Browsing: US politics

The Senate voted 47-52 to block an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which will lapse on 12 June without further action. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the motion, citing concerns over warrantless surveillance of Americans. The legislation may be revisited next week.

The Food and Drug Administration has initiated a safety study on mifepristone, which could inform future access restrictions. The retrospective study will analyse hundreds of thousands of cases, with interim findings expected in July, as scrutiny on the drug increases following recent federal policy changes.

The House voted to send up to $8 billion in military loans to Ukraine, facilitated by a discharge petition initiated by Rep. Gregory Meeks. The legislation passed 226 to 195, with support from some Republicans. Its future in the Senate remains uncertain amid stalled bipartisan legislation targeting Russia.

Four Ohio state employees, along with two co-conspirators, were indicted for their roles in a $30 million Medicaid billing fraud scheme, involving non-rendered children’s behavioural health services. Authorities seized 14 luxury vehicles, highlighting the scale of the alleged fraud.

The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to renew a ceasefire, with conditions that Hezbollah cease attacks and withdraw from southern Lebanon. This agreement follows U.S.-brokered talks and aims for further negotiations in three weeks. However, Israel conducted drone strikes shortly after the announcement, resulting in civilian injuries.

The House passed a war powers resolution on Wednesday requiring President Trump to end military engagement with Iran without congressional approval. The vote tally reached 215 to 208, supported by four Republicans and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, marking a notable challenge to the Trump administration’s authority on military actions.

Senate Republicans are poised to advance a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration agencies as early as Wednesday, despite ongoing concerns about the Justice Department’s “anti-weaponization” fund. Following acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s testimony, Republicans seek clarity to mitigate internal dissent.

Voters in San Francisco have advanced state Sen. Scott Wiener in the race for California’s 11th Congressional District, which was previously held by Nancy Pelosi. The election features eight Democrats and two Republicans, with the top two candidates proceeding to the November ballot.

The Supreme Court has allowed Alabama to proceed with a congressional map deemed favourable to Republicans for the upcoming midterm elections, despite a lower court’s finding of intentional discrimination against Black voters. The decision permits one majority-Black district in a seven-district configuration.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the Justice Department will not proceed with the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, following a district court’s temporary block. This decision comes amid mounting Republican opposition and uncertainty regarding the related IRS settlement involving President Trump and his family.