Republicans, White House considering warrant-related amendment in high-stakes FISA talks
There’s growing acknowledgment that the clean reauthorization the White House desires is a no-go.
CONGRESS
Democrats slam, Republicans defend Vought during testy House hearing: 3 takeaways
White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought on Wednesday sparred with Democrats on the House Budget Committee over spending cuts proposed or enacted by the Trump administration. The annual hearing followed the Trump administration’s unveiling of its proposed budget for fiscal 2027, which included a 40 percent increase to defense spending…
House Transportation chair reveals markup date for highway bill
Sam Graves also said he’s working on a $500 to $550 billion topline and that the bill will include an EV registration fee.
Republican House candidate drops out of Minnesota race for Middle East deployment
Republican House candidate Tyler Kistner announced Wednesday that he’s dropping out of the race for Rep. Angie Craig’s Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional seat due to a Middle East deployment. Kistner ran unsuccessfully for Craig’s seat in both 2020 and 2022, coming within single-digits of an upset. He had mounted another 2026 bid as Craig vacates her…
Obernolte wins
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) is officially GOP conference policy chair. He was elected by voice vote at the candidate policy forum on Wednesday, five members told POLITICO as they were leaving the meeting. His only opponent, Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), withdrew from race on Tuesday. Obernolte secured endorsements from senior Republicans like Republican Study Committee
DHS shutdown disrupts World Cup planning, officials tell senators
Testimony from administration officials painted a stark picture of the logistical challenges ahead.
Swalwell lawyer alleges ‘political hit job,’ decries ‘trial in the court of public opinion’
An attorney representing former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) denied sexual assault and misconduct accusations against her client on Wednesday, alleging the claims were part of a “political hit job” designed to undermine his now-suspended bid for California governor. “If it’s conspicuous, the timing of this, it’s because it’s just no coincidence that this is now…