Congressional Floor Summary

The House took its final votes of the four-day week on September 3 and adjourned until September 14, when both chambers returned. During the recess the President signed the continuing resolution passed by the Senate (90–6) and the House (370–48), funding the government at current levels through December 11 and ending the threat of an October 1 shutdown; the measure includes no emergency funding for the war. Sen. McConnell remained absent from the Capitol following his fall earlier in the year.

The House passed the Senate-approved continuing resolution 370–48 under suspension of the rules (19 Republicans and 29 Democrats opposed), funding the government at current levels through December 11 and sending the bill to the President, whose administration had issued a statement in support. Later, five Republicans — Roy, Harris, Sessions, Higgins, and Norman — voted against the rule for the week's remaining legislation, in protest of the funding bill's Senate changes and the Senate's inaction on conservative priorities; the rule passed 210–208 only because Democratic Reps. Golden and Gluesenkamp Perez voted yes, without notifying their leadership. Democratic leaders Jeffries, Clark, and Aguilar called it a "breach of trust" and referred the matter to the caucus rules committee. The House then adopted H.Res. 1490, condemning socialism "in all its forms" and endorsing the SAVE America Act, 220–192, with eight Democrats voting yes and two present. Later that night, the House censured Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) 413–2 on the Ethics Committee's recommendation, for "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two young female staffers; Edwards and Rep. Ralph Norman cast the only no votes, and Edwards stood in the well as Speaker Johnson read the censure aloud — the 29th censure in House history. [Added in the September 3 edition, which corrected the September 2 edition's report that the censure was still pending.]

The House convened at noon and took its first votes at 6:30 p.m., opening a four-day week — its only session days until September 14 — with the Senate-passed continuing resolution scheduled for Tuesday under suspension of the rules and a White House statement of administration policy in support. The evening's suspension slate included the Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act (passed by voice), the NDO Fairness Act, Kayleigh's Law, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, and the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act. Rep. Roy announced he would oppose the rule governing the week's other legislation in protest of the CR's hemp-THC delay and OMB grants provisions. Dozens of members were absent as campaign season began in earnest.

Sen. Darline Graham defeated Rep. Ralph Norman in South Carolina's special primary runoff, roughly 52–48 (52.4% at the 91% count prompting the AP call), securing the Republican nomination for a full six-year term in the seat of her late brother. President Trump had recruited, endorsed, and campaigned for her, rallying in Myrtle Beach August 21 — a head-to-head validation after six of his endorsed candidates lost primaries during the month — while Norman drew backing from Meadows, Mace, Sanford, and DeMint. Graham, election night: "I continue to miss Lindsey every day... But I know he's looking down right now, very proud of everyone in this room." Norman: "I did not prepare a concession speech... that was not in the cards." She faces Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November and serves through the term's end in January regardless. The same night, Georgia voters filled the House seat of the late Rep. David Scott.

One month after Sen. Lindsey Graham's death, South Carolina Republicans voted in the ten-candidate special primary to choose his successor on the November ballot. Sen. Darline Graham led with 32.7% (109,582 votes) and Rep. Ralph Norman took the second runoff position with 24.6% (82,523), edging Rep. Russell Fry (19.6%) in a margin uncalled for nearly an hour; former Gov. Mark Sanford finished near 15%. With no candidate reaching a majority, the runoff was set for August 25, with Norman agreeing to a debate. President Trump had encouraged Graham into the race and endorsed her; the runoff winner faces Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November. Graham called the night emotional, saying her brother "would be proud," and listed passage of the SAVE America Act among her priorities. About 61,000 Republicans had voted early over three days. Sen. Graham serves through the term's end in January regardless of the special-election outcome.

In its final day-and-night before the August recess, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General 50–49 — Sen. Cassidy, undecided for weeks, announced his support Friday morning ("All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche... I will be criticized for this vote. What's new?"); Sens. Collins and Murkowski voted no with all Democrats; McConnell was absent. It passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, 86–11, with Sen. Darline Graham presiding and announcing the tally of the bill named for her brother ("This legislation hits Putin where it hurts"); Sen. Paul's amendment striking the tariff authority failed 32–64, and Sen. Warnock lifted his hold after a commitment from USTR Greer; Blumenthal recalled Graham's words: "This is a big effing deal. We all did good." The engrossed act authorizes tariffs up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian crude or gas, mandates sanctions reaching Putin and the shadow fleet, and renews the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031. The Senate passed its Continuing Resolution 90–6 (cloture 91–6), funding government at current levels through December 11 — Sen. Graham voting present because the bill includes a death benefit to her brother's heir — leaving House concurrence for September. Reconciliation 3.0 was postponed to the fall, Budget Chairman Johnson conceding it lacked 50 votes; the college-sports bill was punted to September in a deal with Sen. Cruz; and after overnight rapid votes, the Senate adjourned early Saturday for five weeks.

The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 8–5 on party lines (two additional Democrats opposing by proxy) to hold former NIAID director Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress over his 111 Fifth Amendment invocations at the July 29 hearing. Chairman Paul's theory: the sweeping 2014–January 2025 pardon leaves the privilege nothing to protect on covered conduct — "The contempt power exists for precisely this circumstance." Democratic motions to table or postpone were blocked; ranking member Peters said the resolution compels nothing and risks the committee's credibility. Rather than seek a Senate floor vote, Paul hand-delivered the referral to the Justice Department and U.S. District Court, noting "some precedent" for the committee-direct route and not ruling out a later floor vote. CNN legal analyst Elie Honig assessed the prosecution case as "murky at best," noting the pardon does not cover post-January-2025 conduct, including the testimony itself.

At 10:47 a.m., Majority Leader Thune filed cloture on H.R. 6500 — the Senate's legislative vehicle for a Continuing Resolution — and on Collins substitute amendment #6732, materializing the Senate's long-promised rewrite of the House's December-dated CR; he simultaneously filed cloture on the motion to proceed to S.4668, the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, and on the nomination of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General, setting Blanche's first floor vote for Friday with confirmation possible Saturday. The filings put the CR, the sports bill, and the nomination on the same Friday ripening as the chamber's scheduled departure, with the Graham sanctions bill still awaiting a time agreement. Completed business: Erica Schwartz was confirmed 51–44 as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; cloture on the S.Res. 817 en bloc nominations package was invoked 50–44 (not voting: Blackburn, Gallego, Hyde-Smith, Klobuchar, McConnell, and Warnock) [absentee list corrected in the August 8 edition]; and the motion to proceed to S.J.Res. 187, the Whitehouse PFAS Reporting Rule CRA, failed 48–50. Schumer's floor remarks ran through the Blanche nomination, the economy, Iran, and the CR; Marshall's unanimous-consent request on S. 738 drew a Kim objection.

