U.S. Senate

On August 11-12, 2026, primary elections in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Carolina set the stage for the November midterms. In Minnesota, progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic Senate primary, while Sen. Amy Klobuchar secured the gubernatorial nod. Trump-endorsed Mike Lindell lost the GOP gubernatorial primary. In Wisconsin, progressive Francesca Hong narrowly lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary to establishment candidate David Crowley. The results highlight ongoing intra-party divisions ahead of the general election.

11 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 12, 02:37 PM UTC

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.

91 reports · 15 sources · Updated Aug 11, 02:49 PM UTC

The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in an 86-11 bipartisan vote, imposing sanctions on Russia over its Ukraine invasion and granting President Trump authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on top Russian oil and gas buyers, including China, India, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Slovakia. The bill also targets Russian officials, oligarchs, and Iran’s energy sector. It now heads to the House, facing uncertain prospects due to concerns over expanded presidential tariff powers.

18 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 13, 01:12 PM UTC

On August 6-7, 2026, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess as the third Chief of Space Operations (CSO) for the U.S. Space Force, succeeding retiring Gen. Chance Saltzman. Schiess, promoted to four-star general and a Joint Chiefs of Staff member, emphasized deterrence over confrontation amid China’s rapid space advancements. He plans to double the force to 20,000 Guardians, strengthen acquisition and launch infrastructure, and manage a $71 billion budget.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 7, 02:56 PM UTC

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.

12 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 6, 09:44 PM UTC

On July 30, 2026, the Senate HELP Committee voted along party lines to advance Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director and Sean Kaufman as ASPR assistant secretary. Schwartz’s nomination passed 13-10, with Democrat Tim Kaine crossing party lines, citing urgent health threats like Ebola and measles. Kaufman’s nomination advanced 12-11 after he agreed to avoid vaccine policymaking. Both nominees face full Senate confirmation amid concerns over political interference from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has pursued a vaccine-skeptical agenda.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 6, 02:53 PM UTC

On July 29, 2026, Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing chaired by Sen. Rand Paul, declining to answer questions about his COVID-19 pandemic response. Paul ordered security to remove Fauci’s attorney and threatened contempt of Congress, with a committee vote scheduled for next week. Fauci, who received a presidential pardon from Joe Biden in 2025, accused Paul of an “unhinged obsession.” The hearing highlighted deep partisan divisions over pandemic accountability.

15 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 6, 01:50 PM UTC

Senators Mark Warner and Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced the RECOVER PII Act to provide lifetime identity protection and $5 million identity-theft insurance to 22.1 million federal employees, contractors, and families affected by the 2015 OPM data breaches linked to China. Current 10-year coverage expires September 30, 2026. The bill also allows agencies to reimburse privacy tools. Stolen data includes Social Security numbers and security clearance records, with risks persisting as adversaries combine data over time. Similar bills have previously failed.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 3, 03:00 PM 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

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Wednesday that his office is launching an investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top U.S. infectious disease official. The probe follows a Senate hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic during which Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment rights over 100 times, declining to answer questions. Uthmeier criticized Fauci's lack of candor to Congress, stating the move on social media platform X. The investigation marks a significant escalation in political scrutiny of Fauci's role in pandemic response, with Florida taking legal action at the state level.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 12:09 AM UTC

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday opposing any presidential pardon or clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex offender and associate of Jeffrey Epstein. The resolution, introduced by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), aims to prevent acting Attorney General Todd Blanche—nominated by President Trump to remain in the role—from granting any form of clemency to Maxwell. The bipartisan vote reflects strong congressional opposition to leniency for Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for sex trafficking and other crimes related to her role in Epstein's abuse network. The resolution serves as a symbolic but firm statement against any potential executive action to reduce her sentence or pardon her.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:35 PM UTC

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.

