American politician, senior U.S. Senator from Washington since 1993
Democrat Graham Platner has withdrawn amid sexual-assault allegations, triggering a rapid search for a replacement nominee ahead of a July 27 deadline. The Maine Democratic Party plans a nominating convention to select the nominee, while candidates race to present themselves to roughly 600 delegates.
Trump is rallying defense leaders and investors in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to spotlight a robust defense budget and U.S. industrial ties amid concerns over war funding, inflation, and a volatile security landscape. The event features top defense officials and corporate leaders as Republicans push for greater investment while critics warn of deficits.
Western Washington U.S. attorney Roger Rogoff has been fired by the Trump administration shortly after his confirmation by district judges. Rogoff has filed suit arguing the ouster was unlawful and that judges retain appointment authority until a Senate-confirmed nominee is ready. The Justice Department says the firing is within the President’s authority and accedes to the district’s appointment process.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told the Senate Appropriations Committee the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5bn so far and that the Pentagon needs an $87bn supplemental request, including about $67bn for the Iran campaign. Lawmakers have challenged the figures, criticised shifting rationales for the conflict and warned funding gaps will force cuts to training and readiness.
Federal filings show the Department of Energy terminated hundreds of Biden-era energy grants in October based on political alignment of states, prompting Democratic leaders to condemn the move as an abuse of power. The White House says decisions were apolitical.
The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed deregulation of Head Start, shifting many requirements to state and local authorities while adding new dietary and fitness rules. The plan aims to free up billions to expand slots, but critics warn it could erode safeguards for vulnerable children.
Lawmakers have advanced a stopgap funding package to keep the government running through Dec. 11, while negotiations over full-year funding and policy riders continue. The measure blocks funding transfers to border enforcement, delays a hemp ban by one month, and avoids a government shutdown ahead of midterm elections.
Lawmakers have approved a short-term bill to fund the government through December 11, avoiding a shutdown as elections approach. The measure now goes to President Trump for signature. The package preserves current funding levels and includes a delay on a new grant-cutting rule until December.
The White House has used a pocket rescission to cancel funding across 11 programs and agencies, arguing some spending is no longer necessary. The Government Accountability Office says the tactic is illegal if Congress has not approved the action, raising constitutional questions and prompting Democratic and Republican lawmakers to weigh next steps.
The government has spent millions on TV ads featuring President Trump and other officials, labeled as public service announcements. Democratic senators have demanded answers, arguing the funding may be illegal and constituted a misuse of taxpayer dollars as midterms approach. The ads have drawn broad criticism and questions about independence of agencies.
Trump is touring critical states ahead of the November 3 elections, rallying supporters and tying his policy wins to the ballot in key Senate and governor races. He is pressing manufacturing and tariff policies, while rallying for candidates who align with his agenda amid concerns over energy costs and Iran-related tensions.