House of Representatives

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

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

The special election to fill the remainder of the late Rep. David Scott's (D-Ga.) term in the U.S. House of Representatives is heading to a runoff, according to Decision Desk HQ. None of the five candidates competing for the vacant seat secured more than 50 percent of the vote, forcing a runoff between the top two finishers: Scott's daughter, Marcye Scott, and an unnamed Gwinnett candidate. The election was called after Scott's death, and the runoff will determine who serves the remainder of his term in Georgia's congressional district.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:55 AM UTC

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is backing a package of nonprofit disclosure bills aimed at closing tax loopholes, particularly around fiscal sponsorship arrangements that allow unregistered groups to operate under a charity's tax exemption without IRS reporting. The crackdown comes as the charitable deduction landscape shifts for 2026 filers, with standard deduction users now able to deduct up to $1,000 in cash donations ($2,000 for joint filers), while itemizers face a new 0.5% AGI floor. The Treasury is rewriting Form 990 as the House advances four disclosure bills. The policy targets a sector that represents roughly 17% of the U.S. economy, funded heavily by individual donors who gave $394.20 billion in 2025. The article highlights how current fiscal sponsorship rules create a 'massive black hole' for accountability, as donor money can flow through parent charities to unregistered groups that never file tax forms or reveal their identities to the IRS.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:06 PM UTC

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced on Tuesday that it is adding five new candidates to its 'Red to Blue' program, which aims to flip Republican-held House seats to Democratic control. The additions, first reported by The Hill, come after recent primary elections and redistricting efforts altered the DCCC's initial electoral calculations. The 'Red to Blue' slate provides financial and organizational support to Democratic challengers in competitive districts. This move signals the party's strategic focus on key battleground races ahead of the upcoming general election.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 09:00 AM UTC

House Speaker Mike Johnson lost his temper during a closed-door meeting with Republican lawmakers, shouting 'I'm sick of this shit' at Representative Anna Paulina Luna after she opposed a bipartisan veterans benefits bill. The bill, a party priority, was ultimately pulled due to opposition from a small group of far-right conservatives who have repeatedly disrupted the Republican agenda. Johnson, known as soft-spoken, later apologized to Luna and knelt before a colleague's young son to express regret for cursing. The incident highlights ongoing dysfunction within the House Republican conference, where a faction holds votes hostage to extract concessions, echoing the strategy used to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023. Several Republican lawmakers expressed frustration, warning that such infighting makes governing impossible.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:52 PM UTC

In a July 24 episode of The Daily Blast podcast, host Greg Sargent and voting rights reporter Ari Berman analyze Donald Trump's public outburst at Senate GOP leader John Thune, demanding immediate passage of voter suppression measures. The House recently passed a $95 billion budget containing $10 billion in grants to incentivize states to adopt SAVE Act provisions, including proof of citizenship for voter registration, voter ID requirements, and a ban on mail-in voting. This comes amid new polls showing the GOP's midterm election position deteriorating, including a Fox News survey. Trump believes voter suppression can save the party. The White House unusually blasted video of Trump's remarks, escalating pressure on Senate Republicans. Berman describes the House strategy as 'paying states to do voter suppression' through a backdoor reconciliation process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:29 AM UTC

On July 23, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution (214-208) directing President Trump to end hostilities against Iran. Four Republicans joined Democrats in the non-binding vote, reflecting growing bipartisan concern over rising U.S. casualties—including four troops killed in recent attacks—and the administration’s resumed military operations after a brief truce. The Senate plans a binding vote, though a veto is likely. The conflict threatens key straits and has involved 12 consecutive nights of U.S. strikes.

