The Senate rejected a Democratic measure aimed at limiting President Trump’s military authority against Iran, with the resolution failing by a vote of 49 to 50. Senators Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski joined most Democrats in favor of advancing the resolution, while Senator John Fetterman was the sole Democrat to oppose it. Senator Murkowski cited a lack of clarity from the administration regarding hostilities with Iran as justification for her shift in support. This vote represents the sixth attempt by Senate Democrats to limit presidential war powers, with a focus on whether the administration’s interpretation of the 60-day limit under the War Powers Resolution applies.
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Senator Cynthia Lummis responded to a question regarding Donald Trump’s purported statement about not considering the financial situation of the American people by asserting her belief that he does, in fact, care. She declined to offer further comment, suggesting the former president did not intend his public remarks as stated. Other Republican senators, including Roger Marshall and Susan Collins, similarly avoided directly addressing the issue, with Marshall citing a lack of context and Collins claiming to have not seen the comment.
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As tensions with Iran remain high, a small faction of Senate Republicans is reportedly drafting an authorization for the use of military force. This measure would be prepared for potential introduction should President Trump initiate further strikes, leveraging the War Powers Act for expedited Senate consideration. The proposed authorization is anticipated to impose limitations on ground troop deployment and establish a defined duration for any conflict, with discussions ongoing regarding the necessary vote threshold for passage.
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Amidst growing concerns over insider trading on prediction markets, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a rule prohibiting senators from engaging in such activities, effective immediately. This action follows the arrest of a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier accused of using classified information to bet on a mission that captured a foreign leader, and news of a prediction market platform suspending and fining political candidates for insider trading. Lawmakers have also urged the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to implement broader rules against insider trading and prohibit event contracts on sensitive topics like elections and military actions. Both Kalshi and Polymarket have expressed support for the Senate’s decision, highlighting their existing policies against such conduct and welcoming the move towards industry standardization.
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After weeks of internal GOP conflict that prolonged a record shutdown, Congress voted to reopen critical parts of the Department of Homeland Security, including the Transportation Security Administration. Speaker Mike Johnson conceded to passing a bill that funds the department for 75 days, a significant retreat that includes no money for federal immigration enforcement, marking a win for Democrats. This move ends the historic shutdown just before DHS employees would have faced stalled paychecks, though Republicans plan to seek funding for immigration enforcement separately. The House ultimately passed the package without a recorded vote, a decision that sharply divided their party and highlighted the growing challenges in governing a deeply fractured House.
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Rep. Nancy Mace has introduced a resolution to expel Rep. Cory Mills from Congress, citing allegations of sexual misconduct and dating violence. The House Ethics Committee is currently investigating Mills for these claims and campaign finance violations, which he denies. While some Democrats have called for his expulsion, Mace’s resolution escalates the situation, aiming to remove him from office despite blocked attempts at censure. Speaker Mike Johnson, however, discourages Republicans from seeking each other’s expulsion, emphasizing the Ethics Committee’s role in due process.
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Following the resignations of two US representatives amid sexual misconduct allegations, lawmakers from across the political spectrum are demanding greater accountability. High-profile progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and conservative figures like Lauren Boebert have united in calls for stricter scrutiny and punishment for accused members of Congress. This rare bipartisan consensus highlights a growing push to reform the institution’s handling of such issues and address a perceived culture of silence.
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During her father’s confirmation hearing, Caroline Kennedy shared anecdotes suggesting a predatory nature, detailing how he once used a chainsaw to decapitate a beached whale and transport its head for five hours. She also revealed a disturbing practice of blending live baby chickens and mice to feed his hawks, a testament to his affinity for birds of prey. These accounts, following previous unsettling stories about the treatment of animals, illustrate a pattern of behavior that elicits increasing disbelief and, ultimately, a sense of dark amusement.
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The Republican-controlled House narrowly rejected a resolution that would have directed President Donald Trump to end military hostilities against Iran. The vote, largely along party lines, saw 213 Republicans opposing the measure and only one, Rep. Thomas Massie, voting in favor, while one Democrat voted against it. This outcome aligns with Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance, who defended the President’s actions and characterized Iran as a leading sponsor of terrorism. The rejection follows a similar vote in the Senate and occurs amidst public disapproval of the war and rising economic concerns, including increased gas prices, which could impact future votes on war powers.
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A legislative effort is underway to bypass Senator JD Vance by establishing a congressional body, as allowed by the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, to assess presidential fitness for office. This move is driven by concerns over the current president’s perceived volatility and national security implications, citing specific instances of public statements and actions. While unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled House or override a presidential veto, the bill aims to address a perceived dangerous precipice and fulfill congressional responsibilities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker