US Congress

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

Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act on August 14, 2026, allowing active-duty and retired special operations personnel to carry concealed firearms nationwide, bypassing state restrictions. The bill mirrors the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) and requires annual firearms qualification tests and a Justice Department concealed carry class. Representative Pat Harrigan filed a companion House bill. The bill is accompanied by controversy over Sheehy’s conflicting accounts of a 2015 gunshot wound.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 14, 12:00 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

Senate Republicans have indicated that a budget framework passed by the House last week, which includes $73 billion in new defense spending and funding for reforms under the SAVE America Act, is not ready for Senate consideration despite President Trump's demand for passage before the August recess. The House-passed proposal faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where GOP members expressed skepticism about its readiness on Wednesday. The disagreement highlights a growing rift between the House and Senate over legislative priorities and timing, with Senate Republicans pushing back against the accelerated timeline set by the White House.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 10:00 AM UTC

The death of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on July 28, 2026, following his tenth visit to Kyiv since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has sparked debate about the transformation of the Republican Party under MAGA influence. Experts interviewed by Defence24 argue that Graham's passing represents the end of the neoconservative era in US politics, as hawkish foreign policy figures age out without successors. Graham was a key advocate for Ukraine aid and sanctions against Russia, and served as a crucial mediator between President Trump and Kyiv. The article notes that while most Republicans still support NATO, isolationist voices are growing, prioritizing national interests over global engagement. The analysis highlights that the current generation of politicians communicates more bluntly, using faits accomplis rather than diplomatic persuasion, a trend predating Trump's 2016 campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 12:07 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposes creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a $20 billion subsidiary to manage World Cup and Club World Cup commercial rights, selling minority stakes to private investors like Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal, with JPMorgan advising. The plan, reportedly worth over $4 billion, could expand the World Cup beyond 48 teams and increase tournament frequency. UEFA issued a fiery statement condemning the move, arguing football governance is not a commodity and warning of lost transparency and integrity. The rift highlights a major clash over football's future commercialization.

220 reports · 25 sources · Updated Aug 11, 09:57 AM UTC

Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino testify and produce records regarding close ties with Donald Trump. The probe covers FIFA leasing Trump Tower office space, awarding Trump a newly created peace prize, and Trump’s intervention to overturn a U.S. player’s suspension during the 2026 World Cup. While Democrats lack subpoena power as the minority, the investigation could escalate if they regain control after midterm elections.

8 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:54 PM UTC

The US Congress, via the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), has directed the Secretary of the Navy to conduct a comprehensive review and overhaul of US torpedo inventories and production capabilities. The goal is to ensure sufficient undersea weaponry to support two simultaneous major regional conflicts. The directive mandates establishing inventory floors for all torpedo types (including MK-48 ADCAP and MK-54), assessing industrial base bottlenecks, modernizing testing infrastructure, and formulating a plan to massively increase production capacity. The Navy must report findings within 120 days of the NDAA's enactment, with SECNAV Hung Cao leading the initiative. This effort also encompasses improving torpedo countermeasure resistance and streamlining wartime supply chains.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:46 PM UTC

On July 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $500 million Foreign Military Financing bill for Taiwan, part of the 2027 fiscal year appropriations. This occurs as President Trump delayed a $14 billion weapons package after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, calling it a "negotiating chip." The funding supports older arms deals, including howitzers and missiles. The bill requires Senate approval and Trump's signature. China, claiming sovereignty over Taiwan, has increased military exercises near the island.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:00 AM UTC

On July 23, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution 214-208 to restrict President Trump's military actions against Iran. Four Republicans—Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Warren Davidson, and Tom Barrett—joined all Democrats in voting yes. The resolution comes amid renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities, including U.S. airstrikes and Iranian missile attacks on oil refineries and U.S. targets. Trump also threatened to expand the conflict to Yemen after Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. A similar Senate resolution, proposed by Democrat Chris Van Hollen, requires only a simple majority and may pass due to Republican absences like Mitch McConnell's hospitalization. This is the second House passage of such a measure; a previous Senate version passed but was later reversed after Trump pressure. The article questions whether the Senate will again support curbing presidential war powers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:53 PM UTC

The Trump administration signed a 30-year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to enrich uranium domestically. Critics, including U.S. Democrats and Israeli officials, warn the deal could enable a Saudi nuclear weapons option and trigger a regional arms race. The agreement lacks stringent IAEA oversight and faces congressional review amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.

