Susan Collins is in the news as Maine’s long-serving GOP senator facing re-election chatter amid war powers debates and party races. bio: senior U.S. senator from Maine since 1997.
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and critic of mainstream medicine, faces Senate confirmation as the next surgeon general amid scrutiny over her unconventional background, vaccine views, and health theories. Her appointment aligns with the Make America Healthy Again agenda, raising concerns among public health experts.
James Talarico, a Democratic candidate, wins the Texas primary amid voting chaos and Republican runoff battles. He now faces either scandal-plagued Ken Paxton or incumbent John Cornyn in a highly expensive and closely watched race. The primary saw record spending and voting issues in Dallas, with national attention on Texas's political shift.
As of March 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense has requested over $200 billion from the White House to fund the ongoing war against Iran, which began on February 28. The request, the largest since Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, faces skepticism in Congress, with many lawmakers questioning the war's cost, strategy, and political support. President Trump has not formally submitted the request.
Democrat Analilia Mejía has won New Jersey's 11th District special election, maintaining Democratic control in a narrowly divided House. Meanwhile, the House has voted 214-213 against a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military actions in Iran, reflecting deep partisan divides as the Iran conflict continues with no clear end.
The US has indicated that negotiations to end the Iran conflict could restart in Pakistan within the next two days, following the collapse of recent talks and the US-imposed blockade on Iranian ports. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalation.
The Republican Party's main committees and allied groups have built a $600 million cash advantage over Democrats, with $843.6 million compared to $243 million. This financial edge could give Republicans a significant advantage in midterm campaign spending, driven by the GOP's fundraising strength and the Trump super PAC's large war chest.
The Cuban War Powers debate continues as Republicans back the president’s approach while Democrats push Congress to restrict unilateral military action. A Senate vote dismissed the Cuba measure, while administration rhetoric signals a broader push across Latin America.
Trump has nominated Nicole B. Saphier for Surgeon General after withdrawing Casey Means. Saphier is a radiologist and MSK Monmouth director of breast imaging. The move follows tense Senate debates over Means, a Stanford-trained physician with anti-vaccine-leaning views. Means has faced questions about licensing and vaccine positions; Cassidy has been a pivotal critic. The Healthcare politics dynamic remains unsettled as Kennedy’s stance blends with broader vaccine skepticism within the administration.
The White House has laid out its rationale as the 60-day War Powers deadline approaches, arguing a ceasefire with Iran effectively stops the clock. Democrats and some Republicans are pushing for a wind-down or congressional authorization, while lawmakers brace for a possible battleground on Capitol Hill ahead of midterm elections.
The 60-day War Powers window has reached its end as officials say hostilities have terminated since the April ceasefire, while Democrats press lawmakers to vote on ending or authorizing the conflict. The administration says the clock has paused during the ceasefire, a reading questioned by critics.
Maine Senator Susan Collins has released a new ad while challenger Graham Platner has followed with a combative message, marking the general-election kickoff in what is shaping up as a record-spending contest. The ads set out the central arguments for each candidate as both sides seek to define the race.
President has been asking advisers to weigh JD Vance versus Marco Rubio for 2028; Vance and Rubio are increasing public-facing roles, with Rubio meeting global leaders and Vance steering foreign policy and Midwest outreach.
The Senate has advanced a war-powers resolution that would compel President Trump to obtain congressional authorization to continue military action against Iran. The procedural vote was 50–47 on Tuesday, with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy joining three other GOP senators and nearly all Democrats; three Republicans were absent. The measure faces a veto threat and steep House hurdles.
Admiral Brad Cooper testifies on Capitol Hill, saying earlier reports of widespread civilian destruction are uncorroborated, while confirming ongoing investigations into a Feb. 28 strike on an Iranian school that killed at least 175 people. He notes tactical successes but acknowledges staffing cuts have affected civilian-harm oversight.