American lawyer and politician, U.S. Senator from Virginia since 2013
The US Navy is conducting a review of Ford-class aircraft carriers, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, amid ongoing deployment challenges. The carrier has been at sea for over 300 days, participating in key military operations, but has faced maintenance issues and a fire. The review aims to assess costs and system effectiveness, with decisions on future carriers pending.
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.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has testified twice before Congress this week about the U.S. war with Iran and a proposed $1.45–$1.5tn Pentagon budget, with officials publicly putting the conflictcost at $25bn. Lawmakers have pressed for a strategy, probed civilian casualties and stockpile depletion, and challenged Hegseth on troop use at US polls and senior officer dismissals.
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.
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.
Trust funds for Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Medicare face earlier depletion than previously forecast. PWBM projects depletion by 2033 for OASI and 2034 for combined funds, while the official trustees warn longer-term pressures. Lawmakers face urgent choices on taxes, benefits, and program integrity as costs rise for aging Americans.
The administration has moved to transfer civil rights enforcement and special education duties to other federal agencies, framing the changes as reducing bureaucracy. Critics warn the shifts may delay justice for students with disabilities and minority students, while some families pursue discrimination cases elsewhere.
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.