12 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 3, 03:02 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. senators at the Capitol on Tuesday to request additional American military support, particularly anti-ballistic missile systems, and to highlight Ukraine's battlefield progress against Russian forces. The meeting took place just before senators voted to advance a legislative package that would impose new sanctions on Russia and introduce steep tariffs on countries supporting Moscow's war effort. Zelensky's visit underscores Ukraine's urgent need for advanced air defense capabilities to counter Russian missile strikes, while also signaling Kyiv's confidence in its ongoing counteroffensive. The session reflects continued bipartisan U.S. engagement with Ukraine amid the protracted conflict.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:51 AM 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 U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'Stop Insider Trading Act' on July 22, 2026, which bans individual stock trading by members of Congress and their families but allows them to keep existing portfolios and reinvest dividends. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the bill on X, calling it full of 'major loopholes' and stating it 'won't solve the problem.' The bill also includes voter ID requirements for federal elections, a provision championed by President Trump. About 48% of members of Congress still own individual stocks as of late 2025, according to the Campaign Legal Center. Critics argue the legislation fails to address the appearance of insider trading and would not have prevented past cases like former Senator Richard Burr's stock sales before the pandemic crash. The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where Democratic senators oppose both the stock trading provisions and the voting restrictions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 02:30 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'Stop Insider Trading Act' on July 22, 2026, in a 232-198 vote, with 13 Democrats joining all Republicans. The bill bans new individual stock trading by members of Congress and their families but allows them to keep existing portfolios and reinvest dividends. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) criticized the legislation on X, calling it full of 'MAJOR LOOPHOLES' and stating it 'won't solve the problem.' The Campaign Legal Center reports that 48% of Congress members still own individual stocks as of late 2025. The bill also includes voter ID requirements from the SAVE America Act, a provision championed by President Trump. Democratic senators are unlikely to support the measure, which faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 02:30 PM UTC

On July 22, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 232-198 to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act, barring members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from buying individual stocks. The vote came during Nancy Pelosi's final term, after her family's stock portfolio—managed by her husband Paul Pelosi—grew from $30 million to an estimated $278 million, including a 70.9% gain in 2024 versus the S&P 500's 25%. Pelosi, who long opposed such restrictions, reversed her stance and endorsed the ban. The bill now moves to the Senate, where companion legislation (the PELOSI Act) has stalled. The trading restrictions would take effect before Pelosi's term ends on January 3, 2027, giving the legislation symbolic weight. The article highlights Paul Pelosi's well-timed NVIDIA options trades as a key driver of the reform push.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:13 AM UTC

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.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:27 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

Prediction market platform Kalshi announced the launch of its 'Midterms Hub,' a central page allowing users to view speculators' odds on individual U.S. Senate and House races ahead of the November midterm elections. The hub will feature a map of odds, polling averages, FEC fundraising reports, and curated news. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour stated that prediction markets cut through polarization by showing crowd wisdom backed by real money. The company noted that three-quarters of its visitors come only to view odds, not to trade. The launch follows Kalshi's May introduction of the 'American Power Index' and comes as prediction market volumes are expected to spike during the election season, with over $30 million already traded on 2026 House and Senate control contracts.

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

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's proposal to add testosterone screenings to periodic health assessments for U.S. service members. Speaking on MSNBC's 'The Briefing with Jen Psaki' on Monday, Kelly argued that the military's primary need is improved leadership, not increased testosterone levels. The proposal, which would require routine testosterone checks, has sparked debate over its necessity and implications for military readiness and culture. Kelly's remarks highlight ongoing tensions between some lawmakers and the Pentagon over personnel policies and priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:06 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

A new bill in the U.S. Senate proposes imposing steep tariffs, potentially up to 100%, on countries that continue to import Russian oil. India, a major importer of Russian crude since the Ukraine conflict, is specifically highlighted as a target. The bill aims to penalize nations that bypass Western sanctions on Russia. The Hindu explains the potential economic and diplomatic consequences for India, which has balanced its strategic ties with both the U.S. and Russia. The proposal could escalate trade tensions and force New Delhi to reconsider its energy procurement strategy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:09 PM UTC

Representative Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, stated on Sunday that it is a mistake to blame Israel for pushing former President Donald Trump toward aggressive actions against Iran. Stevens argued that Trump acts independently based on his own decision-making, not under foreign influence. Her comments come amid ongoing debates about U.S.-Israel relations and Trump's foreign policy legacy regarding Iran. The statement reflects a defensive posture against narratives that attribute Trump's Middle East policies to Israeli lobbying, particularly as Stevens campaigns for a Senate seat in a state with a significant Arab American and Jewish population.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 06:58 PM UTC

