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.
President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) has publicly called on Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to provide a health update or resign after a 43-day unexplained absence following a June 14 fall and pneumonia. McConnell, 84, remains in rehabilitation with no return date. The absence creates political uncertainty as an August 3 deadline nears for a special election under a 2024 Kentucky law barring gubernatorial appointments. Beshear suggests a special election could give Democrats a chance at the seat. McConnell’s office has released only two photos and a brief recovery statement.
Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte announced a fifth round of layoffs at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), reducing staff by approximately 30% from weeks prior. The cuts, announced via social media, come hours before the Senate is expected to confirm Jay Clayton as permanent DNI. Pulte, who lacks national security experience, has overseen rapid downsizing following predecessor Tulsi Gabbard’s earlier reductions. The move has drawn criticism amid ongoing declassification of foreign election interference documents.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump’s “patience is running out” with Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE Act, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship. Thune pushed back, urging the White House to secure votes themselves amid a 50-50 Senate. The dispute highlights intra-party tensions as the bill faces a 60-vote threshold, with a potential government shutdown looming in September. Trump has tied the bill’s passage to other legislation, causing a broader legislative stalemate.
A federal appeals court, the 1st U.S. Circuit of Appeals, ruled on Saturday against the Trump administration's attempt to enforce stricter mail-in voting rules ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, where control of both the House and Senate is at stake. The court declined to lift a lower-court injunction issued in June that had blocked parts of President Trump's executive order on mail-in voting. The decision represents a legal setback for the administration's efforts to tighten voting procedures, with the midterm elections expected in the coming months.
The French Senate voted on July 3, 2026, to adopt a heavily right-wing revised emergency agricultural bill, originally drafted to address farmer protests. The bill controversially reintroduces two banned insecticides—acetamiprid and flupyradifurone—for limited use on crops like hazelnuts and sugar beets, despite government opposition from Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard. Environmental NGOs, left-leaning groups, and patient associations condemned the move as a dangerous setback. The bill also eases water storage and wolf management rules. Tensions remain high as a joint committee prepares to reconcile differences with the National Assembly's version.
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.
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) has asked Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul to halt the current slate of USPS Board of Governors nominees until the Trump administration submits Democratic nominees. The board currently has two Democrats, one Republican, and one independent, with five vacancies. Trump has submitted four Republican nominees, violating the legal requirement that no more than five members belong to the same party. Peters argues this imbalance undermines public confidence. The dispute follows the Supreme Court's Slaughter v. FTC ruling, which stripped removal protections from independent agency members. Trump has been more directly involved in USPS operations than predecessors, including an executive order on voter mail verification and consideration of merging USPS with the Commerce Department. Experts note the political composition should not distract from urgent postal reform needs.
On July 23, 2026, California Senators Adam B. Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, escorted the Los Angeles Dodgers' two World Series trophies through the Russell Senate Office Building. The trophies were en route to a meeting with members of the Dodgers team. The Dodgers won the Major League Baseball World Series back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. The event was captured in a photograph by Bill Clark of CQ Roll Call and published in Roll Call's Capitol Lens feature.
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.
During a Senate hearing on July 22, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan frustration over the Trump administration's shifting rationales and lack of clear strategy for the costly war on Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury. Senators from both parties pressed Hegseth to defend his previous statements, which included claims of 'historic victory' and that Iran's nuclear capability had been 'obliterated.' Hegseth responded evasively, refusing to give yes-or-no answers. The frustration comes as public opinion collapses, with 68% of Americans and only one-third of MAGA voters now opposing the war. Sen. Chris Coons criticized the administration for not consulting Congress or the public before launching the conflict. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand highlighted the disconnect between past claims of obliterating Iran's nuclear program and the current justification for war. Even Trump ally Sen. John Kennedy demanded 'straight answers' about whether Iran could restart its nuclear program after U.S. operations end. The hearing underscored growing doubts about the White House's $1.5 trillion defense request.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senate Republicans released a revised cryptocurrency regulatory framework bill on July 22, 2026, adding an ethics section to address potential conflicts of interest for public officials, including the president. The bill, championed by retiring Senator Cynthia Lummis, aims to set a market structure for digital assets. However, Democratic negotiators remain unsatisfied, citing President Donald Trump's crypto ventures and demanding stronger enforcement, including the ability for state attorneys general to act. Key Democrats like Senators Alsobrooks and Booker withheld support, warning the bill could die without a bipartisan deal. With a potential floor vote next week and a filibuster requiring at least seven Democratic votes, the legislative clock is ticking.
