Congress
Articles about Congress
Trahan unveils AI liability discussion draft
Rep. Lori Trahan on Wednesday unveiled a discussion draft for a bill that would make artificial intelligence developers liable when their products cause harm.
Vance to sit for CBS town hall in Michigan ahead of midterms
Vice President JD Vance will take questions from Michigan voters in a CBS News town hall airing Oct. 17 as the Trump administration prepares a closing message to voters ahead of the midterms.
Top Commerce Committee Democrat releases AI framework
Sen. Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Commerce Committee with vast jurisdiction over artificial intelligence policy, outlined six AI safety principles Wednesday morning — tenets she believes should underpin any legislation to stave off the greatest threats posed by the rapidly-evolving technology.
Capitol agenda: GOP braces for SCOTUS fight that may not come
Senate Republicans are privately ready for a post-election Supreme Court nomination fight that may never come.
‘Use your majority’: In the unlikely event of a Supreme Court vacancy, Republicans are ready to act
A Senate flip to Democrats could essentially shut down confirmations of President Donald Trump’s court nominees — but not until January.
Bonamici jumps into House education committee leadership race
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) is jumping into the race to lead House education committee Democrats. The Oregon Democrat officially declared she will run to be the top Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee in a Dear Colleague letter sent to members of the Democratic caucus Tuesday and shared with POLITICO. Bonamici’s jump into the race marks another challenger for Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), the panel’s current ranking member. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) is also running for the panel’s top spot.
Johnson defends Trump’s taxpayer-funded ads — but says it’s ‘good’ MAGA Inc. is paying now
BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania — Speaker Mike Johnson defended President Donald Trump’s use of taxpayer funded political-themed ads ahead of the election, but he said it was “good” that MAGA Inc. would pay for them going forward.
Alito says he won’t retire during lame-duck session
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said he plans to stay on the court through next year, brushing aside speculation that he could retire early and let President Donald Trump fill his seat after the election but before a new Congress is sworn in next year.
Capitol agenda: Thune and Trump plot GOP money wave
John Thune has money on his mind in the final stretch before the midterms. The Senate majority leader, in an exclusive conversation Monday with POLITICO on the campaign trail, said funding for Republicans has dominated his recent conversations with President Donald Trump and his staff as the party tries to divvy up its spending to hold onto seats in closer-than-expected races while picking up spots in other states. “I think the president is sincerely interested in trying to do whatever he can to help the team,” Thune said.
John Thune has money on his mind
The Senate majority leader says he’s focused on “resources” as the final pre-midterm sprint begins.
GOP committee chair rebuts Sam Altman: ‘I'm never willing to accept bad results’ from AI
The chair of the House Agriculture Committee said he’s not willing to “accept bad results” as a trade-off for the benefits of advancements in artificial intelligence — a direct rebuttal to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
John Thune says 'no clear path forward' for clock-change bill
LE SUEUR, Minnesota — Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Monday there is no “consensus” yet on advancing a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time even as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Republicans to pass it.
Democrats pull back some North Carolina Senate spending after GOP’s retreat
Democrats have pulled back some of their ads in North Carolina’s Senate race, days after the top Senate Republican super political action committee paused its future spending in the state.
Paxton reports $18M quarterly fundraising haul
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton raised $18 million in the third quarter of 2026 across his campaign and his joint fundraising committees, his campaign tells POLITICO, a significant haul for the homestretch of the election.
Where Warnock is visiting in the final midterms sprint
Sen. Raphael Warnock is hitting the road for the last month before Election Day. The Georgia Democrat’s final midterm campaign surrogate sprint will only increase chatter around the possibility that he might run for president in 2028, according to a nine-stop itinerary shared first with POLITICO. First, he’ll touch down in New Hampshire on Tuesday before hitting Nevada on Wednesday. Next, he’ll travel to South Carolina (Oct. 13), Mississippi (Oct. 14), North Carolina (Oct. 15), South Carolina (Oct. 16-17), Michigan (Oct.
Capitol agenda: Dems split on probing Trump corporate allies
Democrats are eager to win back subpoena power if they retake Congress, but they’re split on how hard they’ll go after corporate America.
