House Republicans face internal and external headwinds as they gather to map out 2026
The party’s annual policy retreat comes amid challenges posed by the Middle East war and weakening economy.
CONGRESS
Jeffries declines to say whether he’ll block Pentagon funding: ‘We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it’
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) on Sunday did not commit to either supporting or opposing additional funding for the Pentagon amid the war in Iran. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it in terms of if the administration makes a request to Congress to consider additional funding,” Jeffries told host Kristen Welker…
This week on The Hill: House Republicans head to Florida to sharpen agenda, message
House Republicans will gather Monday at President Trump’s Doral, Fla., resort for a three-day issues conference aimed at charting their legislative agenda for the year ahead and sharpening their message for the 2026 midterm elections. The meeting comes after a turbulent week for the GOP conference. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) confessed to having an affair…
Democrats make political bet on DHS demands, despite GOP’s Iran warnings
A week after President Trump launched strikes against Iran, Democrats are digging in against reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without significant reforms to the agency. Party leaders are amplifying their demands for tougher rules governing agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Rank-and-file Democrats appear to…
Jan. 6 plaque installed at U.S. Capitol after 3-year delay
A long-awaited plaque honoring law enforcement officers who protected the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot was installed on Saturday after a three-year delay. “On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on January 6, 2021,” the plaque says. “Their heroism…
Which congressional lawmakers aren’t seeking reelection in 2026?
With less than a year to go before the 2026 midterms, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are making decisions as campaign season inches closer. In total, 63 congressional lawmakers and one House delegate, 39 of them Republicans, are not seeking reelection. Of that group, 12 senators are retiring or seeking higher office, over 10…
Republican Darrell Issa not seeking reelection
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) announced Friday that he would not seek reelection to his newly redrawn southern California seat, adding uncertainty to the GOP’s efforts to cling to its narrow House majority in the midterms. Issa, who has served in the House since 2001, wrote in a statement that it was “the right time for…