Senate in the spotlight as confirms Warsh nominee amid power-sharing woes; its votes shape war powers, budget fights, and foreign policy. Key players: diverse lawmakers shaping federal direction.
Israel backed a UN resolution supporting Ukraine's sovereignty, breaking from the US which abstained. The resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire and lasting peace. Meanwhile, the US emphasizes support for Ukraine amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and recent votes reflecting shifting alliances.
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and critic of mainstream medicine, faces Senate confirmation as the next surgeon general amid scrutiny over her unconventional background, vaccine views, and health theories. Her appointment aligns with the Make America Healthy Again agenda, raising concerns among public health experts.
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.
On March 5, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, effective March 31. Noem, criticized for her handling of immigration enforcement, a $220 million ad campaign, and the deaths of two US citizens during federal operations, will be replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin. Noem will become special envoy for the new "Shield of the Americas" security initiative.
A Marine veteran and Green Party candidate disrupted a Senate Armed Services hearing to oppose US military actions in Iran. During the protest, he resisted police removal, resulting in his arm being broken. Senator Sheehy assisted in de-escalation. The incident follows recent US-Israel strikes on Iran amid regional tensions.
On March 4-5, 2026, a US submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in international waters near Sri Lanka, killing at least 87 sailors and widening the US-Iran conflict. The US Senate blocked a resolution to limit President Trump's war powers. Meanwhile, Israel and Hezbollah continue fighting in Lebanon, and Iran launched missile strikes on Israel and Kurdish targets.
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.
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.
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.
In March 2026, President Trump ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to over a dozen major U.S. airports to assist with severe TSA staffing shortages caused by a Department of Homeland Security funding impasse. The deployment aimed to ease long security lines but sparked controversy over ICE's role and effectiveness, highlighted by a forceful arrest at San Francisco International Airport.
Congress faces increasing debate over military action against Iran, with Democrats pushing for transparency and Republicans warning of electoral backlash. Recent votes highlight deep partisan divides and concerns about the administration's objectives and costs amid ongoing conflict.
Democrat Analilia Mejía has won New Jersey's 11th District special election, maintaining Democratic control in a narrowly divided House. Meanwhile, the House has voted 214-213 against a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's military actions in Iran, reflecting deep partisan divides as the Iran conflict continues with no clear end.
President Trump’s recent social media threats suggest willingness to violate international law, prompting criticism from human rights experts. Defense officials defend military actions, while political figures warn of potential war crimes. The story highlights escalating tensions and legal debates over U.S. military conduct in conflicts involving Iran, Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon.
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.
The US has indicated that negotiations to end the Iran conflict could restart in Pakistan within the next two days, following the collapse of recent talks and the US-imposed blockade on Iranian ports. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalation.
FIFA officials have confirmed Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the US, despite ongoing regional conflicts and political tensions. FIFA's president has emphasized the importance of sports outside politics, as Iran's team prepares for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle amid diplomatic uncertainties.
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.
Israel has intensified attacks on Lebanon's water infrastructure, damaging key facilities and disrupting supplies. Experts say these actions aim to displace populations and weaken Lebanon’s resilience amid ongoing conflict. The damage follows recent Israeli military operations and escalates regional tensions, with water access becoming a strategic tool.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent has announced that the US and allies in the Gulf and Asia are requesting currency swap lines to stabilize markets during the ongoing Middle East conflict. The US is considering extending swap facilities to countries like the UAE and Argentina to prevent disorderly asset sales and support energy markets. This follows recent support for Argentina and sanctions relief for Russian oil, with ongoing debates about the political implications of these moves. The story is current as of Thu, 23 Apr 2026.
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.
State budget talks remain unsettled as Gov. Hochul’s push to tie policy reforms to the budget has drawn criticism from Assembly Speaker Heastie and others, signaling a tense, ongoing fight over climate, immigration and fiscal priorities ahead of session end.