11 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 24, 12:23 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

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

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 article reports on Democratic lawmakers' strategy to end the ongoing Iran war under President Trump. Currently in the minority, Democrats admit they have limited legislative options to stop the conflict. Their plan involves pushing oversight amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which Republicans have rejected, and focusing on messaging to voters about high gas prices and war costs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified that the war has cost $37.5 billion to date. Two U.S. service members were recently killed in Jordan by an Iranian strike. Democrats hope to win the House in the November 2026 elections, after which they pledge to pass a bill on 'day one' to end the war. Key figures quoted include Reps. Adam Smith, Pat Ryan, Pete Aguilar, Ro Khanna, and Ted Lieu.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:56 PM 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 voted 212-217 on Tuesday to reject an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have codified President Trump's executive order barring transgender individuals from serving in the military. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), was defeated after four Republicans crossed party lines to join Democrats in opposing it. The vote represents a significant legislative setback for efforts to permanently enshrine the transgender military ban into law, leaving the executive order as the current policy but not codified by Congress. The outcome highlights ongoing partisan divisions over transgender rights in the armed forces.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:24 AM UTC

Former U.S. officials testified before the House Intelligence Committee on July 21, 2026, warning that the U.S. intelligence community has not kept pace with China's efforts to steal proprietary American AI technology. Experts including Frank Cilluffo, H.R. McMaster, and Ben Buchanan argued that counterintelligence priorities must shift from traditional government secrets to protecting frontier AI models held by private companies. They highlighted Chinese tactics such as model distillation operations and embedding spies in U.S. firms. Buchanan criticized the Trump administration for easing advanced chip export restrictions to China, urging stronger enforcement. The hearing noted that while the White House has directed agencies to safeguard AI, it has not established a dedicated counterintelligence framework equivalent to recent quantum computing executive orders. The testimony underscored AI's growing role in cyberattacks, autonomous drones, and influence operations.

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

Former U.S. officials testified before the House Intelligence Committee on July 21, 2026, warning that China's intelligence services are aggressively targeting American artificial intelligence companies to steal proprietary technology. The hearing, focused on threats 25 years after 9/11, highlighted that U.S. counterintelligence efforts have not kept pace with Chinese espionage tactics, including model distillation and embedding spies in firms. Experts including Frank Cilluffo, H.R. McMaster, and Ben Buchanan argued for a rethinking of counterintelligence beyond traditional spy-versus-spy methods. Buchanan criticized the Trump administration's easing of chip export restrictions to China, urging stronger enforcement. The hearing noted that while quantum computing has a dedicated counterintelligence framework, AI lacks an equivalent directive, leaving private sector AI labs vulnerable.

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

Former U.S. officials testified before the House Intelligence Committee on July 21, 2026, warning that China is aggressively using espionage to steal proprietary artificial intelligence technology from American companies. The hearing, focused on threats 25 years after 9/11, highlighted that U.S. counterintelligence efforts have not kept pace with China's intelligence-gathering techniques, including human spies and AI model distillation. Experts including Frank Cilluffo, H.R. McMaster, and Ben Buchanan argued for a rethinking of counterintelligence to protect private-sector AI research. Buchanan criticized the Trump administration for easing chip export restrictions to China, urging stronger enforcement. The White House has directed agencies to safeguard AI but lacks a dedicated counterintelligence framework similar to quantum technology directives.