It took four years, but a Capitol Hill office finally has a union contract
Staffers for Rep. Ro Khanna recently ratified a collectively bargained agreement after protracted negotiations.
Why Cruz and Cantwell's big win on college sports probably won’t lead to an AI breakthrough
The top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee are contending with deep partisan schisms and distrust on a divisive issue.
Trump apparently shares Tom Cotton’s phone number in push to make Daylight Saving Time permanent
President Donald Trump appeared to share Sen. Tom Cotton’s phone number in a Saturday morning social media post imploring the Arkansas Republican to get behind a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.
Sanders to rally for Troy Jackson in Maine
Sen. Bernie Sanders will hit the road for Troy Jackson in Maine starting Oct. 10, the first time the progressive leader will stump for the candidate this cycle.
Hill: Trump’s ‘lack of favorability’ creating challenging politics
House Financial Services Chair French Hill said he has “no concerns” about winning back his Arkansas seat in the upcoming midterm elections, but the six-term House member acknowledged the political headwinds for his party.
Sanders, AOC, Merkley propose bill to ban Flock cameras
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) on Friday released text of legislation intended to ban the use of Flock surveillance cameras and other license plate readers.
Capitol agenda: Dems spend big to help Hakeem’s dream
Democrats watching Speaker Mike Johnson deal with a chaotically slim majority have seen enough — and they’re trying to avoid the same fate.
The low-profile Democrat helping shape her party’s AI agenda
Rep. Valerie Foushee wants to put civil rights and liberties at the center of the debate over how to regulate artificial intelligence.
‘A game-changer’: House Dems aim for a big majority that could ease Hakeem Jeffries’ headaches
Democrats are unleashing spending in deep-red territory in hopes of bagging a large House majority.
Top Democratic appropriator wants White House to pay for airing 'propaganda'
A group of Senate Democrats are rolling out a bill Thursday to cut funding from the White House budget office any time a president uses taxpayer dollars to pay for anything considered political "propaganda."
Barrage of lawsuits targets Trump’s funding cancellation
Lawsuits challenging President Donald Trump’s move to cancel $810 million in congressionally approved spending are piling up in courtrooms throughout the country as states and groups that receive federal dollars fight to keep the cash flowing.
Centrist Dem’s Supreme Court plan boosts momentum for revamp
Democratic efforts to revamp the Supreme Court gained momentum Thursday as an influential center-left think tank released a plan to limit justices’ terms and misconduct.
Bipartisan Senate duo drops new data center bills
A bipartisan Senate duo is rolling out two new data center bills one day after Democrats rejected a House-passed measure designed to shield ratepayers from costs associated with the facilities.
Raskin leads calls for federal investigation into Trump PSA’s
The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee is demanding federal inquiries into the amount of taxpayer money used to furnish a television ad blitz propping up President Donald Trump ahead of the midterms.
Capitol agenda: Dems skip DC with wind in their sails
The Senate wrapped up its work late Wednesday night, and lawmakers in both chambers won’t be back until after midterm voters pass judgment.
‘I think we win’: Schumer sets the tone as Senate Democrats grow more confident about November
The longtime Democratic leader stopped short of guaranteeing victory but indicated his party has “wind in our sails.”
Ron Johnson blocks vote to stop Trump’s funding cancellations
Sen. Ron Johnson blocked the Senate from passing a bill Wednesday to restore $810 million in federal funding President Donald Trump nixed Friday without Congress’ consent and stop him from using the controversial budget tactic again.
Cruz kills Blackburn effort to pass AI deepfakes bill
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz blocked an effort from Sen. Marsha Blackburn to pass her bill on the chamber floor Wednesday afternoon that would allow people to sue over artificial intelligence “deepfakes” — the latest episode in a long-running public rift between the two Republicans over AI legislation.
Sherrod Brown says Facebook ‘glitch’ cost campaign money, votes
Ohio Democratic Senate nominee Sherrod Brown said Sunday that a “technical glitch” with Facebook’s advertising platform caused around half of his campaign ads on the site to suddenly “go dark with no notice.”
Jim Justice says he has a ‘short’ timeline for deciding on governor run
GOP Sen. Jim Justice said Wednesday that he’ll decide whether to run for West Virginia governor before the end of the year, but likely not until after the midterms.
