

US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, with 500,000 tons in November and one million tons thereafter, alongside temporary sanctions relief until April 2027. The move, aimed at lowering US fuel prices before midterm elections, drew bipartisan criticism over alleged violations of the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, angered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and prompted Trump to call for Ukraine to replace its leadership.

38 reports · 11 sources · Updated Oct 14, 04:00 PM UTC

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded RTX's Raytheon a multiyear contract worth up to $20.7 billion to produce Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), a deal the Pentagon says will nearly double production. The five-year contract, with two option years, was awarded on September 25 and announced on September 28, 2026. It is a joint procurement by the Air Force, Navy, and allied nations, part of the Pentagon's Arsenal of Freedom campaign to replenish munitions stockpiles depleted by the war with Iran. Congress has not yet funded the full deal, which Reuters described as provisional.

10 reports · 5 sources · Updated Oct 1, 10:05 PM UTC

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed a plan to reduce the number of general and admiral positions by 20%, deepening a previous 10% cut. The announcement was made during a speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he also outlined six major initiatives and used derogatory language. The cuts target authorized billets, with implementation expected by January 1, 2027. The plan has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Sen. Jack Reed, who said Congress was not consulted.

10 reports · 5 sources · Updated Oct 1, 08:30 PM UTC

President Trump used a rare "pocket rescission" to cancel $810 million in funds already appropriated by Congress, bypassing the required 45-day notice period. The cuts target the Office of Refugee Resettlement, health research, immigrant education, minority entrepreneurship, and housing counseling. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins called the move illegal, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune said it will likely be litigated. Democrats condemned the action as theft. The House is out of session until after the midterm elections.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 28, 08:39 PM UTC

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, alongside major U.S. airlines, is urging Congress to quickly approve $30 billion to overhaul America's air traffic control system and airports. The funding would target upgrades to aging air traffic control systems, control towers, and airport facilities to improve safety, efficiency, and capacity. The proposal requires legislative approval, with no specific timeline or spending breakdown provided.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 28, 05:44 PM UTC

The US State Department approved the potential $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia on September 17-18, 2026, marking a major policy shift. The deal, which includes 49 engines and support equipment, requires congressional approval and faces scrutiny over Israel's military edge and technology security concerns with China. Saudi Arabia welcomed the proposal as a step in defense cooperation.

13 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 21, 04:53 PM UTC

President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on September 18, authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian energy, primarily China and India. The legislation also imposes sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and its shadow fleet, and extends Iran sanctions through 2031. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the law an unfriendly act that complicates Ukraine peace efforts.

39 reports · 12 sources · Updated Sep 21, 02:20 PM UTC

The U.S. war with Iran has cost the Pentagon at least $45.1 billion as of September 3, 2026, according to Pentagon notifications to Congress and a Congressional Budget Office report. The CBO estimates $38 billion in direct costs through July 2026, with $2-3 billion monthly if hostilities continue. The conflict has consumed between half and two-thirds of U.S. antimissile interceptor inventory since June 2025, requiring at least five years to rebuild. Costs exclude base repairs, casualties, and future veterans' care.

16 reports · 8 sources · Updated Sep 19, 10:23 AM UTC

President Donald Trump, after a federal judge blocked his attempt to add his name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, had his handpicked board vote to close the venue indefinitely for renovations. Trump was photographed reviewing demolition plans and threatened to tear down the center unless he receives naming recognition. The Kennedy family and critics condemned the actions, while a judge ordered 30 days' notice before any demolition.

30 reports · 8 sources · Updated Sep 19, 12:03 AM UTC

A federal judge ruled that the Kennedy Center cannot inscribe “renovated and restored by President Donald J. Trump” on the building or rename the grounds “President Donald J. Trump Plaza,” citing a federal law and court order prohibiting new memorials without congressional approval. The Trump-appointed board then voted to close the venue for renovations, and Trump has threatened to demolish the center if denied naming recognition.

8 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 18, 05:50 PM UTC

Former President Donald Trump, speaking at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, pledged a $5,000 "Trump dividend" to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections. The proposal, estimated to cost over $1.2 trillion, has drawn skepticism from both critics and some Republicans over its feasibility, funding, and legality. Trump officials have offered conflicting funding ideas, including tariff revenue and a proposed "Trump Platinum Card," while House Speaker Mike Johnson said congressional approval would be needed.

40 reports · 14 sources · Updated Sep 15, 03:56 PM UTC