Eight Senate Republicans broke ranks this week. John Cornyn, spurned by Trump in his primary, didn’t.
Read full article: Eight Senate Republicans broke ranks this week. John Cornyn, spurned by Trump in his primary, didn’t.The Texas senator’s defeat to Ken Paxton sparked talk he’d join the “YOLO Caucus” of Republicans defecting from Donald Trump. This week, he sided with Senate GOP leadership on every key vote.
Senate OKs $70B immigration bill after rejecting efforts to permanently ban Trump's settlement fund
Read full article: Senate OKs $70B immigration bill after rejecting efforts to permanently ban Trump's settlement fundThe Senate has passed legislation to fund President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies, sending it to the House.
Republicans debate limits on $1.8B Trump settlement in late-night Senate session
Read full article: Republicans debate limits on $1.8B Trump settlement in late-night Senate sessionSenate Republicans are working toward passage of legislation to fund President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies.
House approves war powers resolution to halt military action against Iran, in a rebuke of Trump
Read full article: House approves war powers resolution to halt military action against Iran, in a rebuke of TrumpThe House for the first time has approved a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran.
Senate begins voting on funding immigration enforcement after Trump's settlement fund is dropped
Read full article: Senate begins voting on funding immigration enforcement after Trump's settlement fund is droppedThe Republican-led Senate is moving forward with legislation to fund immigration enforcement agencies after forcing the White House to drop its settlement fund for political allies and stripping a separate proposal for White House security from the bill.
Trump administration is scrapping $1.8B fund meant to compensate president's allies, Blanche says
Read full article: Trump administration is scrapping $1.8B fund meant to compensate president's allies, Blanche saysActing Attorney General Todd Blanche says the Trump administration is scrapping plans to create a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate allies of the Republican president after widespread political backlash and setbacks in the courts.
Republicans consider next steps after scrapping of $1.8 billion fund for Trump allies
Read full article: Republicans consider next steps after scrapping of $1.8 billion fund for Trump alliesSenate Republicans are weighing their next steps after the Trump administration's announcement that it is scrapping a $1.8 billion settlement fund for the president's allies who claim to have been politically prosecuted.
Trump reconsidering $1.8 billion fund, AP source says, as Justice Department temporarily pauses it
Read full article: Trump reconsidering $1.8 billion fund, AP source says, as Justice Department temporarily pauses itPresident Donald Trump is reconsidering whether to move forward with a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate his allies, a person familiar with his thinking said Monday.
Tensions linger between Republicans and White House over the 'anti-weaponization' fund
Read full article: Tensions linger between Republicans and White House over the 'anti-weaponization' fundA standoff between the White House and the Senate remains unresolved as Republicans return to Washington after defiantly leaving town 10 days ago without passing legislation to fund President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies.
Policy shaper Cody Campbell asks college sports leaders to give bipartisan fix-it bill a chance
Read full article: Policy shaper Cody Campbell asks college sports leaders to give bipartisan fix-it bill a chanceAn architect of the Senate bill that proposes to solve problems engulfing college sports says he heard the criticism right away, along with conversations of breakaway conferences, collective bargaining and ever-spiraling spending.
Senate GOP leaders spent months trashing Paxton. Can they turn the page and unify against Talarico?
Read full article: Senate GOP leaders spent months trashing Paxton. Can they turn the page and unify against Talarico?Paxton’s blowout win on Tuesday compelled an alliance by necessity, if not natural synergy, between the attorney general and the Washington groups that spent months trying to elect John Cornyn.
Cornyn went to great lengths to avoid Trump's wrath. The Texas senator lost his seat anyway
Read full article: Cornyn went to great lengths to avoid Trump's wrath. The Texas senator lost his seat anywayU.S. Sen. John Cornyn tried for more than a year to show Donald Trump and Texas Republicans that he and the president were on the same team.
South Carolina Senate rejects Trump’s call to redraw congressional map for midterm elections
Read full article: South Carolina Senate rejects Trump’s call to redraw congressional map for midterm electionsThe South Carolina Senate has rejected President Donald Trump’s push to redraw the state’s congressional districts in hopes Republicans could gain an extra seat.
Pushed to the limit, Republicans show rare defiance to Trump's demands
Read full article: Pushed to the limit, Republicans show rare defiance to Trump's demandsPresident Donald Trump’s political revenge tour met its potential match this week as angry Republican senators finally said no, even if temporarily.
Republicans call off vote on Iran war resolution that was on the verge of passing
Read full article: Republicans call off vote on Iran war resolution that was on the verge of passingRepublicans are struggling to find the votes to dismiss legislation that would compel President Donald Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran.