15 reports · 7 sources · Updated Jul 30, 08:33 PM UTC

Rep. Matt Van Epps (R-TN) announced that four of his amendments were included in the House-passed Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed 216-212 on July 21, 2026. The most significant amendment raises the military death gratuity from $100,000 to $165,000 and adds an automatic cost-of-living adjustment, marking the first increase in nearly two decades. This is a scaled-down version of Van Epps' original HONOR Gold Star Families Act, which had proposed $200,000 with retroactive application for Operation Epic Fury. A second amendment addresses aging water and wastewater infrastructure at Fort Campbell and other military installations, directing the Department of War to evaluate and prioritize deferred maintenance projects. The bill now moves to a conference committee with the Senate.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:41 AM UTC

On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a reconciliation package providing $60 billion for the Pentagon, both in largely party-line votes. The NDAA includes provisions for multiyear F-35 and F-15EX procurement, elimination of two Space Force acquisition agencies, authorization for MH-139 helicopters, a ban on retiring E-3 AWACS aircraft, and reports on Collaborative Combat Aircraft programs. The reconciliation package, part of a third Republican budget effort, aims to fund costs related to the war with Iran and replenish munitions. However, both bills face uncertain futures in the Senate, where a procedural vote on the NDAA failed earlier in July due to Democratic objections over Iran policy and defense spending levels. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not indicated when he will bring the NDAA up again, and Republicans are divided on the reconciliation package's size and offsets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:44 AM UTC

On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a reconciliation package providing $60 billion for the Pentagon, both in largely party-line votes (NDAA 216-212; budget resolution 216-214). The NDAA includes provisions for multiyear F-35 and F-15EX procurement, elimination of two Space Force acquisition organizations, authorization for four MH-139 helicopters, a prohibition on retiring E-3 AWACS aircraft through 2027, and requirements for reports on arming tanker aircraft and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programs. The reconciliation package, the third such effort this Congress, totals $95 billion, with $60 billion for military needs, partly to cover costs of the war with Iran and replenish munitions. However, both bills face an uncertain future in the Senate, where a procedural vote on the NDAA failed earlier in July due to Democratic opposition over the Iran conflict and defense spending levels. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not indicated when he will bring the NDAA up again, and Republicans are divided on the reconciliation package's size and offsets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:44 AM UTC

Congressional leaders are taking early steps to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 4, largely along party lines (220-205). House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Democrats would 'own the chaos' if they oppose the bill, while Democratic leaders called it a premature Republican tactic. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working with Senator Susan Collins on a bipartisan agreement to fund the government past November. Separately, the House Appropriations Committee is revisiting the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would trigger automatic two-week continuing resolutions during funding lapses and require Congress and OMB staff to remain in Washington until a deal is reached. The bill, supported by AFGE, aims to stop using federal employees as bargaining chips. The article notes the longest government shutdown in history occurred last year, followed by a partial DHS shutdown.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:23 PM UTC

Congressional leaders are taking early steps to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, following the longest government shutdown in history last year and a subsequent partial shutdown. The House passed a continuing resolution on Tuesday to fund the government through December 4, largely along party lines (220-205). House Speaker Mike Johnson warned Democrats would 'own the chaos' if they oppose the bill, while Democratic leaders called it a premature Republican abdication of responsibility. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said bipartisan talks are underway to fund the government past November elections. Separately, the House Appropriations Committee is revisiting the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would trigger automatic two-week continuing resolutions during funding lapses and require Congress and OMB staff to remain in Washington until a deal is reached. The American Federation of Government Employees supports the bill, citing concerns that federal workers will again go unpaid.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:23 PM UTC

House Republicans on Wednesday approved a $95 billion framework for a third budget reconciliation package, marking a significant victory for Speaker Mike Johnson. The framework includes increased funding for the Pentagon, agricultural aid, and provisions to incentivize states to adopt voting restrictions. The vote was a challenge for Johnson due to his party's razor-thin majority, requiring him to win over skeptical lawmakers. The reconciliation process allows the package to bypass the Senate filibuster, though the framework still requires detailed legislative drafting and further votes in both chambers. The proposal reflects key Republican priorities on defense spending and election integrity, while Democrats have criticized the voting restriction incentives as voter suppression.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:00 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Republican-led bill on July 22, 2026, that would ban members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing new stocks. The bill passed 232-198 largely along party lines, with 13 Democrats supporting it. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), allows members to keep existing stocks but requires advance public notice for sales. Violators could face fines from ethics panels. Republicans added an unrelated voter ID requirement, which Democrats criticized as a poison pill. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. Previous bipartisan efforts to ban stock ownership entirely stalled over disagreements about extending the ban to the president and vice president.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:29 PM UTC