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

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) criticizes the Republican-led fast-track budget process in the U.S. Congress, arguing it overlooks the needs of families who are losing assistance for purchasing groceries. The analysis contends that the expedited budget reconciliation process prioritizes tax cuts and spending reductions that could harm low-income households, particularly by allowing cuts to nutrition assistance programs like SNAP. CBPP warns that this approach ignores the economic pressures on vulnerable families and fails to address food insecurity, instead focusing on fiscal policies that may exacerbate hardship. The article highlights a disconnect between legislative priorities and the real-world challenges faced by Americans struggling with rising grocery costs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:19 PM UTC

At the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation expressed alarm over gridlock surrounding the Pentagon budget, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and an Iran war supplemental. Lawmakers warned that a continuing resolution (CR) is likely, delaying major defense priorities. The Trump administration's $1.5 trillion defense request relies heavily on a reconciliation maneuver to bypass filibusters, but Congress has reduced the reconciliation amount from $350 billion to $60 billion, mostly for the Iran war. The Golden Dome missile defense program, seeking $17.5 billion with only $400 million in the baseline budget, is particularly at risk. Republican senators Kennedy and Fischer expressed doubt about funding Golden Dome through reconciliation, while Democrat Shaheen warned against setting a dangerous precedent. Analysts suggest alternative funding avenues may exist.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:33 PM UTC

At the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, a bipartisan US congressional delegation warned that political gridlock over the Pentagon budget, including the National Defense Authorization Act and an Iran war supplemental, likely leads to a continuing resolution. Senators expressed doubt that the Trump administration's top priority, the Golden Dome missile defense program, can be funded this year via reconciliation—a partisan budget maneuver. Only $400 million of the $17.5 billion sought for Golden Dome is in the baseline budget; the rest relies on reconciliation, which Congress has reduced from $350 billion to $60 billion, mostly for the Iran war. Republicans like Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Fischer voiced concern about the precedent and feasibility, while Democrats like Sen. Shaheen warned against bypassing normal appropriations. Analysts suggest alternative funding paths may emerge.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:33 PM UTC

TikTok's U.S. chief security officer, Will Farrell, will testify before the U.S. House Select Committee on China on September 15, according to a congressional aide. This marks the first public testimony by a TikTok U.S. executive since ByteDance finalized a deal to split the U.S. app from its global business. Lawmakers are expected to question Farrell about data privacy, cybersecurity, and the role of former President Donald Trump in brokering the split, as well as potential Chinese government involvement in the U.S. app. The testimony follows a 2024 U.S. law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban, driven by national security concerns. The American-owned joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, was formed to avoid a ban, with managing investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:36 PM UTC

TikTok US chief security officer Will Farrell will testify before the U.S. House Select Committee on China on September 15, according to a Congressional aide. Farrell, who oversees data privacy and cybersecurity, will answer questions about the company's split from its Chinese owner ByteDance. This is the first public testimony by a TikTok US executive since ByteDance finalized a deal to separate the U.S. app from its global business. The hearing will allow lawmakers to inquire about President Donald Trump's role in brokering the split and Chinese involvement in the U.S. app. The testimony follows a 2024 U.S. law requiring ByteDance to sell the app or face a ban, driven by national security concerns. The American-owned joint venture, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, was established to avoid a ban, with managing investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:36 PM UTC

The Pentagon, under Secretary Pete Hegseth, is facing a budget deficit directly caused by President Trump's escalating war on Iran, according to a Washington Post report. The financial strain is forcing cuts to training, maintenance, and military preparations. Hegseth has been criticized for a lack of transparency regarding the war's ultimate costs, causing confusion among Pentagon officials. Democratic Representative Betty McCollum expressed concern over the lack of information. The House is set to vote on a $73 billion defense package, exceeding the administration's $67 billion request, though most Democrats oppose new Iran war funding. The U.S. is also dealing with a dwindling stockpile of munitions. The article notes the irony of the shortfall given the Pentagon's current $1 trillion budget and a record $1.5 trillion request for 2027, arguing the administration is spending taxpayer money on an unpopular war.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:34 PM UTC

House Republican leaders are urgently working to pass a stopgap funding measure that would keep the U.S. government funded from October 1 through December 4. The move aims to avoid a government shutdown, which has historically caused political pain for the GOP. The stopgap bill would buy lawmakers additional time to complete the annual appropriations process. The article notes that the situation is unusual, though the full text is truncated, suggesting the House is taking an atypical approach to prevent a funding lapse.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:00 AM 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