The Judiciary Committee advanced the Blanche Attorney General nomination 12–10 on party lines, ending the three-week standoff: Cornyn and Tillis accepted Sunday's written rescission of the $1.776B "anti-weaponization" fund (Tillis: a "payout for punks"), and the published deal terms limited the settlement's tax-audit immunity to claims open at the time of settlement, leaving future filings unprotected. Grassley: "It's just a crime that it took so long to work out with such a common sense thing." Durbin argued the modifications are "not signed by the parties to the settlement agreement and are therefore unenforceable," warning the fund "can easily be revived... 15 minutes after Mr. Blanche is confirmed," with hundreds of pardoned January 6 defendants holding claims; Blumenthal announced a resolution to reject the immunity deal as precedent. Thune placed the nomination on the calendar, with cloture filing expected Wednesday, a first vote Friday, and confirmation possible Saturday. In five-state primaries, Abdul El-Sayed defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan's Senate race; Rep. Wesley Bell again defeated former Rep. Cori Bush in Missouri; South Carolina's four Republican candidates for Graham's seat debated, with the Iran war a dividing line. The President accused Iran of duplicity over disputed Hormuz talks as Tehran denied negotiations were under way; a cargo vessel was attacked near the strait (UKMTO). The Homeland Security Committee scheduled a Thursday vote on holding Fauci in contempt following his 100-plus Fifth Amendment invocations.

The Senate returned for its last scheduled week before the August recess (departure Friday, August 7), with the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act the pending business and Leader Thune seeking a time agreement to reach final passage before departure — a Paul-Wyden amendment targeting the bill's tariff authorities among the obstacles. The sponsors' substitute amendment formed the bill's contents, its official description limiting tariff authority to the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas. U.S.-Iran talks were set to resume as soon as Monday following the weekend's called-off strikes; Iran's foreign minister said negotiations were "on the path to being finalized." The Judiciary Committee's Blanche markup was set for Tuesday morning under Sunday night's rescission-order deal.

U.S. officials told multiple outlets Friday that the U.S. and Israel planned to reopen strikes on Iran "as soon as this weekend" — described as "one of the harshest bombing campaigns to date," targeting energy infrastructure — with the White House press secretary relaying the President's Camp David remarks that "the United States will win, and Iran will not have a nuclear weapon under his watch." Over the weekend the President called off the strikes; by Monday morning U.S.-Iran talks were set to resume as soon as that day, with Iran's foreign minister saying "Negotiations are on the path to being finalized." On the Blanche nomination, the President on Saturday called out Sens. Cornyn and Tillis by name and threatened to renew his push for the $1.776B anti-weaponization fund; a Senate Republican publicly warned against delaying the nomination, and Sen. Kennedy said he would not give the President "a blank check" on anti-weaponization. Sunday night, acting Attorney General Blanche announced that agreement had been reached and issued an order "officially" rescinding the fund: "My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions." Whether the settlement's tax-immunity provision was narrowed, per Cornyn's second demand, was not detailed in the announcement. The Judiciary Committee's retry was expected Tuesday, August 4.

Chairman Grassley re-noticed the Judiciary markup on the Blanche nomination, his spokesperson stating plainly that the notice "gives more time for the White House to secure the votes for the President's nominee," with confirmation still sought before the recess "at the end of next week"; as of Friday evening neither Cornyn nor Tillis — both leaving Congress at term's end — had committed. Sen. Fetterman assessed the President as having "zero leverage" and the floor math as "just not there," while noting the settlement's own written-consent requirement means the disavowed fund "could be revived at a future date." The President held a Cabinet meeting at Camp David addressing the Blanche fight and the Iran war; Roll Call reported the week-long "respite in fighting appears to be over." The Hill reported Sen. McConnell's month-long absence as recovery from a fall at his home.

The Senate rejected the motion to discharge Sen. Gillibrand's war powers resolution from Foreign Relations, 49–50 — the thirteenth Senate test of the war and its closest: Collins, Murkowski, and Paul voted to advance; Fetterman was the only Democrat opposed; Cassidy voted no; McConnell, absent, supplied the missing margin. Schumer urged Republican support from the floor. [This entry is corrected: the August 1 edition added this vote, which the July 31 edition erroneously omitted.] The day's Blanche fight escalated in parallel: a presidential statement pressuring Sens. Cornyn and Tillis drew Cornyn's public rebuttal within minutes ("POTUS is mistaken if he believes concerns about the provisions in his tax lawsuit settlement are limited to me and Senator Tillis"), and by evening the President floated withdrawing the nomination. The senators' written demands, per NPR: assurance that the $1.776B fund is dead, and modification of the immunity provision to cover only existing audits. Reporting mapped the path: a committee vote possible August 4, cloture falling on August 7 — departure day — with any slip meaning "September — if at all." The HELP Committee advanced the Schwartz (CDC) and Kaufman (ASPR) nominations. Consideration of the Graham sanctions bill continued, final passage sought before the recess.

Appearing under Chairman Paul's subpoena, former NIAID director Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee rather than answer questions on COVID-19's origins — more than four dozen invocations in the first two hours, per CNN — citing Paul's public calls for his prosecution; Paul proceeded with questioning for the record, and Fauci's attorney was removed from the hearing room. On the floor, the Senate adopted the motion to proceed to H.R. 5334 — the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act — in a second overwhelming procedural vote, with President Zelensky watching from the chamber; the revised text includes mandatory "shadow fleet" sanctions, tariff authority up to 500% on Russian imports and 100% on buyers of Russian energy, extended Iran sanctions authorities, and broad presidential waiver power, drawing objections from Wyden, Neal, and Meeks over the tariff grant. Late that night, Grassley's office postponed the Judiciary Committee's scheduled July 30 vote on the Blanche Attorney General nomination to an unset date after a Justice Department response failed to satisfy Sens. Cornyn and Tillis, whose two votes on the 12–10 panel were sufficient to defeat it; a committee spokesperson said the nomination "lacked the votes." The senators seek amendment of the Trump-IRS settlement itself — the addendum Blanche signed creating the $1.776B fund and barring IRS enforcement on the President's pre-settlement returns.

Sen. Lindsey Graham's funeral filled the Washington National Cathedral — President Trump and Vice President Vance in the front row; Secretaries Rubio, Hegseth, and Bessent, acting Attorney General Blanche, CIA Director Ratcliffe, and much of the Cabinet attending; President Zelensky, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and Finland's President Stubb among foreign leaders present — with services continuing in South Carolina. That evening, after Zelensky met senators of both parties behind closed doors for roughly an hour, the Senate invoked cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5334 — the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 — by 86–12, the summer's most bipartisan roll call. The bill, announced by Graham in Kyiv the day before his death after fifteen months of negotiation, would sanction Russian officials up to Putin, impose tariffs up to 100% on the largest importers of Russian energy, and add Iran sanctions at the President's request; leadership seeks unanimous consent for passage before the recess. Between the ceremonies, the Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, 51–47 on party lines — the first permanent DNI since Gabbard's resignation, ending Bill Pulte's acting tenure. Warner: Clayton must "demonstrate that intelligence will never be shaped to fit a political narrative"; Cotton's office called on Democrats to now "put up the votes" for §702 reauthorization.

