US defense budgeting law shaping annual spending
The House Armed Services Committee has defeated an amendment to remove Section 224, but the measure is on track to reach the floor of the House as proponents push to block an executive agent for US-Israel defense cooperation.
The package of kids’ online safety measures has progressed in the House and draws White House attention. Key sticking points include whether to include a duty of care, how to handle age verification, and the balance between preemption of state AI laws and online safeguards. Supporters say safeguards are needed; critics warn of gaps and preemption risks.
Senate Republicans have to adjust to the loss of Sen. Graham, altering committee leadership and urgency to fund diplomatic efforts, while a potential temporary successor awaits appointment under South Carolina law.
Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, has been appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete the late senator’s term, making history as the state’s first woman in the Senate. A special primary will determine the nominee for the November election.
Legislation updating Russia sanctions has gained White House backing and is advancing in the Senate, with debate centring on tariffs for the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and potential waivers. The measure has broad support and could reshape U.S. pressure on Moscow, as Graham’s legacy guides the approach.
House Republicans have advanced a reconciliation budget resolution that would channel roughly $60 billion to the Iran war, boost Pentagon and farm aid and include parts of President Trump’s elections package. Democrats have opposed the plan’s high spending and social riders. Separately, more than 100 House Democrats voted to withhold military aid to Israel, exposing a deep intra-party split ahead of the midterms.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a testosterone screening program for service members, extending annual checks to those 30 and older while offering voluntary testing for those under 30. Treatment remains voluntary, framed as restoring natural health rather than artificial enhancement. The move follows broader debates around testosterone policy in the administration.
CXMT’s Shanghai IPO has surged in value, spurring bipartisan concern in Washington about Beijing’s possible state backing. The Pentagon has placed CXMT on its security list, while lawmakers push for a classified briefing to assess national-security risks tied to China’s military-civil fusion strategy.
The National Defense Authorization Act has cleared the House with a 216-212 vote, boosting military spending and strengthening US-Israel defense cooperation. The measure now faces Senate scrutiny, with Democrats criticizing the price tag and war-related provisions while Republicans defend funding for readiness and security. The package also includes provisions tied to the SAVE America Act and election-related funding.
The House has adopted a war powers resolution directing President Trump to end military actions in Iran; the measure is largely symbolic and faces a challenging path in the Senate, where debate continues as lawmakers react to ongoing conflict and rising oil prices.
The latest reporting shows the United States and Israel sustaining pressure in a widening confrontation with Iran. Washington has paused strikes to allow for talks, while Tehran is signaling readiness to expand its operations in the region as talks with Oman progress on Hormuz security.