Senator Bernie Moreno has introduced a bill to restrict the use of vehicle software and hardware from companies with significant Chinese ownership in the US, citing national security concerns. The bill would prohibit connected vehicles if their manufacturer is more than 15% owned or controlled by Chinese entities.
The Senate Commerce Committee advanced bipartisan legislation to toughen a ban on Chinese automakers from the U.S. market. However, Chairman Ted Cruz warned that the bill's 15% Chinese ownership threshold could unintentionally bar Mercedes-Benz due to its significant Chinese investment, necessitating changes before it becomes law.
Senate Democrats are calling for congressional hearings into President Trump's crypto holdings after financial disclosures revealed over $1.2 billion in crypto-related income last year. They cite concerns over conflicts of interest, foreign influence, and Trump's role in shaping crypto policy.
New Australian tax changes on capital gains are already impacting housing prices, contrary to opposition claims. Research indicates the 50% CGT discount, introduced in 1999, is a primary driver of the housing affordability crisis, not banking deregulation. Data also shows younger Australians are not the largest capital gains cohort, nor do they earn the most from them, challenging claims that the changes harm them.
A U.S. Senate committee supports cooperation with South Korea on submarine manufacturing and has requested assessments on Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, citing potential positive security implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that could bar defense contractors from stock buybacks or dividends without Pentagon approval. The measure, supported by both parties, aims to increase discipline among contractors and faces opposition from industry groups.
美國聯邦參議院軍委會通過2027財政年度國防授權法案，授權戰爭部為台灣建立戰爭儲備存量計畫。學者指出，此舉旨在提升台灣戰時續戰能力，因台灣四面環海，戰時可能無法獲得境外物資。
The US Senate Armed Services Committee has voted to extend security assistance to Ukraine, increasing authorized funding to $750 million as part of the defense policy bill for the next fiscal year. The funds will support the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which procures weapons for Ukraine's military and provides intelligence support.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Michelle Steel as US ambassador to South Korea, sending her nomination for a confirmation vote
The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill requiring AI companies to implement age verification for chatbots and prohibit AI companions for minors, while also blocking explicit content and self-harm encouragement.
The Australian federal government has spent millions on personal security for administrators of the CFMEU union, including $3.8m for Mark Irving and $5.3m for Michael Crosby. Minister Murray Watt also required security after placing the union into administration due to alleged criminal syndicate involvement.
The Senate Banking Committee approved the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act, a comprehensive crypto regulation bill, sending it to the full Senate. The bill divides jurisdiction between the CFTC and SEC, and despite challenges, aims for passage by July 4, 2026.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Trump administration expects European countries to fund aid for Ukraine, calling it 'exactly what the American people want to see.' Responding to Senator Angus King's question about why the US is 'abandoning Ukraine,' Hegseth pointed to a chart showing decreased US military aid and expanded EU funding, stating Europe 'should pay for it' as the threat is 'far closer' to the continent.
President Trump's pick Kevin Warsh faced a Senate committee confirmation hearing for Federal Reserve leadership, though his approval may be delayed by factors beyond his control.
Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve chair, faced a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday amid controversy. GOP Sen. Thom Tillis is blocking the vote until the DOJ drops its investigation into the Fed and Chairman Jerome Powell. Warsh, formerly a rate hawk, now supports lowering interest rates, drawing criticism from Democrats who fear he'll bow to Trump political pressure. The 12-member rate-setting committee remains reluctant to cut rates until inflation approaches 2%, complicated by Iran conflict and rising gasoline prices.
Trump's Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh faces Senate confirmation battle as GOP Sen. Thom Tillis blocks a vote until DOJ drops its investigation into the Federal Reserve. The probe into cost overruns at the Fed's headquarters is widely seen as Trump administration pressure to lower interest rates. Warsh, a former Fed governor, testified on inflation and independence while critics like Sen. Elizabeth Warren accused him of flip-flopping on rates to align with Trump.
Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve chair, faces a contentious confirmation hearing amid a DOJ investigation into the Fed and pressure from Trump to lower interest rates. GOP Sen. Thom Tillis threatens to block the vote until the DOJ drops its investigation into the central bank, which Fed Chair Jerome Powell calls an intimidation campaign. Warsh's past hawkish stance has shifted to support lower rates tied to AI productivity gains, drawing criticism from Democrats who question his independence.
Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve chair, faces a contentious Senate confirmation process. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) plans to block the vote until the DOJ drops its investigation into the Fed, which critics say is a pressure campaign to lower interest rates. Warsh will also face questions about his previous hawkish stance on rates versus his recent support for cuts tied to AI productivity gains, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren calling him the "sock puppet in chief."
President Trump's selection Kevin Warsh faces his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the Federal Reserve, with potential delays stemming from external factors beyond his control.
