To fund President Trump’s budget bill, Senate Republicans proposed significantly increasing retirement contributions for federal employees, raising them to 15.6% of their salaries. This measure exempts members of Congress, their staff, and federal law enforcement from the increased contributions, as well as a 10% fee on union dues deductions. The bill is being pushed through the reconciliation process to bypass the filibuster, despite opposition within the GOP and criticism of its impact on the deficit and potential cuts to social programs. This is occurring amidst the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal workforce.
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Following a leak of the early assessment of U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, the White House plans to limit intelligence sharing with Congress, specifically through the CAPNET system. This decision, which is likely to draw criticism from Democrats, comes ahead of a classified briefing for Senate members on Thursday regarding the strikes. Republicans, like Speaker Mike Johnson, are also expressing outrage over the leak, with suspicions directed towards Congress. The administration is defending the military’s actions and claiming significant damage to Iran’s nuclear program, while also downplaying the significance of the leaked assessment.
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While promoting his “big, beautiful bill,” President Trump faced a significant setback in Congress as Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down key provisions related to Medicaid and public benefits for undocumented immigrants. This decision forced Senate Republicans to revisit the bill and created division among GOP senators, some of whom called for MacDonough’s removal. Despite the challenges, the White House expressed optimism about the bill’s passage before July 4th, while House Republicans, particularly conservatives, threatened to reject the Senate’s version due to concerns over its impact on key priorities and the deficit. Furthermore, more measures in the legislation are still awaiting a ruling from the Parliamentarian, which could create more obstacles.
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The Onion published a full-page ad in the New York Times, and sent copies to all members of Congress, satirizing their inaction in the face of the Trump administration’s actions. The editorial, mocking congressional cowardice, urged lawmakers to remain passive amidst growing authoritarianism. A faux CEO’s accompanying letter celebrated the resulting economic benefits for the wealthy. The Onion’s actual CEO highlighted the prescience of the piece, given the current political climate, calling for complete congressional surrender.
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Trump faces significant pushback in Congress following his authorization of the Iranian air strikes, a development initially portrayed as bipartisan opposition but quickly revealing itself as more nuanced. While the initial headlines suggested widespread condemnation, a closer look reveals a far less unified front than initially presented. The number of outspoken critics within Congress, across both Republican and Democratic parties, appears surprisingly limited, especially considering the gravity of the situation.
The reaction from Democrats, while largely critical of the President’s unilateral action, doesn’t represent complete party unity either. While several prominent Democrats have voiced strong disapproval and called for increased accountability, the party hasn’t rallied behind a single, unified response.… Continue reading
Following a confrontation at a New Jersey ICE facility, a DHS official confirmed that arresting Democratic members of Congress is under consideration. This announcement comes after Newark Mayor Baraka’s arrest, the circumstances of which are disputed. DHS claims body camera footage shows lawmakers assaulting ICE officers, while the lawmakers deny wrongdoing and allege assault by ICE agents. The arrests would represent a significant escalation in tensions between the administration and Congress, raising concerns about separation of powers. Legal challenges are expected to follow.
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Trump 2.0 is a runaway dump truck, barreling down the road toward a cliff, and the brakes are failing. It’s a terrifying image, a metaphor for a political situation spiraling out of control. The sheer momentum of this force, fueled by a potent mix of political maneuvering and fervent support, seems unstoppable. But the assertion that only voters can stop it is, at best, an incomplete picture.
The idea that voters alone bear the responsibility for this impending disaster ignores several crucial elements at play. Congress, with its power of impeachment, holds significant influence over the situation. The suggestion that a relatively small number of individuals—less than twenty, even—could theoretically halt the entire process underscores the potential for swift, decisive action from within the existing political framework.… Continue reading
Representative Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, opposes President Trump’s recent tariffs, arguing that past Republican support for protectionist trade policies contributed to the Great Depression. He supports bipartisan Senate legislation, the “Trade Review Act of 2025,” which would require congressional approval for new tariffs and limit the president’s unilateral tariff authority. Bacon will introduce a House companion bill, aiming to restore Congress’s constitutional role in setting trade policy. The bill faces an uphill battle in the House, but has garnered some support from Republican members.
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Following Rep. Al Green’s ejection from a joint session of Congress for protesting President Trump, Rep. Lauren Boebert controversially labeled Green’s cane a “pimp cane,” a remark she later defended. This drew condemnation from Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, prompting Boebert to question whether only Black men could be pimps. Boebert’s comments were criticized in light of her own past disruptions during presidential addresses, including heckling President Biden. Boebert, however, distinguished her actions from Green’s, arguing that he was given multiple warnings before his removal.
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Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s unfiltered response to a question about Elon Musk, advising him to “fuck off,” has gone viral. This latest outspoken moment follows previous clashes with Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nancy Mace, showcasing Crockett’s willingness to engage in pointed political discourse. The video of her comment has garnered significant praise online, with many hailing her as a “national hero.” Musk’s role as a senior advisor to President Trump, overseeing federal workforce cuts, provides context for Crockett’s strong reaction. Crockett’s confrontational style has already established her as a prominent and controversial figure in Congress.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Onion Mocks Congress’ Cowardice in NYT Editorial
The Onion published a full-page ad in the New York Times, and sent copies to all members of Congress, satirizing their inaction in the face of the Trump administration’s actions. The editorial, mocking congressional cowardice, urged lawmakers to remain passive amidst growing authoritarianism. A faux CEO’s accompanying letter celebrated the resulting economic benefits for the wealthy. The Onion’s actual CEO highlighted the prescience of the piece, given the current political climate, calling for complete congressional surrender.
Read More