James Lankford is in the news as GOP lawmakers push immigration/ border funding bills in the Senate; Oklahoma’s seniority: Jr. senator since 2015, former U.S. Rep. from OK-5.
As of early April 2026, the US has deployed nearly 7,000 additional troops, including the 82nd Airborne Division and Marine Expeditionary Units, to the Middle East. The Pentagon is preparing options for limited ground raids targeting strategic Iranian sites such as Kharg Island and areas near the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has not authorized these operations. Iran warns of fierce resistance and retaliation.
The US is deploying nearly 70,000 troops to the Middle East, including ground forces, as tensions escalate with Iran. The buildup follows Israeli airstrikes on Iranian infrastructure and threats from Iran’s military. The US considers possible ground operations, including a raid on Iran’s nuclear sites, amid ongoing regional conflict.
Vice President JD Vance is on a high-profile tour in Iowa, linking economic messaging with support for Republican candidates. The trip follows a string of public missteps and signals potential presidential ambitions, while party dynamics and polling underline a tense path toward 2028.
The roughly $70 billion bill to fund ICE and the Border Patrol has cleared a key procedural hurdle as Republicans push to advance the measure via budget reconciliation. Democrats are prepared to offer multiple amendments, including a bid to permanently ban a $1.776 billion settlement fund connected to allies of former President Trump. Debate could begin this week, with votes on amendments and potential roadblocks ahead.