The article, published July 19, 2026, by Motley Fool analyst Leo Sun, analyzes the stalled CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate, which aims to create a federal framework for digital assets. The bill faces opposition over stablecoin yields and crypto disclosure rules. The author argues this regulatory uncertainty threatens stablecoins like USDC and altcoins like XRP and Solana. In contrast, Bitcoin is recommended as the only cryptocurrency to buy due to its established classification as a digital commodity by the SEC and CFTC, its scarcity (capped at 21 million), the success of spot Bitcoin ETFs approved in 2024, and its role as a hedge against fiat currency devaluation. The article highlights Bitcoin's proof-of-work mining, halving cycles, and growing institutional and government adoption as key strengths.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:57 PM UTC

The article discusses the stalled CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate, which aims to create a federal framework for digital assets but faces conflicts over stablecoin yields and public officials' crypto disclosures. The author argues this regulatory uncertainty threatens stablecoins like USDC and altcoins like XRP and Solana. In contrast, Bitcoin is presented as the only safe cryptocurrency to buy due to its established classification as a digital commodity by the SEC and CFTC, its scarcity (limited to 21 million coins), the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024, and its role as a hedge against fiat currency devaluation. The author concludes that Bitcoin does not need the CLARITY Act and will likely outperform other cryptocurrencies in the current regulatory environment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:57 PM UTC

On July 14, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Common Cents Act, legislation establishing nationwide rules for rounding cash transactions as the penny is phased out. The U.S. Mint produced its final penny in late 2025, as it costs nearly four cents to manufacture each coin. Under the proposed law, cash transactions would be rounded to the nearest five cents: totals ending in 1,2,6,7 cents round down; 3,4,8,9 cents round up; 0,5 remain unchanged. Electronic payments, checks, and mobile wallets would still be processed to the exact cent. Existing pennies would remain legal tender. The bill now heads to the Senate. The National Restaurant Association estimates inconsistent rounding could cost restaurants $168 million annually, and about 25% of restaurant customers still use cash. Canada eliminated its penny in 2012 using a similar system, saving taxpayers about 11 million Canadian dollars annually.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:00 PM UTC

On July 14, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Common Cents Act, legislation that would establish nationwide rules for rounding cash transactions as the penny is phased out. The U.S. Mint produced its final penny in late 2025, as it costs nearly four cents to manufacture a single one-cent coin. Under the proposed law, only cash transactions would be rounded to the nearest five cents: totals ending in 1, 2, 6, or 7 cents round down; those ending in 3, 4, 8, or 9 cents round up; totals ending in 0 or 5 remain unchanged. Electronic payments, including debit and credit cards, would still be processed to the exact cent. Existing pennies would remain legal tender. The bill now heads to the Senate. Canada adopted a similar system when it eliminated the penny in 2012, saving taxpayers about 11 million Canadian dollars annually. The National Restaurant Association estimates inconsistent rounding practices could cost restaurants up to $168 million per year, and about one in four restaurant customers still pays with cash.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 12:00 PM UTC

Senator Lindsey Graham's office has announced funeral service dates following his unexpected death at age 71 from an aortic dissection. A memorial will be held on Tuesday, July 28, in Washington, D.C., and on Wednesday, July 29, in Columbia and Pickens County, South Carolina. Senator Tim Scott indicated that efforts are underway for Graham to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol and for a service at the National Cathedral, though scheduling global leaders has complicated the timeline. Graham, a four-term Republican senator and prominent foreign policy hawk, served for 23 years and was known for his extensive international relationships. The services are expected to be heavily attended by world leaders and dignitaries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:41 PM UTC

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent year-round, eliminating the biannual clock change. The article draws parallels to a similar 1974 attempt that was repealed after just 10 months due to widespread public backlash over 'pitch black' winter mornings. The current legislation faces similar concerns about safety, energy savings, and public opinion. The historical precedent highlights the challenges of implementing such a change, as the 1974 experiment was abandoned after parents complained about children going to school in darkness. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain amid ongoing debate.

1 reports · 1 sources