American politician, senior U.S. senator from Iowa
Senate and House debates intensify over a $70 billion three-year funding package for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, with lawmakers grappling over a controversial $1.8 billion settlement fund for Trump allies. The measure has sparked intra-party divisions and a series of amendments as leadership seeks to finalize funding through the end of Trump’s term.
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.
The package of kids’ online safety measures has progressed in the House and draws White House attention. Key sticking points include whether to include a duty of care, how to handle age verification, and the balance between preemption of state AI laws and online safeguards. Supporters say safeguards are needed; critics warn of gaps and preemption risks.
Sen. Lindsey Graham has died, and the Senate faces a scramble to fill his leadership role. The update narrows sanctions legislation, reshuffles committees, and tests bipartisan cooperation on Ukraine aid and mixed White House-Senate priorities.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is questioning Todd Blanche, acting attorney general, about his past with Trump, the handling of the Epstein files, and a controversial $1.8 billion fund; Republicans and Democrats press on independence and accountability as the nomination moves forward.
Legislation updating Russia sanctions has gained White House backing and is advancing in the Senate, with debate centring on tariffs for the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and potential waivers. The measure has broad support and could reshape U.S. pressure on Moscow, as Graham’s legacy guides the approach.
President Trump has delivered a primetime address releasing declassified intelligence he says shows China acquired large volumes of U.S. voter data and that officials hid reports about foreign efforts to target U.S. elections. Journalists, former intelligence officials and state authorities have said the documents do not prove foreign actors altered 2020 vote counts and many of the administration's claims have been disputed.
The acting attorney general has rescinded the May 18 order creating the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund and clarifies the settlement’s tax-audit immunity, as Sen. Cornyn and Sen. Tillis demand written assurances before a committee vote.
Blanche has been confirmed as attorney general by a 50-49 vote after a tense Senate confirmation process. Cassidy provided the deciding support, with Collins and Murkowski opposing on grounds related to the Epstein documents and the anti-weaponization fund. The DOJ now enters a new phase with Blanche permanently leading the department, while lawmakers scrutinize the legality and implications of the fund and immunity provisions.
Bloomberg reports Fitch Ratings finds not-for-profit hospitals and health systems have broad optimism about resilience, but tone has shifted to caution. The recovery appears near a transition point as operating conditions evolve.