Returning as the only chamber in session, the Senate invoked cloture on the Clayton DNI nomination 51–43 on party lines (Roll Call Vote 210), setting up a final confirmation vote expected as early as July 28 — which would install the first permanent Director of National Intelligence since Gabbard's resignation and end Bill Pulte's acting tenure. Hours before the vote, Pulte announced on X that he had completed a "4th round of thoughtful, measured layoffs" at ODNI; §702 authorizations remained in a legal void since the June 12 lapse. Thune's floor case cited Clayton's SDNY record (the Maduro indictment, an Iran-backed-terror prosecution) and SEC tenure: "Jay Clayton fits the mold." Warner reiterated he could not support the nominee ("I hope he will become the guy I used to work with") while maintaining that Pulte's exit is the precondition for FISA talks. The war's pause held; no strikes were reported beyond the thirteenth night.

Following a thirteenth consecutive strike night July 23, no new U.S. strikes were reported through the weekend. UN Ambassador Waltz said Sunday the President is giving talks with Iran "some space"; Trump said Tehran is "getting more serious... by far the most serious that we've seen them," while reserving the option to continue or escalate the campaign; Iranian officials characterized the pause as a victory. At a Friday options meeting, Joint Chiefs Chairman Caine raised munitions-stockpile concerns against a proposed expansion — reported as the campaign's first materiel constraint placed on the record by the uniformed leadership. The Pentagon lowered the U.S. death toll posted on its website from 18 to 14, prompting senators to demand an accounting; reporting placed injuries near 500. Per weekend reporting, the Justice Department dropped its subpoenas of New York Times journalists — which DNI nominee Clayton had defended at his confirmation hearing — after questioning from a federal judge.

In its final votes before adjourning, the House passed the Jayapal-led measure to halt U.S. involvement in the Iran war, 214–208, with four Republicans in favor — the chamber's first test of the conflict since strikes resumed July 7, characterized by reporting as largely symbolic given its path. The same morning the Senate rejected the motion to discharge S.J.Res. 180 — the war powers resolution directing removal of forces from hostilities against Iran — 47–49, its twelfth war powers test of the conflict: Collins voted to discharge, Fetterman against; Britt, McConnell, Murkowski, and Paul did not vote; Murphy and Schumer spoke in support. The Senate then confirmed Daniel Traynor (Eighth Circuit) 48–47 on party lines and Antonio Pozos (E.D. Pa.) 49–44 — completing five judicial confirmations for the week and eight since the July 13 return — and adjourned until Monday, July 27, at 3 p.m., with a 5:30 p.m. cloture vote scheduled and the Clayton DNI nomination the pending business with cloture filed. The House adjourned Thursday; reporting noted it may scarcely return before the November election. Thune said the House budget resolution lacks the votes in the Senate; Senate conservatives discussed attaching the SAVE Act to the fall funding stopgap. In two further floor actions, Thune withdrew his motion to proceed to S.4784 — formally taking the Senate NDAA off the floor — and filed cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5334, the legislative vehicle for the Russia sanctions bill. At its executive business meeting, the Judiciary Committee held the Blanche nomination over one week per standard practice (vote set for July 30) and seated Sen. Darline Graham in her late brother's committee slots — her first markup — restoring the panel to 12–10; the agenda also included the Domenico (10th Cir.), Byrne (S.D. Ohio), and Nassar (N.D. Okla. U.S. Attorney) nominations.

Clearing its decks before recess, the House passed the FY2027 NDAA (H.R. 8800) 216–212 — ~$1.15T, decoupled from the SAVE Act; six Democrats in favor, the war the stated dividing line (Smith: "we are de facto supporting this war with no end in sight") — adopted the FY2027 budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 113) 216–214 on party lines, unlocking Reconciliation 3.0's House side, and passed the Stop Insider Trading Act (H.R. 7008) 232–198 with an embedded voter-ID provision. The Senate confirmed Benjamin Flowers (Sixth Circuit) 49–46 on party lines and Michael Martin (E.D. Mich.) 62–36 after 60–35 cloture — the summer's most bipartisan judicial vote and the administration's first confirmation with home-state blue slips returned, Michigan's Peters and Slotkin voting aye. Thune filed cloture on the Clayton DNI nomination, advanced 9–8 by the Intelligence Committee Tuesday. CENTCOM completed a twelfth consecutive night of strikes; the Pentagon confirmed a fourth service member killed in the recent Iranian attacks, with the President attending the Dover dignified transfer; Iran struck U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan overnight; Islamabad-mediated ceasefire talks collapsed.

The House passed a continuing resolution 220–205 at 11:34 p.m., extending current funding into December to remove the October 1 shutdown deadline before the August recess — Massie the lone Republican no; six Democrats (Castor, Cuellar, Davis of N.C., Golden, Gonzalez, Vasquez) voted yes over leadership opposition (Jeffries and Clark: a "premature and desperate attempt"). Appropriations Chairman Cole: "put a little pressure on the Senate... create some momentum." Thune said the Senate would rewrite the CR and might "hold up" the House budget resolution. Earlier, the Senate Appropriations Committee held the supplemental's first hearing (Collins presiding; Hegseth, Gen. Caine, and Rollins testifying): the request firmed at $87.6B — ~$80B for stockpile replenishment — and Hegseth disclosed the war has cost $37.5B to date, warning of shortfalls that "threaten our ability to also simply pay our service members"; Shaheen: "At what point do you stop asking Americans to foot the bill for a war they don't support?" The House's rule for the week, H.Res. 1438, provided for floor consideration of the NDAA (H.R. 8800) — returning decoupled from the SAVE Act — the budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 113), the CR, and other measures. In the Senate, Kara Westercamp was confirmed 50–48 to the Court of International Trade (Record Vote 201) — the tally previously unposted at this briefing's publication — while the Flowers confirmation moved by order to Wednesday, and cloture motions were queued on the Pozos and Traynor nominations.

The Senate returned to the judicial track: cloture on Benjamin Flowers (Sixth Circuit) was invoked 43–40 — nominations require a simple majority, but seventeen senators did not vote — with the confirmation vote set for July 21; cloture motions were entered on the Martin (E.D. Mich., vote July 22) and Pozos (E.D. Pa.) nominations. The House met for evening suspensions in its final scheduled week before August. CENTCOM completed a ninth and began a tenth consecutive night of strikes — Iranian media reported hits in Bushehr, Shiraz, Isfahan, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm; the IAEA said a struck under-construction nuclear site posed no radiological risk; weekend strikes destroyed a desalination plant and bridges with direct civilian effects, and a tanker was struck in the strait. Trump said the strikes were "in honor" of the three fallen service members; Rubio reiterated U.S. openness to diplomacy. The Appropriations Committee scheduled the supplemental request's first hearing for July 21.

