Mike Johnson

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and adviser, in New York to discuss housing, immigration, and affordability. The meeting, confirmed by sources and first reported by The New York Times, suggests Trump’s inner circle is preparing for a possible Democratic House majority after the November midterms. Jeffries, likely to become Speaker if Democrats win, left the door open for bipartisan cooperation but criticized Republican policies. Critics within the Democratic party condemned the meeting as undermining accountability.

6 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 25, 10:58 AM UTC

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno faces backlash after cursing at Dr. Anthony Fauci during a July 2026 Senate hearing, while remaining silent on domestic abuse allegations against his daughter's ex-husband, Representative Max Miller. Miller is accused of throwing boiling water, holding a gun to Emily Moreno's head, and fracturing their toddler's collarbone. Miller denies the claims, alleging Emily is lying and has bipolar disorder. Moreno's office dismisses the allegations as baseless, citing active litigation. The Ohio GOP delegation has largely stayed silent.

51 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 11, 01:08 PM UTC

On August 6, 2026, Tennessee Republican Representative Andy Ogles lost his primary to former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, despite an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Governor Bill Lee and other state GOP figures backed Hatcher, highlighting intra-party conflict. Ogles faced scandals including résumé embellishment, an ethics investigation, and inflammatory remarks. Redistricting added many new voters to the 5th District, contributing to his defeat. Hatcher will face Democrat Chaz Molder in the general election.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 7, 02:43 PM UTC

The Trump administration is expected to extend a temporary waiver of the Jones Act, a U.S. maritime law requiring domestic shipping on American vessels, to ease fuel transport bottlenecks and lower gasoline prices. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signaled the extension on August 5, 2026, citing price relief in California and the East Coast. The move faces opposition from Republican lawmakers and maritime groups, who warn it harms national security. Gas prices remain above $4/gallon amid the U.S.-Iran war disrupting Strait of Hormuz oil flows.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 5, 07:55 PM UTC

On July 22, 2026, the U.S. House narrowly passed the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a 216-212 vote, approving a historic $1.15 trillion defense budget. The bill includes a 5-7% military pay raise, force expansion, renaming nine southern bases, and renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The near party-line vote highlighted deep partisan divisions over the ongoing Iran war, which has cost $37.5 billion, and rising national debt. The bill now moves to Senate negotiations.

18 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:10 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 faction 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 handful of members have learned to hold votes hostage to extract concessions. The article draws parallels to the 2023 ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy by a similar group, warning Johnson could face the same fate.

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

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 threatened by a small faction of far-right conservatives who have repeatedly disrupted the Republican agenda. Johnson, known for being soft-spoken, later apologized to Luna and knelt before the young son of Representative Gabe Evans to express regret for cursing. Ultimately, Johnson was forced to pull the bill, a strategy that has become normalized due to the party's razor-thin majority and the ability of a few conservatives to hold votes hostage. The article notes that similar tactics led to the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023, warning that Johnson could face the same fate.

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

House Republicans released a fiscal 2027 budget resolution on July 15, 2026, allocating up to $95 billion over 10 years—$73 billion for defense and intelligence funding for the Iran war (Operation Epic Fury), $12 billion for farm aid, and $10 billion for voter ID measures under the SAVE America Act. The reconciliation package bypasses Democratic opposition but lacks spending offsets, drawing criticism from fiscal hawks. The House Budget Committee approved it 20-14 along party lines, but the floor vote faces uncertainty due to narrow GOP margins and united Democratic opposition.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:38 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

In Arizona’s July 2026 Republican primaries, Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Biggs won the gubernatorial nomination with 73% of the vote, defeating Rep. David Schweikert. Biggs, a former House Freedom Caucus chair and election denier, will face Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in November. In the 5th Congressional District, former sheriff Mark Lamb won despite a sexual misconduct scandal. The primaries set up competitive general elections in this key battleground state, with Republicans eyeing a comeback.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:58 AM UTC

Speaker Mike Johnson secured a tactical victory Tuesday as House Republicans voted to advance a budget framework for a third reconciliation package. The proposal includes $73 billion in defense and intelligence funding amid ongoing conflicts. However, the path forward remains uncertain as GOP leaders must navigate significant opposition from conservative hardliners within their own caucus. The budget framework is part of a broader effort to pass key Republican priorities through the reconciliation process, which allows for passage with a simple majority in the Senate. Johnson's ability to maintain party unity will be tested in the coming weeks as more detailed spending and policy provisions are debated.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:38 PM UTC

Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans cleared a major procedural hurdle on Tuesday, passing a rule by a narrow 214-211 vote that sets up floor debate and final votes on several high-profile Republican priorities. The rule advances the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other measures before lawmakers leave Washington. The vote marks the first significant step in Johnson's packed legislative agenda, demonstrating party unity on key defense and policy issues.