Blackburn sues Jack Smith for obtaining her phone records
A close Capitol Hill ally of President Donald Trump is suing the Justice Department and former special counsel Jack Smith for obtaining her phone logs in the course of his investigation into Trump’s bid to subvert the 2020 election.
Paxton secures $20M ad buy
Ken Paxton, the Republican Texas Senate nominee, announced a new $20 million ad buy in the state ahead of November's crucial election.
Eric Schmitt defends mix-up that led to viral gaffe during Jack Smith's hearing
Sen. Eric Schmitt expressed no remorse Wednesday for falsely accusing Jack Smith of lying to Congress about attending a basketball game as a guise to investigate President Donald Trump — and for creating a viral moment that critics have seized on to undercut the GOP’s case against the former special counsel.
Senate Democrats block House-passed bill restricting member stock trading
A House-passed bill to restrict members of Congress from buying and selling stocks failed on the Senate floor Wednesday in a party-line vote, with Democrats insisting it would not do enough to curb lawmakers’ trading.
Thune's 'difficult' recon update
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters Wednesday progress on a new party-line spending bill is an "option" after the midterms — but cautioned that he still didn't see a path to getting 50 votes. Thune spoke with Budget Chair Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) Wednesday morning. "Obviously we're continuing to track and see what what is achievable and what we can get the votes for," Thune said, adding that it's "difficult."
Capitol agenda: One day more?
Senators are circling a rapid escape from Washington today. Majority Leader John Thune told Jordain the chamber could wrap up by the end of Wednesday. “No certainty around this yet but it seems to be that everybody is … heading toward a glide path tomorrow night,” Thune said Tuesday about the Senate’s impending exit. The decision will let battleground candidates get home to start campaigning as Republicans try to hold onto control of the chamber.
Brian Fitzpatrick’s campaign ads feature damning news headlines. They're not from an unbiased source
Self-published articles from a longtime ally are showing up in the vulnerable Pennsylvania Republican’s attack ads.
Lummis blocks resolution denouncing Trump’s ‘public service announcements’
A Republican senator blocked a resolution Tuesday that would have denounced President Donald Trump's recent campaign-style ads funded with taxpayer dollars.
Republicans wanted Jack Smith to give them a smoking gun. They got a gaffe instead
The former special counsel’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee was marked by personal insults rather than new revelations.
Cruz blocks Senate Democrats’ bid to pass AI safety bill
A Democratic trio attempted to pass an artificial intelligence bill via a unanimous consent request on Tuesday but were blocked on the Senate floor.
Darline Graham rips Jack Smith for obtaining her late brother’s phone records
Sen. Darline Graham sought to take up her brother’s mantle Tuesday, going after former special counsel Jack Smith for obtaining the late-Sen. Lindsey Graham’s phone data.
Federal watchdog says Trump’s $810M funding cancellation is unconstitutional
The federal government’s internal watchdog told Congress Tuesday that it has concluded President Donald Trump acted unlawfully in unilaterally canceling $810 million in federal funding.
Eric Schmitt pins down Jack Smith — as a Caitlin Clark fan
Sen. Eric Schmitt thought he caught Jack Smith in a lie. Instead, he outed him as a fan of former Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark.
Mike Johnson backs voluntary regulation to ‘calm the nerves’ on AI safety
Speaker Mike Johnson called Tuesday for more “oversight” and “transparency” of the artificial intelligence industry —including “external auditing” — while expressing a preference that those steps would be taken voluntarily by leading AI firms.
What Jack Smith plans to tell the Senate Judiciary Committee
Jack Smith, the former special counsel who orchestrated the federal criminal cases against Donald Trump, plans to tell the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday morning that he stands by his decision to bring charges against the president — arguing that his investigations “developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in criminal activity.”
New Democrats back candidates in deep-red districts
The centrist New Democrat Coalition is expanding its endorsements into firmly Republican territory, another sign of the party’s ballooning confidence in their midterm prospects.
Inside Thune and Barrasso’s midterm campaigning plans
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and GOP Whip John Barrasso are preparing to hit the campaign trail in October.