An Iranian ballistic-missile and drone attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan, killed two U.S. Army soldiers — Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, and 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii (identified July 20) — with one service member missing, remains later recovered for identification, and four wounded. A third service member was killed Saturday in northern Iraq during controlled detonation of ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. The deaths — the first American combat fatalities since strikes resumed July 7 — brought the U.S. toll since February to 17. CENTCOM retaliated against the responsible IRGC units through an eighth consecutive night of strikes; Iran struck U.S.-allied Gulf states; Iran's new supreme leader threatened "unforgettable lessons" and called the ceasefire memorandum "worthless." Reporting noted the deaths crossed the threshold the President had set for resuming all-out war.

The House Budget Committee advanced the FY2027 budget resolution 20–14 on strict party lines, rejecting 14 Democratic amendments — instructing the Administration, Agriculture, Armed Services, and Intelligence Committees to draft up to $95B (roughly $10B SAVE-related) by September 11, with no offsets; Rep. Roy did not vote. Thune on Senate prospects: "a very uneven path. I can't make any guarantees." That night the President's ~25-minute East Room address alleged "shocking vulnerabilities" in election infrastructure via newly declassified documents and closed by urging passage of the SAVE Act; reviews found the material largely restated a 2021 assessment, no new fraud evidence was offered, and no emergency or decertification followed. ABC, NBC, and CNN declined to air it live. Michigan officials objected to DOJ plans for federal election monitors at the August primary. On the Senate floor, a 49–48 cloture vote — the week's tightest — advanced a pending nomination; the Older Americans Act reauthorization (S. 2120) passed in wrap-up; the motion to proceed to the Medicare AI prior-authorization disapproval resolution failed 46–50 (Record Vote 199); and the Ukraine Support Act (H.R. 2913) passed by unanimous consent before the chamber adjourned to July 20. Iran strikes ran a sixth consecutive day.

The House passed the FY2027 State Department/national-security appropriations bill 217–209 — its third funding bill — with the rule directing the SAVE America Act to be merged in at engrossment before transmission to the Senate. During consideration, Rep. Massie's amendment to cut off Israel aid (and $3.3B in Foreign Military Financing) failed 104–314–10, but drew 103 Democratic votes — a caucus majority and a first — with leadership split (Jeffries and Aguilar no; Clark and Pelosi yes). The House also passed a bill making daylight saving time permanent. In the Senate: Blanche (AG) faced Judiciary on the Epstein files and "anti-weaponization" fund with Cornyn publicly undecided on an 11–10 panel; Clayton (DNI) told Intelligence only that Biden was "certified" in 2020 and defended New York Times journalist subpoenas; Warner demanded Pulte's exit from the acting role. The Senate confirmed Jeffrey Kuntz (S.D. Fla.) 51–46 on a party-line vote. House Republicans unveiled a ~$95B Reconciliation 3.0 framework (defense, farm aid, voter-ID implementation grants).

The House adopted the rule 215–211 — Rep. Fine the lone Republican no — breaking the blockade in place since June 30. Speaker Johnson won over Reps. Luna and Burchett by agreeing to merge the SAVE America Act with the FY2027 State Department appropriations bill ("MIRVing"), with Luna conditioning her vote on the tactic extending to "all the appropriation bills and all must-pass bills" and pre-assigning blame to Majority Leader Thune should the Senate strip it. Other holdouts secured commitments on border-security legislation. The rule teed up the State approps bill, a permanent daylight-saving-time measure, and veterans legislation.

A July 10 letter from the President to Senate President Pro Tempore Grassley, made public July 13, formally notified Congress that U.S. military action against Iran resumed July 7, after Iranian attacks on neutral-flagged tankers in the Strait of Hormuz July 6–7 that the administration says violated the June 17 memorandum of understanding. The letter describes the strikes as "limited, measured," with no ground forces, against missile, air-defense, maritime, and command targets; the naval blockade is reinstated. The administration treats the notification as opening a new 60-day window under the War Powers Resolution — its May 1 letter had declared the original (Feb. 28) hostilities "terminated" — a position Sen. Schiff's newly filed war powers resolution (with Kaine, Kim, Merkley, Van Hollen) disputes; Rep. Massie argues the war "never stopped."

At 3:38 p.m. the Senate rejected cloture on the motion to proceed to S.4784, the FY2027 NDAA, 50–46 — ten short of 60, with every Democrat present opposed and Majority Leader Thune switching to "no" to enter a motion to reconsider (not voting: Fetterman, Justice, McConnell, Padilla). Thune: "unprecedented... a new low." Democrats cited the resumed, unauthorized Iran war (Schumer: "a permission slip"), U.S.–Israel military/intelligence integration provisions, and the ~$1.5T topline. Earlier: Schwartz confirmed 50–45 to the Second Circuit (12:51 p.m.); Darline Graham Nordone sworn in at 2:33 p.m. by President Pro Tempore Grassley, casting her first vote in the NDAA roll; tributes to Graham continued (Ernst, Cotton, Barrasso); House-passed appropriations bills including MilCon-VA (H.R.8469) placed on the Senate calendar under Rule XIV; cloture filed on the Kuntz nomination.

Both chambers returned from the July 4 recess. The Senate's first session since Sen. Graham's death opened with his desk — the John C. Calhoun desk — draped in black with white roses; Majority Leader Thune delivered a tearful eulogy ("he has just changed his address"). At 5:30 p.m. the Senate confirmed Arthur Jones (S.D. Tex.) 46–44, the year's narrowest margin, with the majority at its thinnest. At 4 p.m., Gov. McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone — Graham's sister — to serve out his term, after President Trump publicly urged the pick; swearing-in set for July 14. The D.C. medical examiner's preliminary finding: aortic dissection. Thune floated the Graham-championed Russia sanctions bill as a memorial ("a great tribute to the legacy of Lindsey"). The House returned to routine suspensions (postal namings, votes 6:30 p.m.). McConnell, recovering, remained away.

Graham died Saturday night of "a brief and sudden illness," his office announced Sunday; law-enforcement sources reported no indication of unnatural causes. A four-term senator, four-term House member, and retired Air Force colonel with 33 years in uniform, he was among the chamber's defining defense and foreign-policy voices. Tributes came from Trump ("one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known"), Bush, Biden, and Netanyahu. Institutional consequences: the Senate returns July 13 with Republicans two short of full strength (Graham vacancy; McConnell hospitalized), affecting the S.4784 NDAA cloture process, the ~$88B supplemental, and the confirmation calendar including Acting AG Blanche's Judiciary hearing. Gov. McMaster will appoint a temporary successor; a sprint special primary appears required for the November ballot line.