Backlash to Trump's $1.8B settlement fund delays GOP immigration bill
Read full article: Backlash to Trump's $1.8B settlement fund delays GOP immigration billSenate Republicans have departed Washington for the Memorial Day recess without voting on a roughly $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies.
The White House push for $1 billion in security funds is facing GOP opposition
Read full article: The White House push for $1 billion in security funds is facing GOP oppositionA proposal to fund $1 billion in security additions for the White House campus and the president’s new ballroom is facing growing opposition from Republicans ahead of an expected vote this week.
Senate advances bill aimed at ending Iran war as Cassidy, after primary loss, flips to support it
Read full article: Senate advances bill aimed at ending Iran war as Cassidy, after primary loss, flips to support itThe Senate has advanced legislation that seeks to force President Donald Trump to withdraw from the Iran war.
Senate parliamentarian deals blow to $1 billion security proposal for White House
Read full article: Senate parliamentarian deals blow to $1 billion security proposal for White HouseA proposal to fund $1 billion in security additions for the White House campus and the president’s new ballroom fails to meet procedural rules.
Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court flees from Senate
Read full article: Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court flees from SenateA Philippine senator wanted by the International Criminal Court has fled from the Senate, where he sought refuge to evade arrest.
Republican senators say they need more detail on $1B White House security request
Read full article: Republican senators say they need more detail on $1B White House security requestRepublican senators say they need more details on a $1 billion security proposal for the White House, including a proposed $220 million to secure President Donald Trump’s new East Wing ballroom.
Philippine vice president impeached by lawmakers over suspected wealth and threats
Read full article: Philippine vice president impeached by lawmakers over suspected wealth and threatsThe House of Representatives in the Philippines has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte over alleged unexplained wealth and threats against the president.
Senate Republicans move ahead with $1B for Trump's ballroom security as Democrats pledge to fight
Read full article: Senate Republicans move ahead with $1B for Trump's ballroom security as Democrats pledge to fightSenate Republicans say they will move forward with a proposal to give the Secret Service up to $1 billion for security upgrades to Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project.
‘Another mandate without funding’: New Texas law could cost school districts millions
Read full article: ‘Another mandate without funding’: New Texas law could cost school districts millionsSenate Bill 546 requires all Texas school districts to install three-point seatbelts on buses. However, many districts have buses both with and without this requirement, and the state is not paying for the upgrades.
Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protests
Read full article: Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protestsRepublicans are rapidly pursuing redistricting efforts across the South following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affects majority-Black congressional districts.
Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midterms
Read full article: Michigan Democrats keep control of state Senate in election win that offers clues about midtermsDemocrat Chedrick Greene has won a special election in Michigan, securing the party’s control of the state Senate through the remainder of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s term.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Michigan's special election for control of the state Senate
Read full article: AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Michigan's special election for control of the state SenateVoters in a competitive Central Michigan district will decide control of the state Senate on Tuesday in a special election to fill the seat last held by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet, who's now a congresswoman.
Republican Brett Ligon, former Montgomery County DA, wins special election for open Texas Senate seat
Read full article: Republican Brett Ligon, former Montgomery County DA, wins special election for open Texas Senate seatA rematch is scheduled for November, as Ligon’s win only puts him in the seat through January. But the former prosecutor will be heavily favored, given the district’s solidly Republican makeup.
Congress approves short-term extension of divisive US surveillance program hours before expiration
Read full article: Congress approves short-term extension of divisive US surveillance program hours before expirationCongress gave approval to a short-term extension of a key U.S. surveillance program as they continue to work toward a long-term deal.
Camp Mystic won’t reopen this summer, withdraws its application to renew license
Read full article: Camp Mystic won’t reopen this summer, withdraws its application to renew licenseCamp Mystic withdrew an application to renew its license on Thursday, following two days of emotional testimony at the Texas Capitol.
Trump pulls Casey Means' stalled surgeon general nomination. New pick is radiologist Nicole Saphier
Read full article: Trump pulls Casey Means' stalled surgeon general nomination. New pick is radiologist Nicole SaphierPresident Donald Trump says he's nominating former Fox News Channel contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general after Dr. Casey Means’ path forward stalled in the Senate.
House approves bill to extend divisive US surveillance program, but path forward uncertain
Read full article: House approves bill to extend divisive US surveillance program, but path forward uncertainThe Republican-controlled House gave approval to a three-year extension of a key U.S. surveillance program after weeks of infighting.