On July 14, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, a key law that funds essential services for senior citizens, including the Meals on Wheels program. Advocates are now urging the House of Representatives to quickly approve the bill to ensure uninterrupted funding for these services. The reauthorization is seen as critical to supporting the growing elderly population in the United States. The article highlights the urgency of legislative action to maintain vital community-based support for older Americans.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:00 PM UTC

Congresswoman and Navy veteran Jen Kiggans argues that retaining experienced fighter pilots is a strategic imperative, not just a personnel issue. She notes that many pilots leave active duty due to cumulative pressures from deployments, family separation, and quality-of-life concerns, taking with them irreplaceable tactical expertise and leadership. Kiggans highlights that recruiting successes under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are promising, but retention requires separate solutions. She successfully included a provision in the fiscal 2027 NDAA for a comprehensive Navy assessment of fighter pilot retention. The article emphasizes that bonuses alone are insufficient; infrastructure, family stability, operational tempo, and career flexibility must all be addressed to preserve America's military edge.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:00 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives voted decisively on Tuesday night to reject an amendment proposed by Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) that would have prohibited Pentagon funding from being used for Ukraine security assistance, except for funding to secure the U.S. embassy in Kyiv. The amendment, attached to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), was defeated by a vote of 76 to 350, with broad bipartisan opposition. The outcome reflects continued congressional support for military aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia, despite growing skepticism among some Republican lawmakers. The vote underscores the prevailing consensus in the House to maintain security assistance for Ukraine, even as debates over the scope and duration of such aid persist.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:50 AM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a stopgap spending measure that would fund federal agencies at current levels through December 4, aiming to prevent a government shutdown before the fiscal year ends on September 30. The bill passed with a vote of 220-205, with six Democrats and one independent joining Republicans in support. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:27 AM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives has adopted an amendment introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment, passed via voice vote on Tuesday evening, mandates a 0.5 percent reduction in the defense budget if any component of the Pentagon fails to receive a passing audit. This move ties defense funding directly to the Pentagon's financial accountability, reflecting ongoing congressional scrutiny over the Department of Defense's inability to pass a full audit. The amendment is part of broader efforts to enforce fiscal discipline within the military's budget, which has faced repeated audit failures in recent years.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:36 AM UTC

A bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives, the Quiet Skies Act, would require the Federal Aviation Administration to ban in-flight phone and video calls within 180 days. Former flight attendants and etiquette experts support the measure, arguing that phone calls disrupt passengers, create distractions for crew, and increase potential for conflict. While major US airlines already prohibit calls, some carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow them on Starlink-equipped flights. Proponents say a universal ban would provide clarity and reduce confrontations, though some suggest designated call areas could be an alternative. The bill revives a 2018 congressional mandate that was never implemented.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:56 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) on a mostly party-line vote of 220-205 to extend government funding through December 4, 2026, aiming to avert a partial shutdown this fall. The stopgap measure, supported by six Democrats and opposed by one Republican (Thomas Massie), now moves to the Senate, where Republicans plan to add 'anomalies' requested by the Trump administration, particularly for military funding. Senate Majority Leader John Thune intends to bring a modified bill to the floor before the August recess, but the House is leaving town earlier, raising the possibility of final negotiations in September. House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole said the move pressures Democrats ahead of the midterm elections. Democratic leaders criticized the bill as premature and lacking bipartisan input.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:34 PM UTC

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced on Tuesday that Senate Republicans will 'hold' any budget reconciliation framework passed by the House, using it as a potential backup plan to prevent a government shutdown at the end of September. Thune stated that Senate Republicans will not act immediately on any budget resolution passed by the House, instead keeping it in reserve. This strategy aims to provide a legislative safety net if other funding measures fail, ensuring continuity of government operations. The move reflects ongoing partisan negotiations over federal spending and the approaching fiscal year deadline.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:46 PM UTC