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

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

The article analyzes Republican strategy for the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that GOP strategists plan to run a 'hate election' by making voters more dissatisfied with Democrats than with the incumbent Republican trifecta. It notes that President Trump's unpopularity, the Iran war, inflation, and a fracturing agenda burden Republicans. Polling data from a June survey shows 'double haters' (voters who dislike both parties) favor Democrats by 26 points (55% to 29%), suggesting the strategy may backfire. The piece also critiques Trump's focus on the SAVE Act (voter suppression legislation) and 2020 election grievances as out of touch with voters' economic struggles, and cites historical GOP use of hatred as a political tool from the Southern strategy to MAGA.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:01 PM UTC

The article analyzes the Republican Party's strategy for the 2026 midterm elections, which relies on stoking voter hatred toward Democrats to overcome the GOP's own unpopularity. It notes that President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and GOP strategists are betting that Americans are more dissatisfied with the opposition party than the party in power. However, polling data suggests this approach may backfire: a June survey shows 'double haters' (voters who dislike both parties) favor Democrats by 26 points (55% to 29%). The piece also highlights internal GOP dissent, with Senator John Cornyn questioning the focus on 2020 election grievances. The article concludes that the GOP's strategy of organizing hatreds, while historically successful, appears less viable in the current political climate due to the party's control of Washington and its unpopular policies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:01 PM UTC

Roll Call reports that independent voters are increasingly skeptical of President Donald Trump's baseless claims about the 2020 election and election security, contributing to a broader trend of the key voting bloc abandoning him ahead of the November midterms. Multiple polls, including YouGov and Washington Post-Ipsos, show independents' approval of Trump has dropped sharply, with 77% believing he is trying to sow doubt rather than presenting concrete evidence. CNN's Harry Enten noted Trump holds the record for the lowest net approval rating among independents at this point in a second term, worse than Nixon during Watergate. Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's allegations, while Trump used a primetime White House address to warn about alleged cyber vulnerabilities in voting systems, reverting to his unproven claims of widespread voting fraud.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:51 PM UTC

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is facing a critical week as he attempts to rally restive conservative members of his caucus to support a budget resolution and a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government. The House is in its final week before the August recess, and Johnson must also advance the annual defense authorization bill. The article, presented as a podcast summary by CQ Roll Call reporters Aris Folley, Jacob Fulton, and Aidan Quigley, highlights the dicey prospects for the budget resolution after committee approval and the White House's lobbying efforts on a reconciliation bill. The outcome will test Johnson's leadership and the unity of the Republican conference amid internal divisions over spending levels and policy priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:39 PM UTC

This analysis from Roll Call examines how Congress is increasingly reliant on budget reconciliation—a filibuster-proof process—to pass major legislation, as traditional legislative paths close. With narrow majorities, fewer deal-makers, and power struggles with President Trump, Republicans are pursuing a third reconciliation package for a $95 billion Iran war funding, farm aid, and voter ID measures. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called it a 'very uneven path.' The article notes that both parties have used reconciliation to bypass normal appropriations, which expert Molly Reynolds says is 'buckling under political conflicts.' Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins opposes using reconciliation, advocating for normal appropriations. The House is preparing a short-term funding extension into December as fiscal 2027 deadlines loom.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:00 AM UTC