White House says funds to pay TSA and other Homeland Security workers will 'soon run out'
Read full article: White House says funds to pay TSA and other Homeland Security workers will 'soon run out'The White House is warning Congress that funds to pay Department of Homeland Security personnel will “soon run out.”.
Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe lieutenant governor’s office is one of the most powerful in Texas government, and the 2026 race features a Democratic runoff between Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Velez.
Senate passes budget plan for ICE and Border Patrol in bid to reopen Homeland Security Department
Read full article: Senate passes budget plan for ICE and Border Patrol in bid to reopen Homeland Security DepartmentThe Senate has taken the first steps in a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, voting to adopt a budget plan that would fund ICE and Border Patrol over Democratic objections.
Republicans launch a new effort to fund the Department of Homeland Security
Read full article: Republicans launch a new effort to fund the Department of Homeland SecurityThe Senate voted on Tuesday to launch a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and end the longest partial government shutdown in history.
Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votes
Read full article: Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votesThe Republican-led Senate has rejected the latest Democratic attempt to halt President Donald Trump’s war in Iran.
Gov. Wes Moore falls short in push to redraw Maryland's congressional map to boost Democrats
Read full article: Gov. Wes Moore falls short in push to redraw Maryland's congressional map to boost DemocratsA proposal for a new Maryland congressional map has officially died with the conclusion of the state's legislative session.
Trump says he'll sign order to resume pay for Homeland Security. His move bypasses Congress
Read full article: Trump says he'll sign order to resume pay for Homeland Security. His move bypasses CongressPresident Donald Trump says he'll soon sign an order to pay all Department of Homeland Security employees who have gone without paychecks during the partial government shutdown that has reached 48 days.
Republican leaders in Congress announce plan to end Homeland Security shutdown
Read full article: Republican leaders in Congress announce plan to end Homeland Security shutdownHouse Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have announced a plan to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and try to end a record partial government shutdown.
From TMZ to Trump, pressure grows to bring Congress back during partial shutdown
Read full article: From TMZ to Trump, pressure grows to bring Congress back during partial shutdownTMZ is turning its celebrity lens on Congress, tracking lawmakers on recess as a nearly six-week Department of Homeland Security shutdown drags on.
Trump signs order to pay TSA employees after Congress fails to agree on DHS funding
Read full article: Trump signs order to pay TSA employees after Congress fails to agree on DHS fundingPresident Donald Trump has signed a promised executive action to pay Transportation Security Administration employees after a bid to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security abruptly fell apart in Congress.
The Latest: Trump says he will sign an order to pay TSA agents during funding impasse
Read full article: The Latest: Trump says he will sign an order to pay TSA agents during funding impassePresident Donald Trump said Thursday he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.
A sweeping Idaho bill would criminalize transgender bathroom use in private businesses
Read full article: A sweeping Idaho bill would criminalize transgender bathroom use in private businessesIdaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it a crime for transgender people to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, even in private businesses.
Means' surgeon general nomination is stalled as senators question her experience and vaccine stance
Read full article: Means' surgeon general nomination is stalled as senators question her experience and vaccine stanceWellness influencer Dr. Casey Means' nomination to become U.S. surgeon general is stalled a month after senators grilled her on vaccines during a tense confirmation hearing.
ICE officers soon will help with airport security unless Democrats end shutdown, Trump says
Read full article: ICE officers soon will help with airport security unless Democrats end shutdown, Trump saysPresident Donald Trump says he'll order federal immigration officers to take a role soon in airport security unless Democrats agree on a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines
Read full article: Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport linesA bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security has failed to advance in the Senate amid growing concerns about long lines to get through screening at some of the country’s biggest airports.
Paraguay becomes final South American country to approve Mercosur-European Union trade deal
Read full article: Paraguay becomes final South American country to approve Mercosur-European Union trade dealParaguay has ratified the Mercosur and European Union free trade deal to complete South America’s approval of a huge new trade zone.
As Trump keeps Texas guessing, neither Cornyn nor Paxton backs down from Republican Senate runoff
Read full article: As Trump keeps Texas guessing, neither Cornyn nor Paxton backs down from Republican Senate runoffPresident Donald Trump says he plans to endorse a candidate in the Texas Republican Senate runoff to end the painful primary.
Republicans are launching a voting bill debate that could last days or even weeks
Read full article: Republicans are launching a voting bill debate that could last days or even weeksRepublicans have launched an unprecedented effort to hold the Senate floor and talk for days about a bill that they know won’t pass — an attempt to capture public attention on legislation requiring stricter voter registration rules as President Donald Trump pressures Congress to act before November’s midterm elections.