Capitol agenda: Dems face tricky votes before midterm sprint
Senate Democrats may be feeling pretty positive going into their final campaign sprint, but first they must deal with a handful of political headaches on the Hill.
Republicans scheme to block Trump’s funding cancellations
Unable to stop the president from nixing $810 million, GOP lawmakers are hoping to head off another attempt.
Senate passes bipartisan bill to overhaul college sports
President Donald Trump wants the House to clear the measure quickly.
Taxpayer-funded ads are the latest Trump headache for beleaguered GOP senators
Voters “don’t want to be worried about how their taxpayer dollars are being spent,” Utah Sen. John Curtis said.
John Thune: Taxpayer dollars shouldn't fund Trump ads
Senate Majority Leader John Thune took issue Monday with a new ad campaign featuring President Donald Trump that is being underwritten with federal funds.
Senate to vote on member stock trading bill
The Senate will vote this week on a House-passed bill to restrict the ability of members of Congress and their families to buy and sell stocks, according to two people granted anonymity to disclose unannounced scheduling.
Capitol agenda: Thune plots final votes before midterms
The Senate is — finally — on the verge of making a great escape. After last week’s decision to stick around and try to make headway on a number of GOP priorities, Senate Republicans could leave town as soon as Wednesday, according to several senators and aides. A long-sought permitting vote isn’t happening (more on that below), so John Thune’s pre-election to-do list is relatively light. It starts with final passage of the bipartisan bill overhauling the college sports industry, which is expected Monday night.
Trump’s latest Mamdani lovefest comes at a bad time for Republicans
GOP candidates are trying to leverage the far-left mayor amid an increasingly tough midterm election.
Max Miller subpoenas ex-father-in-law Bernie Moreno
Rep. Max Miller issued a subpoena to his former father-in-law and fellow Ohio Republican, Sen. Bernie Moreno, in the latest escalation of a long-running family legal drama.
Trump declares $1B canceled in ‘pocket rescission’ in another affront to Congress’ funding power
President Donald Trump informed congressional leaders Friday that he has unilaterally canceled almost $1 billion without Congress’ consent — employing a budget maneuver many lawmakers consider illegal.
Gallego grades Democrats on their midterm messaging to men
Democrats are finally catching on to how to talk to young male voters in the lead-up to the midterms, but the party can still up its game, one battleground senator and potential 2028er said Friday.
Bipartisan Russia hawks urge Trump to pull Putin invite to G20 summit
A bipartisan group of 14 senators urged President Donald Trump to rescind his invitation for Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the Group of 20 summit in Miami in December.
Capitol agenda: Dems weigh doing Husted a solid
Senate Democrats have a decision to make about whether to grant a political favor to one of their most vulnerable Republican colleagues.
Democrats weigh how to handle data center vote that could benefit a GOP foe
“They say they’re for more affordability,” embattled GOP Sen. Jon Husted said. “This is a chance for everybody to prove it.”
Johnson, Trump set meeting with AI executives
President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson will meet at the White House Tuesday with the executives of top artificial intelligence companies, according to two people granted anonymity to discuss private plans.
AOC, nine other House Dems sign on to AI superintelligence ban
A group of 10 Democrats has signed on to Rep. Greg Casar’s (D-Texas) bill that would ban superintelligence and pause advanced AI development until a vetting regime could be stood up.
Senate GOP eyes data center vote next week
Senate Republicans are discussing whether to call up a data center utility costs bill as they make plans to stay in Washington next week rather than beat an early exit before the midterms.
Permitting deal won't get vote ahead of election
A bipartisan group of senators failed to close a long-sought deal on legislation to ease permitting approvals for energy projects, kicking consideration of the issue until after the midterm elections.
Capitol agenda: Democrats fracture over college sports
Despite bipartisan backing of a college athletics bill, Black Democratic lawmakers are warning their own party that supporting the measure risks exploiting Black athletes.
‘Don't owe the old guys anything’: Backlash builds to GOP chairs clinging to power
A behind-the-scenes battle is playing out over several powerful House Republicans who don’t want to be forced out of their plum posts.
Senate Republicans have 1 more chance to oppose the Iran war before the midterms
Democrats only need one more Republican vote to approve a war powers resolution before Election Day.
