Legislative developments, congressional hearings, bill tracking, and political analysis of the United States Congress and House representatives.
House Republicans are planning a third reconciliation bill to advance President Trump's agenda before the August recess and midterms, targeting fraud, waste, and abuse. Speaker Johnson expects movement in coming weeks. The GOP holds a slim majority, and only two defections could derail the bill.
Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Frost introduced the Right to Record Act, creating a right to sue federal officers who block recording or peaceful protest. The bill also prohibits officers from pursuing, surveilling, or demanding ID from recorders.
The House Rules Committee voted 7-4 to advance the $70 billion Secure America Act, setting up floor votes as early as Tuesday. Speaker Mike Johnson expects passage despite a narrow majority and potential absences. Democrats forced failed amendments, including one barring Jan. 6 rioters from federal compensation.
The House passed the Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act, which establishes a Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy and authorizes energy security compacts with partner countries to counter China's dominance in critical minerals.
The Senate is meeting after a deal to renew the expiring Section 702 surveillance program faltered, with the authority set to lapse June 12. Senators Cotton and Grassley urged Secretary Rubio to prepare for a potential gap in foreign intelligence collection. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in blocking a long-term extension early Friday.
Bill Gates is scheduled to testify before the US Congress regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The testimony could impact the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has an $89 billion endowment.
Republican senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley warned the White House that Section 702 of FISA is likely to lapse due to bipartisan backlash over President Trump's selection of Bill Pulte as acting DNI. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in blocking a long-term extension. The authority expires June 12.
This commentary analyzes the competitive landscape for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District in the 2026 midterms, arguing that Democrats face a narrow but possible path to retake the House majority. It highlights the impact of redistricting, retirements, and the historical trend of the party out of power gaining ground.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) invoked a rare 'words taken down' procedure after Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) accused her of defending terrorists during a floor debate on a Lebanon war powers resolution. The presiding officer halted proceedings to determine if Miller violated rules against personal attacks.
A provision in a US air-safety bill would prevent state tax officials from using aircraft broadcast data to enforce taxes on private jets. The House-passed bill is being finalized nearly 18 months after the January 2025 Potomac River collision that killed 67 people. Democrats criticize the provision as helping wealthy individuals avoid taxes, while Republicans argue the data is meant for safety, not revenue.