US Congress

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

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

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

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

Federal authorities including the FBI are investigating suspicious mailings containing white powder or unknown substances sent to election officials and congressional offices across multiple US states. Reports say more than 100 suspicious letters reached election officials weeks before the 2026 midterms, and a mailing to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's Washington, D.C. office was deemed "not hazardous" by a law enforcement source. No injuries, arrests, or confirmed hazardous materials have been reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Oct 15, 07:54 PM UTC

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

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

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced legislation on September 23, 2026, to ban AI superintelligence—systems exceeding human cognition or capable of destroying humanity. The bill would pause advanced AI development until a new federal Department of Artificial Intelligence establishes safety rules. Violators face up to 20 years in prison and asset forfeiture. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed the bill. The proposal was unveiled during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit with President Donald Trump.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 26, 02:30 AM UTC

A shipment of F-35 fighter jet components, including a cockpit canopy, was diverted from Australia to Hong Kong while en route to the US for repair. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed the incident, stating no sensitive parts were lost. The US Congress has launched an investigation. Lockheed Martin said the parts are unserviceable and low risk. Chinese authorities have reportedly taken possession of some components, according to Bloomberg.

9 reports · 6 sources · Updated Sep 24, 05:30 AM UTC

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

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

On September 17, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun opposed a US Congress bill authorizing President Trump to impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil products. Guo stated China's trade cooperation is not targeted at any third party and rejected long-arm jurisdiction lacking UN Security Council authorization. The bill could affect China's energy trade with Russia.

5 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 17, 07:30 AM UTC