The 10-day constitutional window (from the June 29 presentment, Sundays excepted) expired at 12:00 a.m. with no signature and no veto, enacting the housing act by Article I, §7 default. The broadest federal housing law in decades — 47 supply provisions negotiated by Sens. Scott and Warren and Reps. Hill and Waters — took effect with the same force as if signed, ending the standoff that began with the June 24 signing-ceremony cancellation over the SAVE America Act. Johnson: "If he doesn't, it's still law; we'll still celebrate it." Warren: "If you're serious about lowering costs, you don't reject one of the biggest housing bills in years." Lee: "the sooner we pass the SAVE America Act, the sooner President Trump will return to celebratory signing ceremonies."

On the final day of the 10-day window, Trump posted that he "will not sign the Housing Bill... in PROTEST over the fact that the United States Senate is not capable of passing THE SAVE AMERICA ACT," repeating his demand that the Senate eliminate the filibuster. The White House, asked about a veto, referred back to the post. Absent a veto by midnight, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law without a signature (85–5 Senate; 358–32 House; presented June 29). Speaker Johnson had announced July 5 that the House will pass the SAVE Act "one more time" via reconciliation after the return — a route facing the parliamentarian's prior Byrd Rule ruling. Jeffries: "Republicans would rather make it harder to vote than easier to afford a home."

No floor action. Fresh reporting firmly places the housing bill's become-law date at July 10 (from the June 29 presentment), settling the deadline discrepancy previously flagged; the bill remains unsigned and not vetoed. Return-week stakes sharpened: the House has two legislative weeks before the August recess, with the NDAA, a third reconciliation package, FY2027 appropriations, and a §702 renewal all pending; the White House supplemental request is now precise at ~$88B ($67B defense, largely Iran-war costs). Luna restated her blockade position ("1,000%, the rule will go down until you attach the SAVE America Act"). Senate pro forma July 9; both chambers return July 13.

Pro forma day; no floor business. The housing bill remained unsigned over the holiday weekend, with the 10-day window closing on or about July 10; Speaker Johnson said "He won't veto the bill," framing the outcome as a signature or become-law-by-inaction. In his July 4 address and weekend posts, Trump again demanded the Senate eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act — a step Senate GOP leaders have ruled out. Also completing the June 30 record: the House passed H.R.7128, the TRIA Program Reauthorization Act, 373–15. Both chambers return July 13.

No floor action; both chambers out until July 13. Sen. Tillis (R-NC) declared the SAVE America Act "dead" and the continued push "theater," arguing it lacks 60 votes and could not be implemented in 50 states before the Nov. 3 midterms (no funding, no instructions; North Carolina's own voter-ID rollout took about a year). Trump, in a CNBC interview, said "I'd rather not sign anything until we signed Save America Act" — leaving the housing bill unsigned as its window runs to on or about July 10. After the Supreme Court upheld counting late-arriving mail ballots (Mississippi), Trump and Sen. Lee renewed calls to pass the SAVE Act. Senate pro formas set for July 6 and 9.

Pro forma day; no floor business. This edition completes the June 30 record with the Lebanon war powers vote (below), reports the housing bill's now-precise timeline (formally presented June 29; the 10-day window closes on or about July 10, with the bill still unsigned and not vetoed), and notes that cloture has been filed on the motion to proceed to S.4784, the Senate's FY2027 NDAA, for the July 13 return. Senate pro forma sessions set for July 2, 6, and 9.

Shortly after the NDAA rule vote, the House defeated Rep. Tlaib's revised Lebanon war powers concurrent resolution 189–235 (Roll No. 232). The measure directed removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in Lebanon within 7 days, with carve-outs for Lebanese Armed Forces cooperation and embassy protection. It was the second Lebanon war powers vote in a month (H.Con.Res.84 failed 324–91 on June 4). Democratic leadership — Jeffries, Clark, and Aguilar — supported the revised version, but 22 Democrats (including Hoyer) joined 212 Republicans against; Massie and Boebert were the only Republican yes votes. As a concurrent resolution it carried no force of law. (Reported in the July 2 edition.)

The House defeated the rule (H. Res. 1398) to bring up the FY2027 NDAA (H.R. 8800), 198–224 (Roll No. 231), with 14 Republicans joining all Democrats. The rule would have "MIRVed" the SAVE America Act onto the ~$1.15T defense bill for transmission to the Senate. Hardliners led by Rep. Luna wanted the voter-ID language in the NDAA's base text; Reps. Turner/Miller/Spartz sought a Delphi-pension amendment ruled out on a point of order; Rep. Roy tied his vote to a promised border-security bill. Majority Leader Scalise switched to "no" to preserve a re-vote option. The defeat stalled the defense bill and froze the floor for a second straight week; leaders sent the House home early, with both chambers now out until July 13. Separately, the House adopted a Massie resolution to release records on lawmaker sexual-misconduct settlements, took up a Massie Israel-funding measure that split Democrats, and passed H.R.7128, the TRIA Program Reauthorization Act, 373–15. The housing bill remained unsigned on the President's desk.

Pro forma session; no floor business. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has been presented to the President and sits unsigned and not vetoed, starting the 10-day presentment clock. Because Congress is holding pro forma sessions rather than adjourning, a pocket veto is generally unavailable — so absent a formal veto, the bill would become law without a signature. A formal (override-eligible) veto remains possible. This edition adds "pocket veto" to the glossary. Congress remains in recess until July 13; FISA §702, the Iran resolutions, and the Pulte/DNI question are unchanged.

No legislative business. The Senate holds pro forma sessions only and next convenes July 13; the House is also out. Today's edition recaps June 24. Outstanding business carried into the break: the housing bill awaits the President's signature (cancelled pending the SAVE America Act), FISA §702 remains lapsed with no reauthorization, and the binding Iran war powers resolution had failed the prior day.

Less than two hours before a scheduled Capitol signing, President Trump cancelled the ceremony for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (passed 85–5 / 358–32), saying he would not sign until Congress passes the unrelated SAVE America Act — the second time in a week he conditioned a GOP priority on it. The Senate rejected the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.185, the binding (joint) Iran war powers resolution, 47–50 (1 present) — a day after the symbolic concurrent version passed 50–48. The Senate invoked cloture on judicial nominee John Marck (S.D. Tex.) 51–46 and set a confirmation vote on Arthur Jones. Warner's UC request to pass S.4876 (DNI vacancies) was blocked by Cotton. Both chambers then recessed to mid-July.

Today's edition reports the two confirmed results from June 23: the Senate's 50–48 adoption of the Iran war powers resolution (first to clear both chambers; symbolic concurrent resolution) and final congressional passage of H.R.6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (Senate 85–5, House 358–32), now heading to the President. FISA §702 remained lapsed with no confirmed reauthorization vote despite the House's return.