This analysis from Roll Call examines how the U.S. Congress is increasingly reliant on budget reconciliation—a filibuster-proof process—to pass major legislation, as traditional legislative paths close. With narrow Republican majorities, fewer deal-makers, and ongoing power struggles with President Donald Trump, lawmakers are turning to reconciliation for a third time in 2026, this time for a $95 billion package funding the Iran war, farm aid, and voter ID measures. The article highlights the breakdown of the normal appropriations process, with Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and ranking member Patty Murray unable to agree on spending limits for fiscal 2027. Experts like Brookings' Molly Reynolds note that the erosion of Congress's power of the purse and political conflicts between the legislative and executive branches have left lawmakers 'stuck.' Both parties have used reconciliation in recent years, but its overuse signals a deeper dysfunction in congressional governance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:00 AM UTC

Republican leaders in the U.S. Congress are struggling to advance their partisan legislative priorities before the August recess. The week began with the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who was replaced by his sister Darline Graham. House Speaker Mike Johnson managed to break a legislative blockade and advance a State Department funding bill. However, the unveiling of a $95 billion reconciliation package funding the Iran war, farm aid, and voter ID measures sparked opposition from Republican deficit hawks in both chambers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the difficult path forward, citing a slim majority and the extended absence of Senator Mitch McConnell. The core dispute centers on the SAVE America Act, a voter ID and election overhaul package that lacks sufficient Senate support. Senator Thom Tillis warned that adding complexity like the SAVE Act would hinder progress, advocating for a simpler approach focused on funding the government and reelection.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:28 AM UTC

Republican leaders in Congress are struggling to advance their legislative agenda before the August recess, following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the swearing-in of his sister Darline Graham. The House managed early wins, including advancing the fiscal 2027 State Department funding bill, but faced significant pushback after unveiling a $95 billion reconciliation package funding the Iran war, farm aid, and voter ID measures without offsets. Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the difficulty of passing the package through his slim majority, especially with Senator Mitch McConnell's extended absence. The SAVE America Act, a voter ID and election overhaul measure, lacks sufficient Senate votes. Senator Thom Tillis urged simplicity, warning that complex add-ons like the SAVE Act could derail progress. The GOP faces internal divisions over spending offsets and legislative strategy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:28 AM UTC

Republican leaders in the U.S. Congress are struggling to advance their legislative agenda before the August recess. The week began with the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, who was quickly replaced by his sister Darline Graham. The House managed some early wins, including advancing the fiscal 2027 State Department funding bill. However, Speaker Mike Johnson and the White House's unveiling of a $95 billion reconciliation package—funding the Iran war, farm aid, and voter ID measures without offsets—sparked significant opposition from Republican fiscal hawks in both chambers. Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the difficult path, citing a slim majority and the extended absence of Senator Mitch McConnell. The core dispute centers on the SAVE America Act, a voter ID and election overhaul package that lacks sufficient Senate support. Senator Thom Tillis urged a simpler approach focused on funding the government and reelection, warning that complex partisan measures could derail progress.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:28 AM UTC

House lawmakers unveiled a $60 billion defense reconciliation package on July 15, which is $290 billion less than the Pentagon's requested $350 billion. The bill, dubbed 'Reconciliation 3.0,' aims to bypass the Senate's 60-vote threshold using a simple majority process. It follows a Senate failure to advance the National Defense Authorization bill. The Air Force and Space Force would face acute shortfalls, as $28.2 billion of their budget request was supposed to come through reconciliation, covering F-35 purchases, targeting satellites, and munitions. Republicans have narrow majorities and face opposition from fiscal hawks and moderates. The White House also submitted a separate $67 billion supplemental for the Iran war. The House Armed Services Committee must still allocate the $60 billion, potentially redirecting funds toward war needs like munitions and operational costs, leaving other priorities unfunded.

1 reports · 1 sources

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced questions at a Tuesday press conference about a fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford, Maine, where 26-year-old father Joan Sebastian Guerrero was killed by an agent. Guerrero was reportedly authorized to work in the U.S. and was not the target of an immigration operation. The agents involved were not wearing body cameras, contradicting DHS assurances to Congress about expanding camera use. When asked by reporter Benjamin Weiss about congressional accountability for DHS, Johnson replied, 'I don't know anything about this event,' claiming he had worked 22 hours and had not received a briefing. The incident marks the eleventh fatal ICE shooting under Donald Trump's current term. Johnson preemptively defended himself against accusations of turning a blind eye to inconvenient news.

1 reports · 1 sources