John Thune hits the news as GOP power brokers clash over DHS funding and war-authority debates; SD senator since 2005, former rep.
Following the US and Israel's recent attack on Iran, Congress is debating whether to limit President Trump's military actions. The vote, set for today, highlights divisions over the legality and scope of US involvement in the conflict, with many lawmakers demanding clearer congressional authority amid ongoing regional tensions.
As of March 10, 2026, US military strikes against Iran have sparked widespread public concern. Polls show about half of Americans oppose the intervention, doubting Iran posed an imminent threat. Many fear rising oil prices and prolonged conflict. Casualties among US troops have been reported, and President Trump's approval rating has declined amid economic and security worries.
Since late February 2026, US-led strikes on Iran have escalated tensions, closing the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting global oil supplies. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, pushing US gasoline prices to $3.59 per gallon. President Trump downplays the economic impact, emphasizing the conflict's urgency, while Republicans worry about midterm election fallout amid rising fuel costs.
The US House narrowly voted 219-212 to limit President Trump's military actions against Iran, amid ongoing conflict following Saturday's surprise attack. The vote highlights tensions over constitutional war powers and the ongoing regional escalation, with lawmakers divided along party lines. The situation remains volatile as fighting continues across the Middle East.
The House passed a DHS funding bill through September 30, with some Democrats supporting it. The Senate rejected it, citing disagreements over immigration enforcement and recent shootings. The shutdown affects thousands of federal workers and critical security operations amid rising tensions over Iran and domestic safety.
As of April 3, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security remains partially unfunded since February 14, causing over 100,000 DHS employees, including TSA workers, to go unpaid. The shutdown has led to severe staffing shortages at airports, with TSA officers resigning and calling out sick, resulting in long security lines and missed flights. President Trump deployed paid ICE agents to assist TSA with crowd control, but congressional deadlock over DHS funding and immigration enforcement reforms continues, prolonging travel disruptions nationwide.
President Trump is pushing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act amid concerns over non-citizen voting and election security. Meanwhile, he has approved Operation Epic Fury, a war name reflecting his anger-driven style. Recent arrests highlight ongoing issues with non-citizen voter registration, especially in Pennsylvania.
Senator Markwayne Mullin has been confirmed as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem. His appointment occurs during ongoing funding disputes and controversy over immigration enforcement, including recent police shootings. Mullin aims to reduce DHS's public profile and focus on homeland security efforts.
Travelers at US airports are experiencing hours-long security delays due to a partial government shutdown, with TSA staffing shortages and increased use of private security. Digital tools like CLEAR see surges in interest, but service disruptions persist at several major hubs.
Senator Mullin was confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary in a 54-45 vote, supported mainly by Republicans and two Democrats. His appointment comes during a period of scrutiny over DHS's immigration enforcement tactics and ongoing government shutdown. Mullin aims to rebuild trust and work with Democrats on funding and policy reforms.
As the government shutdown reaches 41 days, footage of lawmakers on vacation surfaces, fueling public anger. Despite ongoing funding deadlock, many members are seen enjoying leisure activities, while federal workers remain unpaid. Calls for Congress to return grow louder amid viral criticism.
President Trump has issued a final deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of potential military strikes on civilian infrastructure if Iran fails to comply. The threats have escalated tensions amid ongoing conflict, raising concerns over possible violations of international law and war crimes.
The House of Representatives did not take up a Senate-passed funding bill, prolonging the DHS partial shutdown that began on February 14. The deadlock centers on immigration enforcement funding, with Democrats demanding reforms and Republicans opposing them. The shutdown affects airport security and federal workers' pay, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Congress has approved a short-term extension of a FISA surveillance authority, sending the temporary patch to President Donald Trump after negotiations stalled over warrant protections and unrelated provisions. Lawmakers have been holding marathon overnight sessions and face a fraught path to a longer-term renewal that Republicans and the Senate are disputing.
On April 16, 2026, the US Senate has rejected two resolutions led by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $295 million in bulldozer sales and $152 million in bomb sales to Israel. Forty Democrats supported blocking bulldozer sales, and 36 backed blocking bomb sales, but Republicans opposed both measures, defeating them 40-59 and 36-63 respectively. The votes have reflected growing Democratic unease over US military aid amid Israeli actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Several fraud-focused bills have been introduced and advanced in Congress to extend statutes of limitations, tighten oversight, and recover funds from pandemic-era relief programs amid ongoing investigations into misused dollars.
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.