The Senate adopted the House-passed Iran war powers resolution 50–48 — the first such measure to pass both chambers (House had passed it 215–208 on June 3). Four Republicans (Cassidy, Collins, Paul, Murkowski) crossed over; Fetterman (D) was the lone Democratic No; absences of McConnell (hospitalized) and McCormick were decisive. As a concurrent resolution it is symbolic and not presented to the President. Separately, the House concurred in H.R.6644 (21st Century ROAD to Housing Act) 358–32 after the Senate's 85–5 passage (Roll Call 182), sending the housing bill to the President. FISA §702 saw no confirmed floor vote.

The House reconvened after its district work period, reopening the possibility of floor action on the lapsed Section 702 authority. As of this edition, no §702 vote or new legislative vehicle had been confirmed for the day. The impasse was unchanged: Pulte acting DNI since June 19 (Democrats insist he must go), the Clayton DNI hearing stalled, and Trump's SAVE-Act condition still attached, which Thune has said lacks the votes. Collection continues under the March FISC certifications to ~March 2027. On the Senate side, a final passage vote on H.R.6644 (housing) had been scheduled for Monday evening; the result was not confirmed in this edition. Published as a known-facts edition pending updates.

The Senate convened at 3:00 p.m. to take up H.R.6644 (21st Century ROAD to Housing Act) post-cloture, with a roll-call vote (~5:30 p.m.) on the motion to concur in the House message with Thune substitute SA 5823, plus the Darrell Owens (OSCE Ambassador) nomination. The House remained in its district work period (final day), set to reconvene June 23. The FISA §702 / Pulte / SAVE-Act standoff was unchanged over the recess; §702 stays lapsed, bridged to ~March 2027.

The Senate confirmed George Holding as U.S. Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 48–39. It rejected the motion to proceed to S.J.Res.190 (Kaine) — a CRA disapproval of an EOIR rule on Board of Immigration Appeals appellate procedures — by 46–48 (Record Vote 173). By unanimous consent it agreed to H.Con.Res.109 (Salazar), allowing Emancipation Hall for the June 24 time-capsule dedication. Work on H.R.6644 (housing) advanced toward a June 22 final vote.

In a morning post from the G7, Trump called off Jay Clayton's 2 p.m. Senate Intelligence confirmation hearing — saying it won't proceed until Clayton's SDNY successor is confirmed — and confirmed Bill Pulte stays as acting DNI (June 19). He added a new condition: no §702 reauthorization unless Congress also passes the SAVE America Act (voter-ID). Democrats unmoved: "Pulte's got to go. Period." The off-ramp narrows; §702 stays lapsed (bridged to ~March 2027).

Hours after the House rejected the FISA extension, Trump named SDNY U.S. Attorney and ex-SEC chair Jay Clayton as permanent DNI (Senate Intel hearing June 17). But Trump confirmed Pulte still becomes acting DNI June 19 until Clayton is confirmed — so Democrats' FISA red line held. Warner: needs a "clear guarantee" Pulte won't serve; Schumer: "He has got to go. Period."

After the House and Senate failed to pass any extension and left town, Section 702 expires at midnight for the first time since its 2008 enactment. Core cause: Democrats refused to extend while Bill Pulte is set to become acting DNI June 19; Trump refused to withdraw him. Near-term impact disputed — existing FISC certifications may allow ongoing collection to continue. House returns June 23.

Three-week extension (through July 2) failed under suspension, far short of two-thirds. 199 Democrats + 19 Republicans against; only 7 Democrats for. In the Senate, three UC attempts failed with Wyden objecting. Both chambers left town; House adjourned until June 23. Johnson called it "shameful" and "dangerous"; Warner's worry: Pulte getting "the keys to the 18 intelligence agencies."

Closes 115-day immigration standoff. House passed 214–212 (Jun 9); Senate 51–50 (Vance tie-break) last week. Anti-weaponization fund survived; Jan. 6 officers suing Trump over it; court order blocking fund remains pending litigation.

Truth Social post directs Republicans to immediately advance a $350B Pentagon reconciliation package including the SAVE America Act, under simple-majority reconciliation rules. Collides with parliamentarian's prior ruling that SAVE Act is reconciliation-ineligible. Pfluger (R-TX) championing. "A serious problem for GOP congressional leaders" per Punchbowl.

Party-line 214–212 vote ends 115-day immigration standoff. Funds ICE + Border Patrol through 2029. Anti-weaponization fund ($1.776B) survived unrestricted. Only crossover: Rep. Kiley (I-CA, former R) voted with GOP. Jan. 6 officers suing Trump over the fund. Tillis blasted colleagues for not blocking it. Goes to Trump for signature.

Second such demand in 5 weeks. Parliamentarian MacDonough ruled SAVE Act can't pass via simple-majority reconciliation. Thune resisting — calls targeting "concerning." Would set precedent for future Democratic majorities and cost institutionalist R votes (Collins, Murkowski, McConnell).

Tentative agreement (not yet finalized) to extend ceasefire 60 days, reopen Strait of Hormuz, and establish nuclear talks framework. Bessent condition: no sanctions relief without Iranian HEU turnover. Graham calling for congressional review under Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. Trump: daily conversations with Iran. Initial Pakistan talks in April failed; deal would reshape entire fall legislative calendar.

All Democrats except Fetterman voted no, joined by 6 Republicans (Hawley, Lee, Paul, Schmitt, Scott, Tuberville). Democrats protesting Trump's appointment of FHFA director Bill Pulte as acting DNI. Pulte used FHFA role to dig up mortgage info on Fed Gov. Cook and NY AG James. Warner: can't authorize surveillance when Pulte could use intelligence against Trump's political enemies. Fast-track FISA path now dead.

Cassidy, Collins, and Murkowski voted to bar a Senate-confirmed agency head from serving as acting DNI. Failed 49–49. All three questioned Pulte's credentials. Pulte simultaneously serves as FHFA director.

House passed concurrent resolution directing Trump to remove U.S. forces from Iran hostilities — first time either chamber had passed a War Powers resolution on the Iran conflict. Required Republican crossovers (Fitzpatrick, Bacon, others). As a concurrent resolution it is symbolic and not presented to the President. The Senate later adopted it 50–48 on June 23, the first to clear both chambers.

First final passage of a War Powers resolution on the Iran conflict in either chamber. R crossovers: Massie (KY), Fitzpatrick (PA), Barrett (MI), Davidson (OH). Johnson had previously sent members home early to prevent the vote. Trump: "4 bad Republicans" in "meaningless vote." Goes to Senate — final vote not yet scheduled. Active Iran deal talks may moot the vote.

Sen. Fetterman reversed his prior position opposing filibuster elimination. Significant given Paxton and Cassidy successor elections — both more likely to push filibuster abolition. Fetterman has broken with Democrats on Warsh, Cekada, reconciliation, and War Powers throughout this session.

