President Trump is defending a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran, outlined in a US-Israel memorandum of understanding. Both Trump and VP Vance assure US taxpayers won't fund it, suggesting regional partners and investors. Democrats and some Republicans criticize the plan, linking it to domestic needs.
The National Science Foundation will halt plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $368m deep-sea system collecting vital ocean data. The reversal follows outcry from lawmakers and scientists concerned about losing climate and weather forecasting information.
Rightwing MEPs chanted "send them back" after a vote to increase EU deportations. This sparked counter-chants of "shame on you" from other lawmakers, highlighting deep divisions in the European Parliament. Rights groups and UN experts have criticized the measures as cruel and discriminatory.
Rep. Bryan Steil is introducing a provision to ban congressional lawmakers and their families from betting on prediction markets related to policy, politics, and elections. The measure, part of a larger bill banning stock trading, includes a $2,000 fee or 10% of the transaction value for violations.
Senator Rick Scott highlighted China's control over US supply chains, particularly in pharmaceuticals, during a Senate hearing. He warned of the risks to older Americans' health, finances, and security due to this dependence.
Staff from the House oversight and judiciary committees visited the Texas prison where Ghislaine Maxwell is serving her sentence. Democrats claim prison leadership obstructed their questioning about Maxwell's transfer and alleged preferential treatment.
Two US lawmakers, Senator Cynthia Lummis and Senator Rubén Gallego, are backing a non-binding resolution opposing any executive clemency for Sam Bankman-Fried. The resolution states that a pardon would weaken deterrence and send a damaging message regarding financial fraud.
The European Parliament has urged Albania to suspend construction in protected areas, specifically targeting a proposed luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner. This follows 18 days of protests in Albania and diaspora demonstrations abroad, with calls for the project's halt and Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.
The European Commission is struggling to implement its ambitious plan to slash red tape and save the EU economy billions, facing significant pushback from EU governments and lawmakers who are diluting proposals. Commissioners expressed frustration over the rollback of simplification efforts, particularly concerning chemicals, digital, environmental, and pesticides rules, as negotiations become tense over balancing competitiveness with environmental and health safeguards.
A bill limiting major investors to buying 350 single-family homes is set to become law. Key lawmakers agreed on the legislation, which aims to increase housing supply and restrict private equity's role in neighborhoods. An initial Senate vote is expected this week.
A controversial datacenter proposal on the site of a former asylum in East Vincent, Pennsylvania, faces strong local opposition due to environmental and health concerns. The project has ignited a political debate involving the governor, state lawmakers, and gubernatorial candidates over AI infrastructure growth.
Ohio lawmakers failed to pass Senate Bill 341, which would have ended child marriage by prohibiting 17-year-olds from marrying adults up to four years older. Despite bipartisan support and no public opposition, the bill stalled before the summer recess, outraging reform advocates.
Democratic senators and two House committees are demanding the National Science Foundation reverse its plan to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $386 million ocean monitoring network. Lawmakers accuse the agency of illegal action and wasting taxpayer money, citing a lack of consultation and potential threats to coastal safety and climate research.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers are demanding the National Science Foundation reverse its plan to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $386 million ocean monitoring network. House committees accuse the agency of illegal action, while senators cite potential harm to coastal communities and scientific research.
Georgia lawmakers convene for a special session to address an election system flaw: a law banning QR code vote tabulation after July 1, 2026, with no replacement implemented. Conflicting guidance from the Secretary of State and State Election Board adds to the confusion, potentially leading to legal challenges.
Over 100 UK lawmakers have urged the government to cancel an Israeli real estate event in London, citing its promotion of land sales in illegal West Bank settlements. Organizers deny these claims, stating properties are within the Green Line, but event details mentioning settlements have been removed.
Sama Safi, a 20-year-old Palestinian American psychology student, has been held in Israeli military detention for nearly two weeks without charge. US lawmakers are calling for her release, citing her chronic medical condition and potential targeting based on alleged affiliation with a student organization. Her family and lawyer express concern over her treatment and the broader issue of administrative detention.
US Democratic lawmakers met with Puerto Rican mayors to address concerns about slow recovery from hurricanes and earthquakes. They pledged to push for faster reimbursements and project approvals, citing issues with federal funding disbursement and FEMA staffing.
US Democratic lawmakers met with Puerto Rican mayors to address concerns about slow recovery from hurricanes and earthquakes. They pledged to expedite reimbursements and project approvals, citing issues with FEMA staffing and past policy delays. Despite billions allocated, significant funds remain undisbursed due to ongoing challenges.
Right-wing US officials and investors claim China funds anti-data center protests, citing OpenAI's report on Chinese-origin accounts spreading anti-data center messages. Experts are skeptical, suggesting foreign interference amplifies existing US tensions over data centers and AI.
US lawmakers and witnesses warned at a congressional hearing that the US must lead the next phase of responsible AI innovation, not China. Concerns were raised about national security and China's rapid advancements in AI, with calls to maintain American technological superiority.
US lawmakers emphasize the critical need for the US to maintain its lead in AI development over China, citing economic and military implications, during a congressional hearing on AI innovation and dominance.
The Philippine Senate's official website was defaced with a warning message from hacktivists, coinciding with a political crisis over leadership control within the chamber.
Taiwanese official Cheng met with US lawmakers, stressing the KMT's commitment to military cooperation but also the need for financially sound defense acquisitions. Cheng's visit includes stops in San Francisco, Boston, and New York, with Washington being the main destination.
