What's happened
Congress attempted to override President Trump's vetoes on two bills, but lacked enough votes. Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts advanced a spending package and a war powers resolution, highlighting ongoing political tensions and debates over military authority and government funding.
What's behind the headline?
The recent legislative developments reveal a Congress increasingly willing to challenge presidential authority, especially on military and spending issues. The failure to override Trump's vetoes underscores the GOP's loyalty, while bipartisan support for the spending package indicates a rare moment of unity. The war powers resolution, supported by some Republicans, signals a growing concern about executive overreach. Trump's sharp criticism of Republican senators who supported the resolution reflects ongoing intra-party tensions. These events suggest a shifting dynamic where Congress asserts more oversight, but Trump's influence remains strong. The outcome will likely shape future debates on war powers and government funding, with potential implications for executive-legislative relations and bipartisan cooperation.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Congress's veto override efforts failed due to GOP loyalty, with Trump criticizing senators who supported the war powers resolution. AP News highlights the bipartisan support for the spending bills, emphasizing their significance in avoiding a government shutdown. Sky News notes the limited chances of the war resolution becoming law, given the Republican majority in the House and the veto threat. Reuters discusses the unusual challenge from Congress to Trump's vetoes, including projects Trump vetoed to punish states, and the broader context of executive versus legislative power struggles. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complex political landscape, with some sources emphasizing bipartisan progress and others highlighting ongoing partisan conflicts.
How we got here
Recent weeks have seen increased legislative activity in Congress, with efforts to pass spending bills and challenge presidential vetoes. The context includes ongoing disputes over military actions, government funding, and Trump's influence on policy decisions, amid a backdrop of partisan divisions and recent political events in Venezuela.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s the latest on the US budget deal and government shutdown fears?
The US is currently navigating a critical moment as Congress pushes forward with a $180 billion budget package aimed at avoiding a government shutdown. However, tensions remain high with President Trump threatening vetoes on key projects, even those with broad bipartisan support. This situation raises important questions about the future of US government funding, the potential for shutdowns, and what it means for taxpayers and public services. Below, we explore the key points and what you need to know about this ongoing political drama.
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What Are the Economic and Political Implications of Today’s Major News Stories?
Today’s headlines reveal significant shifts in global politics and economics, from tax reforms in the US and Australia to unrest in Iran and legislative battles in Congress. These stories not only shape current events but also hint at future trends that could impact markets, regional stability, and international relations. Curious about how these developments might affect you or the world at large? Below, we explore key questions and provide clear insights into what these headlines mean for 2026 and beyond.
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