American lawyer and Democratic U.S. representative from New York since 1998; chairs/ ranks on Foreign Affairs; Queens Democratic Party chair.
House Republican leaders have pulled a scheduled vote on a Democratic war-powers resolution to compel President Trump to seek congressional authorization for the Iran campaign after defections and multiple absences made it clear they lacked the votes to block the measure. The Senate has recently advanced a similar resolution as some Republicans have joined Democrats.
Newsom has announced plans to levy a 100% state tax on payouts from Trump’s $1.776 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund, asserting the move can be enacted through legislation or a ballot measure. The fund is part of a settlement related to a lawsuit against the IRS. Bessent and Newsom have a history of public sparring.
Republican factions in Congress have rebuked President Trump on Iran, the White House ballroom funding, and the anti-weaponization fund, while Ukraine aid moves forward. The party faces growing fractures as it weighs next steps ahead of Election Day.
The Senate has backed a war powers resolution directing Trump to halt US military action against Iran, while the House had previously passed the measure. The move reflects growing unease about the war and the diplomatic push with Iran. Supporters say the resolution asserts Congress’s authority, while opponents warn of constitutional challenges and strategic risks.
Lawmakers have approved a war powers resolution directing President to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran. The measure, filed under the War Powers Act, passes the Senate and House with largely party-line votes, though questions remain about its legal force and potential constitutional challenges. The White House calls the move symbolic, while supporters say it reasserts congressional authority. Negotiations on a broader Iran deal continue in parallel.
The Senate has approved a war powers resolution directing the president to halt U.S. military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes such steps. The House already passed a similar measure. The vote is largely symbolic and faces legal questions, but it signals mounting congressional concern over the Iran conflict.
Turkish President Erdogan has urged the EU and NATO to integrate Turkey into Europe’s defence and security programs, citing Turkey’s role in European security. The push comes as the EU weighs the SAFE initiative and Greece signals possible veto ahead of a July NATO summit in Istanbul.
The NATO summit in Ankara is shaping up as a test for alliance unity as President Trump’s threats to curb U.S. involvement collide with Turkey’s bid to leverage its ties with Trump. Turkey’s foreign minister says the Erdogan-Trump rapport could ease tensions, while other members weigh new security arrangements amid funding and defence-spending debates.
The Senate has advanced the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill, with bipartisan support and a high-profile backdrop including Zelenskyy’s Washington visit. The package targets Russia’s energy sector and its so-called “shadow fleet,” while expanding sanctions to Iran. House passage remains uncertain as August recess looms.
The Senate has passed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" by 86–11, authorising up to 100% tariffs on the top buyers of Russian oil and expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran. The measure has cleared the Senate and now heads to the House, which will not vote until after its August recess.