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) achieved a key procedural victory on Tuesday as House Republicans voted 214-211 to pass a rule setting up floor debate and final votes on a slate of high-profile Republican priorities. The rule advances the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other measures before lawmakers leave Washington. The vote, which fell largely along party lines, represents the first major hurdle in Johnson's packed legislative agenda. The passage of the rule allows the House to proceed with consideration of the NDAA, a critical annual defense policy bill, along with other Republican-backed initiatives. The narrow margin underscores the tight partisan dynamics in the chamber as Republicans seek to advance their legislative priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:42 PM UTC

The article analyzes the challenges facing the Republican trifecta (control of the House, Senate, and White House) in 2026. Despite winning in 2024 on a promise to deliver President Trump's agenda, internal disagreements, slim majorities, Freedom Caucus rebellions, and a lengthy government shutdown have hampered progress. With only nine weeks of legislative time left before the midterms, lawmakers like Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. Chip Roy express frustration over the lack of delivery on key priorities. The GOP has passed some items via reconciliation but still faces a long list of must-do legislation including the NDAA, farm bill, surface transportation reauthorization, and government funding. Experts compare the situation to the 2017 trifecta, noting that legislating remains difficult even with unified control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 06:29 PM UTC

Democratic U.S. Representative Cleo Fields announced on July 21, 2026, that he will not seek reelection to Congress after Louisiana's congressional map was redrawn, eliminating his majority-Black district. The Supreme Court had struck down the previous map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, leading the state legislature to adopt new lines that favor Republicans. Fields, who returned to Congress in 2025 after nearly three decades, will instead run for his old seat in the Louisiana Senate, which became open following the death of his successor. The new 6th District, which Fields currently represents, is now a majority-white seat in the Baton Rouge area that would have favored Donald Trump by 32 points. The National Republican Congressional Committee has added the district to its target list for the 2026 elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:17 PM UTC

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated on Tuesday that he would support expanding the House's prohibition on sexual relationships between lawmakers and staff members. When asked at a press conference whether he would back a ban on members having relations with any Capitol Hill staff, as some top Republican women in the House have advocated, Johnson expressed openness to the idea. The move would broaden existing rules that currently restrict certain relationships, aiming to address concerns about workplace power dynamics and ethics on Capitol Hill. The proposal has gained traction among Republican women lawmakers seeking stronger protections against misconduct.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:33 PM UTC

XRP holders face a critical two-day countdown as Senator Elizabeth Warren's July 23 deadline for President Trump to disclose personal crypto earnings intersects with the fate of the CLARITY Act. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act would codify XRP's commodity classification into permanent federal law, replacing a reversible SEC/CFTC interpretation. The bill passed the House 294-134 and cleared the Senate Banking Committee but requires 60 votes in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats but need 7-9 Democratic votes with only about 2 secured. Three disputes are holding up a floor vote: Warren's disclosure request, DeFi developer protections from money-laundering rules, and a Coinbase-versus-banks fight over stablecoin rewards. Missing the August 7 recess deadline could push crypto legislation to 2030. Polymarket traders price 2026 passage odds at 43%. XRP trades around $1.14, down 39.46% year to date.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:45 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Republican-led Stop Insider Trading Act, which bans members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying new stocks but allows them to retain existing holdings. Democrats opposed the bill as too weak, arguing it should also cover the president and executive branch, and objected to an added voter ID requirement. A previous bipartisan consensus bill requiring full divestment stalled. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:53 PM UTC

Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced on Monday that she will not run for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). In a statement, Mace explained that her decision is not due to a lack of resolve but because she has 'unfinished business' in the House of Representatives. She emphasized that the fight she is currently engaged in matters and requires her continued focus. The announcement clarifies the upcoming Senate race in South Carolina, removing a potential high-profile candidate from the contest.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:04 PM UTC