Republicans resist calls for Iran war hearings, creating a new standoff with Democrats
Read full article: Republicans resist calls for Iran war hearings, creating a new standoff with DemocratsThe United States’ war with Iran is entering its third week, but Congress has yet to publicly test the Trump administration’s case for the conflict.
Trump signs executive orders aimed at addressing home affordability concerns ahead of midterms
Read full article: Trump signs executive orders aimed at addressing home affordability concerns ahead of midtermsPresident Donald Trump has signed two executive orders that aim to make housing and mortgages more affordable.
Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordability
Read full article: Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordabilityIn a rare bipartisan effort for a deeply divided Congress, the Senate has passed a broad bill to make U.S. housing more accessible and affordable.
Cornyn voices support for nixing filibuster, reversing course as he courts Trump’s endorsement
Read full article: Cornyn voices support for nixing filibuster, reversing course as he courts Trump’s endorsementCornyn’s change of heart comes amid a grueling primary battle with Attorney General Ken Paxton, who said he'd consider dropping out if Republicans scrapped the filibuster to pass a voter ID law.
Thune says Senate to consider voting bill but pushes back on demands for 'talking filibuster'
Read full article: Thune says Senate to consider voting bill but pushes back on demands for 'talking filibuster'Majority Leader John Thune says that the Senate will consider a bill to impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements in elections.
Trump pushes GOP on voting bill, demanding an end to most mail balloting
Read full article: Trump pushes GOP on voting bill, demanding an end to most mail ballotingPresident Donald Trump says he won’t sign any other legislation into law until Congress passes a strict proof-of-citizenship voting bill that he says also must end Americans’ ability to vote by mail.
The Trump administration widens its probe of the 2020 election as it obtains records from Arizona
Read full article: The Trump administration widens its probe of the 2020 election as it obtains records from ArizonaThe Republican leader of Arizona’s state Senate says he has complied with a federal grand jury subpoena for records related to the 2020 presidential election.
Judge disqualifies trio of lawyers tapped to lead New Jersey's federal prosecutor's office
Read full article: Judge disqualifies trio of lawyers tapped to lead New Jersey's federal prosecutor's officeA judge on has disqualified a trio of prosecutors the Trump administration tapped to oversee federal prosecutions in New Jersey after his former personal attorney was also barred from the role.
Jan. 6 plaque honoring police officers is now displayed at the Capitol after a 3-year delay
Read full article: Jan. 6 plaque honoring police officers is now displayed at the Capitol after a 3-year delayVisitors to the Capitol in Washington now have a visible reminder of the siege there on Jan. 6, 2021, and the officers who fought and were injured that day.
Cornyn goes on offense against Paxton as Republicans await Trump's endorsement
Read full article: Cornyn goes on offense against Paxton as Republicans await Trump's endorsementSen. John Cornyn is going on offense against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as they fight for a Republican Senate runoff, and President Donald Trump’s endorsement hangs over it all.
White House formally nominates Warsh to be Federal Reserve chair
Read full article: White House formally nominates Warsh to be Federal Reserve chairThe Trump administration has formally nominated Kevin Warsh, a former top Federal Reserve official, to be next Fed chair when Jerome Powell’s term ends in two months.
Senate Republicans vote down legislation to halt Iran war in Congress’ first vote on the conflict
Read full article: Senate Republicans vote down legislation to halt Iran war in Congress’ first vote on the conflictSenate Republicans have voted down an effort to halt President Donald Trump’s war against Iran.
War powers debate intensifies after Trump orders attack on Iran without approval by Congress
Read full article: War powers debate intensifies after Trump orders attack on Iran without approval by CongressKey members of Congress are demanding a swift vote on a war powers resolution that would restrain President Donald Trump’s military attack on Iran.
OpenAI gets $110 billion in funding from a trio of tech powerhouses, led by Amazon
Read full article: OpenAI gets $110 billion in funding from a trio of tech powerhouses, led by AmazonChatGPT maker OpenAI has received $110 billion in investments from Amazon, SoftBank and Nvidia, putting the technology company’s pre-money valuation at $730 billion.
Republican voter ID bill stalls in Senate despite Trump demands
Read full article: Republican voter ID bill stalls in Senate despite Trump demandsElection-year legislation to impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements on voting appears stalled in the Senate, for now, despite President Donald Trump’s call in his State of the Union speech that Republicans in Congress pass the bill “before anything else.”.