Senate Republicans released a revised cryptocurrency regulatory framework bill on July 22, 2026, adding an ethics section to address potential conflicts of interest for public officials, including the president, vice president, and members of Congress. The ban on issuing or sponsoring digital assets would sunset on Jan. 20, 2029. Despite this addition, Democratic negotiators remain unsatisfied, citing President Trump's crypto ventures and demanding stronger enforcement, including allowing state attorneys general to act. Key Democratic senators who previously supported the bill now withhold support. Republicans need at least seven Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster. The legislative clock is tight, with a possible floor vote before the August 7 recess.
A new draft of the Clarity Act, a 600-plus page cryptocurrency bill approved by Republicans, would impose temporary ethics rules banning public officials, including President Donald Trump, from issuing or sponsoring digital assets until 2029. The provision could restrict Trump from further profiting from his crypto businesses, which earned an estimated $1.4 billion last year. The bill would also require officials to place existing crypto assets in blind trusts or divest them. However, Democrats oppose the measure because it tasks the Justice Department with enforcement while barring state attorneys general from acting. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) called the enforcement plan 'wild and unserious.' With no Democratic support and the Senate set to leave for August recess, the bill is unlikely to reach the 60 votes needed to advance.
President Trump's new 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods are facing significant skepticism from Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said he has not heard the rationale for the move. Senators Mike Rounds and Bill Cassidy expressed concerns that the tariffs will raise prices for American consumers amid rising inflation. Senator Susan Collins, facing a tough reelection in Maine, noted the intertwined economies of Maine and Canada. Trump is using Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act as legal justification, but Senator Rounds questioned the legal basis after the Supreme Court struck down previous tariffs. The tariffs exclude energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals. The article notes that while businesses successfully sued to overturn previous tariffs, Republicans in Congress have historically refused to vote to overturn them, raising questions about the upcoming midterm elections.
Republican Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska blocked a unanimous consent request from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to pass the Presidential Airlift Security Act. The legislation would have prohibited President Trump from using taxpayer money to further retrofit a luxury Boeing 747 that was gifted to the president by Qatar. Schumer argued the funds should not be used for what he described as unnecessary luxury upgrades, while Fischer's objection prevented the bill from advancing without a full vote. The move highlights ongoing partisan tensions over executive spending and foreign gifts.
On July 21, 2026, the French National Assembly's Law Committee classified a petition that would have allowed opponents to bring the proposed law on presumption of self-defense for police and gendarmes back to parliamentary debate. The text, already adopted by the Assembly, aims to grant greater legal protection to law enforcement when using firearms. It is supported by the government, the right, and the far right. The proposed law will be examined in the Senate in the fall. Opponents have raised criticisms and concerns about the changes the adoption could bring. The article explains the potential implications and revisits the controversy surrounding the legislation.
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.
The House Appropriations Committee held a hearing to discuss alternatives to the annual threat of government shutdowns. Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) proposed a bill that would automatically extend funding for 14-day periods during a lapse, requiring lawmakers to remain in session. Democrats, led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, argued this would remove incentives for compromise. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) proposed allowing appropriations bills to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster. Former White House budget director Shalanda Young warned against over-reliance on continuing resolutions, which hamper agency planning. The hearing occurred just before the House's summer recess, with an Oct. 1 funding deadline looming.
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.
The French Parliament definitively adopted a bill on July 21, 2026, creating a public property company to manage state real estate. The reform, supported by President Macron's party and ranging from the National Rally to the Socialists, aims to rationalize the public property portfolio and finance the ecological transition. Under the new system, ministries and other administrations will become tenants of the state-owned company, paying rent based on the surfaces they actually use. The state holds nearly 96 million m² of built surface and 42,000 km² of undeveloped land, valued at around 74 billion euros. The goal is to reduce the portfolio by 25% by 2032. The left was divided: La France Insoumise opposed the reform as introducing market logic into the state, while the Socialist Party supported it. The government argues the reform will make real estate costs more visible and help address an estimated 140-150 billion euro investment gap by 2050.
