Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination at a Senate hearing, refusing to answer questions from Senator Rand Paul regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response and alleged perjury, citing potential prosecution.
Retired immunologist Anthony Fauci, 85, invoked the Fifth Amendment, refusing to answer Senate questions about his COVID-19 pandemic handling, citing fear of twisted words leading to criminal prosecution.
The 2023 midterm elections pose high stakes for Trump's presidency, as a predicted Democratic House majority could lead to two years of investigations and a potential third impeachment, with Decision Desk HQ forecasting a 224-211 Democratic majority.
A 25-year-old Irish law student, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, has been charged with possession of explosives after a sophisticated bomb was intercepted near the UK-Irish border, intended for an under-car attack in Northern Ireland.
Irish police intercepted an "extremely significant" car bomb with suspected military-grade explosives near the Irish border in Co Monaghan, targeting dissident republicans. Two suspects, a woman in her twenties and a man in his forties, have been arrested.
The revised CLARITY Act faces unusual divisions among Wall Street, Washington, and the crypto industry. While Goldman Sachs supports advancing the bill, banking groups oppose stablecoin reward provisions. Cardano's founder aligns with Senator Warren on presidential involvement, complicating its path to Senate passage.
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego announced he will collaborate with Republicans on a counterproposal for the CLARITY Act's ethics provisions, calling the recently released draft "not a serious effort" due to its perceived shortcomings in barring federal officials from digital asset involvement.
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the ethics provisions in the Senate Republicans' proposed CLARITY Act as "not a serious effort," stating they fall short. He announced plans to work with Republican Senator Thom Tillis on a counterproposal to the draft, which aims to bar federal officials, including the President, from issuing or sponsoring digital assets.
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan argues the next crypto bull market will be driven by institutional finance, stablecoins, tokenization, and real financial activity on blockchain rails, rather than speculation. This comes as crypto majors are flat, BTC ETFs see inflows, and SEC warns on DeFi, while bridge exploits highlight security risks.
The US House approved a non-binding resolution 214-208 to remove forces from Iran hostilities, a symbolic rebuke to President Trump amid intensifying attacks. A Senate attempt failed. Lawmakers cited an 'illegal war' lacking clear mission, while opponents defended the mission.
Jay Clayton's nomination for Director of National Intelligence is set for a Senate vote next week, likely succeeding despite his refusal to affirm Joe Biden was "duly elected" in 2020. His confirmation is also seen as a way to replace current acting director Bill Pulte, who lacks intelligence experience.
House Republicans, led by Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, have urged the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith. They allege Smith made false statements under oath last year about his efforts to gather phone records of lawmakers. Smith's lawyers deny the claims, calling the referral a weaponization of the justice system.
House Republicans passed a $1.1 trillion military funding bill (NDAA), a $95 billion budget blueprint, and a bill to ban lawmaker stock trading before their recess. The NDAA and budget face uncertain paths in the Senate due to bipartisan opposition and procedural hurdles.
US House Republicans narrowly passed a $1.15 trillion military spending package (2027 NDAA) 216-212, despite Democratic concerns over its cost and expanded military technology collaboration with Israel, and its connection to the "unpopular war on Iran."
US Senate Republicans released an updated CLARITY Act text on July 22, advancing a federal market-structure framework for digital assets. The bill addresses ethics rules for officials, stablecoin rewards, and developer protections, moving towards a potential floor vote despite ongoing negotiations.
House Republicans passed a $1.1 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a separate $95 billion budget blueprint before recess, facing significant Democratic opposition due to domestic spending cuts and concerns over escalating U.S.-Iran conflict costs. The House also advanced a bill to ban lawmakers from acquiring new individual stocks.
Senate Republicans released the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, featuring ethics provisions that would temporarily bar all US federal officials, including President Trump, from issuing or sponsoring digital assets. The ban, expiring in 2029, would be enforced by the US Attorney General, but faces pushback from Democrats over enforcement and scope.
House Republicans sharply questioned Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, over alleged 'woke ideology' and insufficient patriotism, echoing Trump administration criticisms. Democrats rebutted, defending museums' trustworthiness and accusing the GOP of trying to control historical narratives. Hartig defended the Smithsonian's nonpartisan mission.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the war in Iran has cost US$37.5 billion, seeking urgent funding from skeptical lawmakers. The unpopular conflict is a key issue ahead of midterm elections.
Arizona holds primaries for governor, U.S. House, and secretary of state, testing voter sentiment in a swing state. Key races include toss-up House districts and the governor's re-election, with Donald Trump's endorsements playing a significant role.
Senate Republicans return to Washington with an uncertain agenda following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the continued hospitalization of Senator Mitch McConnell. Graham, a key ally of President Trump, died at 71 after an aortic dissection. McConnell, recovering from pneumonia and a fall, broke his silence about his health, revealing he was briefly unconscious. Their absences weaken the Republican majority and complicate legislative priorities.
Tributes highlight Senator Lindsey Graham's pivotal role as a liaison between the Trump White House and the Senate. His ability to bridge divides, negotiate deals, and advise the president on policy and foreign affairs was considered "colossal" and "multidimensional," making his loss a "devastating development" for those working with the administration.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has died, leaving a vacancy in the US Senate. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has the authority to appoint a replacement, potentially impacting President Trump's agenda. The appointment's timing and the chosen candidate's strategy remain uncertain.
US farmers are advocating for an expansion of the H-2A visa program to address labor shortages, facing opposition from labor groups and some conservatives who cite concerns about worker exploitation and competition with American workers. The Trump administration's focus on immigration enforcement has intensified the debate.