Senators weigh staying in town to vote on data center bill
Senate Republicans are discussing whether to stay in town next week to vote on a data center bill being championed by one of their most vulnerable incumbents, according to two GOP senators granted anonymity to disclose private talks.
Mike Collins memo identifies 1 in 10 Georgia voters who should be voting for him — but are ‘up for grabs’
One in 10 Georgia voters aren’t sold on Mike Collins for Senate — even though those same voters backed President Donald Trump in 2024, according to a new memo from Collins’ campaign.
Sanders, Casar introduce ‘superintelligence’ ban
Two top congressional progressives unveiled their bill Wednesday to ban artificial “superintelligence” and establish a Cabinet-level agency to regulate AI, fleshing out their plans for a crackdown on the industry.
Troy Carter launches bid to run Congressional Black Caucus
Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) launched a run to head the Congressional Black Caucus, making official his long-anticipated and heavily favored bid to take over the powerful group.
Senate Republican seeks to fast-track AI whistleblower bill
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley is trying to pass a bill before the midterms that would protect whistleblowers who disclose information about the risks involved in artificial intelligence development, according to two people granted anonymity to disclose nonpublic information.
Capitol agenda: Republicans riddled by stay-or-go dilemma
Republican senators are stuck in a fight or flight dilemma as they weigh their midterm strategy this week.
Senate Republicans stew on pre-election dilemma: Should they stay or should they go?
GOP senators are set to decide whether to stay in Washington and try to legislate or head home and hope for the best.
Paul: ICE hasn’t shared information about Minneapolis shooting probes
The Department of Homeland Security still has not shared the findings from its investigations into the January killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, despite continued requests from the top Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
GOP Armed Services chair blasts White House welcome of Chinese leader
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker lambasted the White House decision to invite Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a state dinner this week, calling the foreign head of state “a brutal, unelected and oppressive dictator” who cannot be trusted.
Appeals court’s Capitol steps ruling may signal trouble for Trump on media ban
A federal appeals court ruling Tuesday on demonstrators’ access to the steps of the Capitol could bode poorly for President Donald Trump’s attempt to ban three media organizations from the White House.
Ohio stations ignore Max Miller’s legal threat, run Democratic challenger’s ad
Ohio television stations are so far choosing to ignore a legal threat from GOP Rep. Max Miller and broadcast an ad from his Democratic challenger centered on the allegations of domestic abuse Miller faces from his ex-wife.
GOP senator wants to subpoena Donald Trump Jr. over Russian-funded wedding
A Senate Republican from Utah is asking the Senate Judiciary Committee to subpoena Donald Trump Jr. following reports that the president’s son had parts of his wedding paid for by a Russian oligarch with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Capitol agenda: Senate GOP eyes exit plan as trail calls
The chamber, initially scheduled to be in session until the beginning of October, is instead eyeing departure by the end of the week.
Top House Oversight Dem demands answers to Trump’s media ban
The ranking Democrat on the House Oversight committee is demanding the White House answer questions related to President Donald Trump’s decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House, calling it the president’s “most blatant, assault on press freedom.”
Mike Rogers says Iran war needs to “end quickly” amid rising prices
Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers said Monday that the war with Iran “needs to end” to bring prices down, making him the second Republican to break with the White House on the issue that day.
Collins slams Trump plan to ‘politicize’ grants as defying Congress
Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins warned Monday that President Donald Trump would be defying Congress if he moves forward with empowering top political appointees to decide who gets grant funding for health research.
Hinson calls for end to Iran war amid soaring diesel costs
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) on Monday expressed frustration over the ongoing war in Iran and its impact on Iowans’ pocketbooks, publicly distancing herself from President Donald Trump ahead of November’s rapidly approaching midterm elections.
Senior GOP appropriator pours cold water on funding Trump’s arch
Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson, a senior Appropriations Committee Republican, questioned whether federal funds should be spent on construction of President Donald Trump’s triumphal arch, which the president claimed over the weekend could be used for military purposes.
Michigan’s Gary Peters to teach at USC after retirement
Sen. Gary Peters is heading to Los Angeles for a post at the University of Southern California after his term ends early next year, the university said Monday.