Collins, Tillis, and Paul voted no. Ballroom and anti-weaponization fund both stripped. Funds ICE ($38.2B) + CBP ($22.57B) through FY2029 + $1.5B DOJ. Goes to House — Johnson targeting July 2 floor vote. Senate made Medicaid changes that may complicate House passage. Paul: "The big not so beautiful bill has passed."

Both chambers return from one-week recess. Reconciliation vote-a-rama resumes with anti-weaponization fund still unresolved. FISA expires June 12 with effective deal deadline ~June 9. Murkowski AUMF expected this week.

Trump administration backed down on $1.776B anti-weaponization fund Mon morning. DOJ announced compliance with Eastern District of Virginia court order blocking the fund. Thune called on White House to abandon it; Johnson met Trump personally. Republican leaders now confident $72B reconciliation bill can pass this week with fund removed. Democrats still plan amendment votes on fund.

Second sitting Republican senator toppled in 2026 cycle after Cornyn. Cassidy voted to convict Trump at 2nd impeachment trial. Two fewer establishment-aligned Republican senators in next Congress. Both Paxton and Cassidy's successor more likely to support filibuster abolition.

AP called race ~8 p.m. Paxton wins in blowout, ending Cornyn's 35-year electoral dominance. Trump endorsed Paxton; Thune/McConnell backed Cornyn. One GOP strategist: "Trump made a $100M mistake." Pence: GOP "lost our way." Paxton faces Democrat Talarico in November. Filibuster abolition a key Paxton campaign issue.

Vote-a-rama began but bill did not pass Thursday. New flashpoint: $1.8B "anti-weaponization fund" allowing DOJ to compensate those "wronged" by federal law enforcement — including potentially Jan. 6 rioters per VP Vance. Tillis: "stupid on stilts." Senate adjourned for recess. Vote expected week of June 1. June 1 Trump deadline missed. SAVE Act amendment failed 48–50 during vote-a-rama.

Budget Committee completed its largely procedural markup combining the two committee reconciliation bills into one package. Floor vote-a-rama begins Thursday. Ballroom provision ($1B) stripped after parliamentarian ruling. CBO: $71.7B deficit impact over 2026–2035.

Judiciary Committee completed its markup of the $30.73B ICE portion of the reconciliation bill. Budget Committee markup today (Wed). CBO estimates combined deficit impact $71.7B over 2026–2035. Floor vote-a-rama Thursday.

Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled Sat night that the ballroom provision spans multiple committee jurisdictions — cannot pass at simple-majority threshold. Six Republican senators had raised concerns. Graham says provision may go to a third reconciliation bill. Democrats to use as campaign messaging ("Ballroom Republicans").

5-year farm bill passed the House last week. Bipartisan origins (7 Democrats voted yes in committee) but sharp floor opposition to SNAP cuts ($187B over 10 years) and pesticide liability shield. Includes E15 ethanol. Now awaiting Senate action — Senate Agriculture timeline unclear. Needs 60 votes in Senate.

Sen. Murkowski announced she will introduce an Authorization for Use of Military Force for the Iran conflict when Congress returns. Working with several colleagues. Shifts debate from "stop the war" to "authorize with congressional conditions and oversight." Potential co-sponsors: Collins, Tillis, Curtis, Paul.

Following King Charles III's historic joint address to Congress Wednesday, Trump announced he is lifting tariffs on UK goods — the first significant tariff rollback of his second term. Charles proposed a toast to Trump. UK-US trade relationship restored.

Rubio announced new phase focused on opening Strait of Hormuz. Legal strategy to reset War Powers Act clock. Democrats and 3 Republican senators rejected rebranding. Iran responding with strikes on Strait transit vessels. War cost confirmed at $29B Thursday.

Back-to-back testimony before House and Senate Appropriations. $1.5T FY2027 request = 42% increase. Iran war cost confirmed $29B (internal estimates $50B+). Cole warned reconciliation for war funding "creates cliffs." Some Republicans pushing for third reconciliation bill for Iran defense spending.

Bipartisan crypto market structure bill cleared Senate Banking Committee Thursday. Establishes SEC/CFTC jurisdiction framework for digital assets. Senate floor timing TBD.

Fetterman only Democratic crossover. 17th Fed chair of the modern banking era. First new Fed chair since 2018. Powell stays on as Fed governor. First FOMC meeting as chair: June 16–17. Warsh plans "regime change" at Fed — tighter Treasury coordination, smaller balance sheet.

Murkowski (R-AK), Collins (R-ME), and Rand Paul (R-KY) voted to advance — first time three Republicans crossed over in any of seven Iran war votes. Murkowski voting yes for the first time. Coalition now ~50 votes — one short of majority if Fetterman votes no. Tillis and Curtis have expressed concern. White House dismissed vote.

Largely party-line; Fetterman (D-PA) the only Democratic crossover. 14-year term as Fed governor confirmed. Chair vote expected Wednesday. Powell's chair term expires Friday. Warsh plans "regime change" at the Fed — tighter Treasury coordination, smaller balance sheet, lower rates. Iran war oil price surge complicates the policy environment.

Senate invoked cloture on Warsh nomination Monday evening. Confirmation vote expected Wednesday. Powell's term has expired; Warsh would immediately become Fed chair upon confirmation.

Senate confirmed 49 nominees in a single en bloc vote via S.Res. approval. Part of Thune's ongoing strategy to accelerate Trump administration staffing. Democrats objected but could not block.

Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees released full text of the $72B reconciliation bill funding ICE and Border Patrol through fiscal year 2029. Senate Judiciary business meeting to formally consider this week ahead of May 15 reporting deadline.

U.S. military attacked an Iranian-flagged tanker attempting to breach the Strait of Hormuz naval blockade — most significant military action since April 7 ceasefire. White House had declared hostilities "terminated" May 1. Iran revealed peace demands Trump rejected. Macron called for Strait reopening.

Indicted for posting a photo of seashells on a beach that prosecutors said amounted to a threat against President Trump. Comey denied the charge. Second indictment of Comey this session. Democrats called it politically motivated.

White House sent formal letter to Congress declaring hostilities "terminated" even as naval blockade continues. Administration argues April 7 ceasefire pauses the 60-day clock. Democrats and 4 Republican senators rejected the framing. War Powers confrontation deferred.

Conservative supermajority struck down Louisiana's 2nd majority-Black congressional district. Effectively nullifies VRA Section 2 majority-minority district requirements. Florida immediately enacted new gerrymander. Up to 19 House seats could shift R by 2028. Kagan dissent called it "setting back racial equality in electoral opportunity."

House passed by voice vote; Trump signed Thursday afternoon. Funds TSA, Secret Service, Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA, and all non-immigration DHS agencies through Sept. 30. Longest agency-level shutdown in U.S. history ended. ICE/CBP on reconciliation track.