Surgeon general nominee faces sharp questions about vaccines, birth control and qualifications
Read full article: Surgeon general nominee faces sharp questions about vaccines, birth control and qualificationsWellness influencer and entrepreneur Dr. Casey Means shared a vision for addressing the root causes of chronic disease instead of what she calls “reactive sick care” during her confirmation hearing to become the next surgeon general.
Texas Senate candidate says “no strings attached” to $2 million donation from businessman
Read full article: Texas Senate candidate says “no strings attached” to $2 million donation from businessmanRhonda Ward, a first-time candidate for elected office who previously served on the state GOP’s policy committee, is challenging Trent Ashby for the East Texas seat.
House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters ahead of midterm elections
Read full article: House GOP pushes strict proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters ahead of midterm electionsHouse Republicans approved legislation that would impose strict new voter ID requirements ahead of the midterm elections.
TribCast: Online influencers and the 2026 Texas primaries
Read full article: TribCast: Online influencers and the 2026 Texas primariesOur hosts are joined by Democratic strategist and content creator Olivia Julianna and political reporter Kayla Guo to unpack what all the recent social media drama means about the Democratic party.
Congressional leaders say ICE deal is still possible despite divisions
Read full article: Congressional leaders say ICE deal is still possible despite divisionsCongressional leaders said Tuesday that a deal was still possible with the White House on Homeland Security Department funding before it expires this weekend.
Democrats and White House trade offers as shutdown of Homeland Security looms
Read full article: Democrats and White House trade offers as shutdown of Homeland Security loomsDemocrats have begun tentative talks with the White House on their demands for “dramatic” new restrictions on President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Democrats demand 'dramatic changes' for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrants
Read full article: Democrats demand 'dramatic changes' for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrantsDemocrats are threatening to block funding for the Homeland Security Department when it expires in two weeks unless there are “dramatic changes” and “real accountability” for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies who are carrying out President Donald Trump’s campaign of federal immigration enforcement.
Trump moved fast to cut a funding deal. It's a striking change from the last shutdown fight
Read full article: Trump moved fast to cut a funding deal. It's a striking change from the last shutdown fightPresident Donald Trump acted quickly to negotiate with Democratic senators on a deal to avert a government shutdown.
Senate passes Trump-backed government funding deal, sending to House
Read full article: Senate passes Trump-backed government funding deal, sending to HouseThe Senate has voted to fund most of the government through the end of September while carving out a temporary extension for Homeland Security funding, giving Congress two weeks to debate new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country.
Democrats vow to oppose homeland security funds after Minnesota shooting as shutdown risk grows
Read full article: Democrats vow to oppose homeland security funds after Minnesota shooting as shutdown risk growsDemocratic senators are vowing to oppose a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security following the shooting death of a man in Minnesota.
House Republicans barely defeat Venezuela war powers resolution to check Trump’s military actions
Read full article: House Republicans barely defeat Venezuela war powers resolution to check Trump’s military actionsThe House has barely rejected a Democratic-backed resolution that would have prevented President Donald Trump from sending U.S. military forces to Venezuela.
Texas lieutenant governor primary: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas lieutenant governor primary: Who is running and what to knowThe lieutenant governor’s office is often described as the most powerful in Texas government. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
Ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued for allegedly breaking up bodyguard's marriage
Read full article: Ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued for allegedly breaking up bodyguard's marriageFormer U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema allegedly had a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail, leading to the breakup of his marriage.
New Texas poll finds Talarico leading Crockett by 9 points in Senate Democratic primary
Read full article: New Texas poll finds Talarico leading Crockett by 9 points in Senate Democratic primaryTexas’ Senate Republican primary, meanwhile, looks headed for a runoff. The survey found U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in a dead heat against Attorney General Ken Paxton, with neither eclipsing 30%.
Trump administration lawyers blessed US operation to remove Maduro from power, memo shows
Read full article: Trump administration lawyers blessed US operation to remove Maduro from power, memo showsA legal memo that came out days before the U_S_ military operation against Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro said such a move would “not rise to the level of a war in the constitutional sense” and would serve “important national interests."
Schumer tells the AP Democrats are preparing for Trump to disrupt and dispute the midterms: Q&A
Read full article: Schumer tells the AP Democrats are preparing for Trump to disrupt and dispute the midterms: Q&ASenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he expects President Donald Trump to interfere with the midterm elections.
Democrats see a path to win the Senate. It's narrow and has little room for error
Read full article: Democrats see a path to win the Senate. It's narrow and has little room for errorSenate Democrats are expressing optimism they'll be able to flip the chamber this year after it looked all but impossible last year.