On July 21, 2026, the French Parliament definitively adopted a bill creating a land company to manage state real estate, forcing ministries and other administrations to become tenants rather than owners of their buildings. The reform, authored by former minister Thomas Cazenave, aims to rationalize the public property portfolio, achieve savings, and finance the ecological transition. The state owns nearly 96 million square meters of built space and 42,000 square kilometers of undeveloped land, valued at around 74 billion euros. The goal is to reduce the portfolio by 25% by 2032. Rents charged to ministries will make occupancy costs visible and encourage space reduction or pooling. The bill passed the National Assembly with 276 votes in favor and 86 against, supported by parties from the National Rally to the Socialist Party. Left-wing groups like La France Insoumise opposed it, warning of market logic harming public services. The government cites a Court of Auditors estimate of 140-150 billion euros needed for investment by 2050.
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.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before a Senate hearing, arguing that Donald Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget is a necessary investment to avoid critical shortfalls. The testimony follows a reported $37.5 billion price tag for a potential conflict with Iran. Hegseth emphasized that without these funds, the U.S. military would face significant gaps in readiness and capability. The hearing highlights ongoing debates over defense spending priorities and the financial implications of military engagement with Iran.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) stated on Tuesday that Republicans would welcome Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) into their conference if he decides to leave the Democratic Party. The potential switch is driven by growing hostility toward Israel among progressive Democrats, which has reportedly alienated Fetterman, a staunch supporter of Israel. Thune's comment came in response to a question about whether Republicans would 'roll out the red carpet' for Fetterman. The development highlights deepening intra-party divisions within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Fetterman has not publicly indicated an intention to switch parties, but his alignment with Republican positions on Israel has fueled speculation about a possible defection.
1 reports · 1 sources · Updated
Periodic recap
What changed for this subject in each tracking window — generated from matched events, delta-first.
→· 1 event in window
Senate attention this period shifted to the federal funding process. The House passed a continuing resolution 370-48 to extend federal funding through December 11, following Senate passage on August 8. The bill now goes to President Trump for signature, averting a fourth government shutdown during Trump's second term. Congress has yet to complete any of the 12 full-year spending bills for fiscal year 2027.
The House passed a stopgap funding bill 370-48 to extend federal funding through December 11, following Senate passage on August 8.
The bill has been sent to President Trump for signature, averting a fourth government shutdown during his second term.
Congress has failed to complete any of the 12 full-year spending bills for fiscal year 2027, and the stopgap does not address the national debt exceeding $40 trillion.
Earlier recaps
→· 1 event in window
Senate attention this period shifted to McConnell's health and seat. Kentucky Governor Beshear publicly called on McConnell to provide a health update or resign after a 43-day absence following a June fall. McConnell remains in rehabilitation with no return date, and his office has released only limited information. Under a 2024 Kentucky law barring gubernatorial appointments, a vacancy would trigger a special election.
Tracked events
Events matched to this subject by the tracking pipeline, with signal scores.
Senate activity this period centered on the Attorney General nomination. President Trump threatened to temporarily withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts are demanding changes to an IRS settlement involving Trump, stalling the confirmation process. Blanche can remain as acting AG, but the nomination's path forward is uncertain.
→· 2 events in window
Senate dynamics this period continued the tension surrounding intelligence community confirmations. Senator Rand Paul released Anthony Fauci's private diaries ahead of a contentious hearing, adding a new dimension to a long-running feud. Meanwhile, Acting DNI Bill Pulte announced another major round of layoffs at ODNI just hours before the Senate was expected to confirm Jay Clayton as permanent director, raising concerns about institutional stability.
→· 2 events in window
This period's Senate-related developments centered on two significant events. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died on July 11 at age 71 after a brief illness, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum. Separately, Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton refused to state that Joe Biden won the 2020 election during his confirmation hearing, drawing sharp Democratic criticism, though he is still expected to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
· Signal 112.8
Trump Threatens to Withdraw AG Nominee Blanche Over GOP Senate Holdouts
President Trump suggested temporarily withdrawing Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis blocked a committee vote. The holdouts demand changes to a $1.8 billion IRS settlement granting Trump immunity from audits. Blanche can remain acting AG, but Trump may wait until the senators leave office next year, risking a Democratic Senate takeover.