Senate stripped CBDC ban, passed unanimously. House passed 261–111. Trump signed. New expiration: ~June 15. Third FISA short-term patch this session (Apr 18, Apr 30). 3-year deal still unresolved.

Bipartisan: 7 Democratic caucus members voted yes. First ATF director confirmed by a Republican president. Announced 34 regulatory reforms same day, including rescission of Biden-era pistol brace rule.

Passed House 235–191. 42 Democrats yes, 22 Republicans no. CBDC ban attached dead on arrival in Senate — 45-day extension likely instead. FISA expires tonight.

House adopted 215–211 party-line. Both chambers now adopted — reconciliation formally launched. Senate committees write ICE/CBP funding bill by May 15.

Rule passed 216–210 after 2+ hours open. Luna went no → present → yes after SAVE Act commitment. Rep. McGovern: "S---show."

First British monarch to address Congress since 1991. Came amid UK-US tariff tensions. Johnson presided.

Cloture invoked on nomination. Confirmation vote scheduled today Apr 28. Expected party-line confirmation.

Cole Tomas Allen fired shots at security screening area outside WHCD. One Secret Service agent struck in vest, expected to recover. Trump, Vance, Cabinet evacuated. Allen arrested; charged with attempted assassination of the President. Manifesto cited "Friendly Federal Assassin." Galvanized DHS funding urgency.

Geothermal energy bill passed the House Thursday. Waives NEPA review for certain federal land geothermal activities. Bipartisan support. Sent to Senate.

Thune filed cloture on motion to proceed to S. 4344 immediately after budget resolution passed. Cloture vote possible as early as Monday Apr 27. Senate's FISA fallback now formally in motion.

Adopted 50–48 at ~3:30 a.m. after 5-hour vote-a-rama. Murkowski and Rand Paul voted against with all Democrats. Graham amendment (violent criminal deportation) passed 98–0. All Democratic policy amendments failed. Now heads to House for adoption.

Sponsored by Sen. Baldwin (D-WI). Failed 46–51. Fetterman (D) voted no; Paul (R) voted yes — consistent with all prior votes. Grassley, McCormick, Warner absent. War Powers Act 60-day deadline arrives next week.

Senate voted 52–46 on strict party lines to proceed to the FY2026 budget resolution for ICE/CBP reconciliation. Instructs committees to draft $70B in immigration enforcement funding by May 15. Vote-a-rama expected Wed or Thu.

Resigned at 1:30 p.m., minutes before her House Ethics Committee sanctions hearing. Third member to resign in under two weeks (after Swalwell D-CA and Gonzales R-TX last week). House now 218R–213D, 4 open seats.

Confirmed 47–46. Collins (R) voted no. Seven senators not voting: Daines, Fetterman, Grassley, Murkowski, Risch, Sheehy, Warner. Third Trump W.D. Texas judge confirmed this session.

Placed on Senate Calendar via Rule XIV by Majority Leader Thune. Senate formally positioned to take lead on longer-term FISA deal before April 30 deadline.

Adopted by voice vote. Memorial resolution for the late actor and martial artist.

Signed into law Saturday by President Trump. Extends FISA Section 702 through April 30. Followed three failed House floor votes (18-month, 5-year, rule) Thursday night. Both chambers passed by unanimous consent.

Motion to discharge from Senate Foreign Relations Committee failed. Democrats could not win Republican crossover votes needed to force the bill to the floor.

Passed Senate 50–49. Collins and Tillis (R) voted against; Hawley not voting. Sent to House. Would reverse Biden-era withdrawal of Iron Range federal lands from mining.

Cloture invoked 49–48 on Trump judicial nominee. Confirmation vote scheduled no earlier than Monday April 20.

Motion to discharge from Foreign Relations Committee failed. Would have directed disapproval of U.S. arms sales to Israel.

Congressional Review Act disapproval of Biden-era Bureau of Land Management withdrawal of federal lands in Cook, Lake & St. Louis Counties, MN. Passed Senate; sent to House.

Trump judicial nominee confirmed by Senate. Part of ongoing judicial confirmation pipeline.

Signed April 13, 2026. Addresses small business innovation programs and economic security provisions.

After 40 days of combat operations, a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect. U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports imposed Apr 13 after peace talks in Islamabad collapsed. No AUMF passed by Congress.

Sen. Mullin (R-OK) confirmed as DHS Secretary and resigned from Senate. Alan Armstrong appointed to fill his seat.

Bipartisan housing supply bill passed Senate 82–11 with substitute amendment (S.Amdt. 4308). Returned to House with changes; House has not yet acted on Senate version.

Joint U.S.–Israeli military operation commenced. Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in opening strikes. Iran responded with missile/drone attacks; closed Strait of Hormuz. No congressional AUMF authorized. 40-day campaign until Apr 8 ceasefire.

Requires documentary proof of citizenship to register for federal elections; photo ID to vote. Passed House 218–213. Currently stalled in Senate filibuster.

Establishes a congressional time capsule for the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.

Congressional Review Act disapproval of D.C. Council's income and franchise tax conformity amendment.

DHS partial shutdown began when two-week CR expired. Democrats blocked DHS funding demanding ICE/CBP reform after CBP killing of Alex Pretti (Jan 24). ICE, CBP, TSA, FEMA, Secret Service among affected agencies. Shutdown ongoing as of April 16.

Requires federal agencies to cross-check payment records against the Social Security death master file to eliminate improper payments to deceased individuals.

Bipartisan housing supply bill passed House. Includes zoning reform incentives, FHA loan limit increases, streamlined environmental reviews.

Reforms bankruptcy court administrative procedures and fee structures.

Full-year FY2026 appropriations for all departments except DHS. Ended the 4-day general shutdown (Jan 31–Feb 3). DHS excluded due to Democratic objections over ICE/CBP reform.

General government shutdown ended when P.L. 119-75 was signed. Shutdown caused by delay approving full-year appropriations package; DHS excluded and placed on 2-week CR.

Partial shutdown began when FY2025 continuing resolution expired. Affected approximately half of federal departments. Lasted 4 days until Feb 3 passage of Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Signed Jan 23, 2026. Part of the FY2026 appropriations package covering Commerce, Justice, Science (including NASA/NSF), Energy and Water, and Interior/Environment departments.

House passed final three FY2026 spending bills (Transportation/HUD 341–88; DHS 220–207; others) completing the House's work on annual appropriations. Senate Democrats subsequently blocked DHS portion.

Amends title 38 to improve VA housing assistance programs for disabled veterans.

House failed to override two Biden-era vetoes: Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act (H.R. 504) and Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act (H.R. 131). Both vetoes sustained; bills died.

Second session of the 119th Congress begins. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) resigned same day. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) died Jan 6. Republican House majority: 218–214 at opening.