Gillibrand in the news as NY senator facing GOP pushback on Middle East policy and student loan rules. Kirsten Gillibrand, junior U.S. senator from NY since 2009.
New York City Mayor Mamdani has confronted Islamophobic remarks from Republican figures after he hosted an iftar dinner during Ramadan. Senators Tuberville and Gillibrand, among others, have criticized or condemned the posts, while Mamdani emphasizes unity and safety for Muslim residents.
Protesters in New York and other cities have been detained during demonstrations against US and Israeli military actions in the Middle East. Chelsea Manning and around 90 others have been detained. The protests oppose strikes on Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza, amid ongoing conflicts and US support for Israel. The demonstrations are linked to broader regional tensions.
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.
Washington and Tehran have been closing in on a one-page memorandum that would pause fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start 30 days of detailed talks on sanctions and nuclear limits; Iran has said it will respond soon via Pakistan, while oil prices have fallen on the prospect of a deal (06 May 2026).
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.
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.