Donald Trump announced Jay Clayton as his nominee for Director of National Intelligence, pending Senate confirmation. This move follows a Democratic threat to let surveillance legislation expire, prompting Trump's backing down from a previous pick.
As US midterm elections near, congressional Republicans are increasingly defying President Trump, voting with Democrats on resolutions like requiring congressional approval for hostilities against Iran and aiding Ukraine, amidst public disapproval of Trump's administration and concerns over his policies.
President Trump is reportedly dropping his $1.8bn "anti-weaponisation" fund following backlash from Republicans and Democrats. The fund, intended for victims of alleged "lawfare," faced criticism for its potential misuse, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling Trump's promises "worthless."
Congress leaves for recess without passing immigration funding due to disputes over a Trump-backed "Anti-Weaponization Fund." DNC releases a flawed campaign review. Hurricane season predicts fewer storms but risks destructive ones. Climate solutions are being pursued at state/local levels.
Voters are souring on Trump's economy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, and high gas prices are only adding to consumer discontent.
Trump rejected Iran's response to a U.S. peace proposal, calling it "totally unacceptable." And, Congressional Republicans are trying to push for three years of funding for immigration enforcement.
Senate Republicans introduced a budget resolution Tuesday to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, the first step in using reconciliation to end a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The resolution authorizes committees to draft legislation increasing the deficit by up to $70 billion to fund agencies for 3.5 years. President Trump has set a June 1 deadline. Democrats have refused to fund ICE and CBP without significant reforms following the deaths of two U.S. citizens earlier this year.
Senate Republicans have unveiled a budget resolution to fund ICE and CBP through the reconciliation process, aiming to end a partial DHS shutdown by bypassing the 60-vote Senate threshold. The plan seeks $70 billion in funding with a passage deadline set for June 1.
Rep. David Kustoff introduced a bill to raise the qualified business income deduction from 20% to 23%, aiming to attach it to Homeland Security funding via budget reconciliation. The Tennessee Republican and Ways and Means Committee member seeks to leverage the reconciliation process to advance small business tax cuts, with six GOP co-sponsors on board.
