Capitol in the news as Jan. 6 fallout, Trump influence, and security debates reshape U.S. politics. Seat of Congress on Capitol Hill, DC.
The Section 702 surveillance law is set to lapse this week. President Trump has named Bill Pulte as acting DNI, triggering bipartisan concern and stalling renewal talks while lawmakers debate guardrails and timing. A Senate gridlock persists as Republicans and Democrats clash over the scope of surveillance and the president’s chosen interim leader.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema has extended an injunction blocking the administrations proposed $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and has ordered the Justice Department to file a response by July 17. Brinkema has said she will only dismiss the suit if senior officials sign sworn declarations that the fund will not proceed; DOJ lawyers have refused, citing separation-of-powers concerns.
Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she is done backing the Republican Party and aligns with Tucker Carlson, joining him in criticizing the party over foreign policy and domestic priorities. Carlson has likewise declared he is out of the GOP, saying there is a broad strand of conservatives who feel betrayed by party leadership. The moves come amid debates over Iran policy and inflation, with both figures vowing not to support Democrats.
Trump has canceled a Capitol signing of a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping election-law package. Republicans are divided over priorities, with some backing the housing measure and others pressuring for the voter-ID legislation. The House transmitted the housing bill to the White House; Trump is underscoring the priority of election rules while signaling the timing remains unsettled.
Since the Reflecting Pool renovation, officials have faced scrutiny over costs, management and transparency as algae blooms and peeling coating prompt questions about planning and oversight.
Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has disclosed he was diagnosed with depression after an extended hospital stay, explaining his absence from votes since March. He says he is healthier and eager to return to work as he runs for re-election in a tight New Jersey district.
Trump has promoted a multi-million dollar renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington as part of America 250, but reporting shows algae blooms, peeling blue coating and cost overruns. Authorities are investigating contracts and safety concerns as the July 4 celebrations approach.
Meta is pursuing a new cloud business to sell excess AI compute power and access to AI models. The move could generate revenue from its data-center footprint and compete with AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. The plan has sparked immediate stock in the market but faces questions about ROI given Meta’s heavy capex.
Mitch McConnell has improved in hospital after a June 14 incident. A spokesperson says he is working with staff on Senate matters while recovering; the Senate is not in session.
David Hearn has been indicted on a felony charge of property destruction in D.C. He denies vandalizing the Reflecting Pool, saying the damage was pre-existing as renovations were underway. Prosecutors say evidence shows deliberate damage; a hearing is set for July 9.