Jared Golden crosses party lines again, endorsing Mike Lawler for reelection
Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) endorsed GOP Rep. Mike Lawler in his reelection campaign in suburban New York, Golden wrote in an opinion article published Monday.
Crypto super PAC to spend $30 million in bid to take down Sherrod Brown
A super PAC funded by the cryptocurrency industry is preparing to spend at least $30 million in the Ohio Senate race to try to block Democrat Sherrod Brown from returning to Washington, the group’s most aggressive move of the 2026 midterm cycle to date.
Max Miller threatens legal action over Democratic challenger’s ‘defamatory’ ad
Rep. Max Miller is threatening legal action to block a television ad created by his Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter that includes allegations of domestic abuse.
Capitol agenda: Nvidia’s clout tested as AI debate shifts
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang and his army of lobbyists want Congress to lay off restricting exports, particularly to China, of AI-powering computer chips.
Voters are waking up on AI safety. So are these Senate Republicans
Political and existential risks have spurred at least three GOP senators into taking action on artificial intelligence.
Could the AI panic hurt Nvidia’s influence campaign on the Hill?
The technology powerhouse wants Congress to back off attempts to restrict its ability to sell chips to China.
Gottheimer unveils 2 bipartisan AI safety bills
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), one of three co-chairs of the House Democratic Commission on Artificial Intelligence, said Friday he intends to introduce two bipartisan bills that would address surging AI safety concerns.
Capitol agenda: High costs hound GOP as House exits
A perfect storm of affordability issues is developing for Republicans, and they have all but given up on making law to address it before November.
Republicans wanted to run against Mamdani. They're running against Hochul instead
The moderate governor has been targeted by GOP campaigns as the symbol of a deep blue state’s policies — and even her fellow Democrats are keeping her at arm’s length.
Economic nerves emerge as House Republicans call it quits till Election Day
Several last-ditch attempts to tackle affordability concerns were on display before lawmakers left town for seven weeks.
Urgent motion filed to stop carving of Trump’s name into US Institute of Peace building
Ousted board members of the U.S. Institute of Peace are asking a federal court to block the imminent carving of President Donald Trump’s name on the headquarters of the nonpartisan institution he sought to dismantle shortly after taking office.
Republicans give Warsh room on interest rates
The Federal Reserve just made congressional Republicans’ lives even harder in the run-up to the November midterm elections. But they’re holding their fire on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.
Senate Democrats press Hegseth for Iran war price tag
Forty-six members of the Senate Democratic caucus are demanding that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provide a detailed accounting of the Iran war’s costs, arguing that the Pentagon has failed to explain how it has spent, and plans to spend, tens of billions of taxpayer dollars.
Thune, Kemp to headline fundraiser for Georgia Senate GOP nominee Mike Collins
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will headline a fundraiser next week for Rep. Mike Collins, the state’s GOP Senate nominee, according to an invite obtained by POLITICO.
Hakeem Jeffries deflects on plan to address rebel Democrats
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries again declined to say how he will respond to two rebel Democrats who have twice bucked party leaders to advance the Republican floor agenda.
Husted will try to clear House-passed data center ratepayer bill
Sen. Jon Husted will try to send the first major legislative action to address the costs of the artificial intelligence boom to President Donald Trump's desk Thursday.
Problem Solvers Caucus launches AI working group
The bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus launched a working group to address artificial intelligence and other evolving technologies, the group announced Thursday.
Florida Republican criticizes Trump on immigration in campaign ad
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) forcefully pushed back against President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda in a campaign ad released on Thursday, a rare rebuke of the White House’s aggressive immigration policy from inside the Republican Party.
Capitol agenda: China fears drive AI divide
Fear of international competition is emerging as a key point of tension slowing down any path to AI safety legislation.
Poll: China fears drive polarization on AI regulations
Trump and Harris voters are split on winning the global race for superintelligence — mirroring the divide already emerging in Congress.
Democrats keep pressure on Hakeem Jeffries to punish rogue members
House Democrats aren’t letting rogue members off the hook for bucking their party. They hope Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries won’t either.
House passes Russia sanctions bill, handing Trump more leverage against Moscow
The House passed the sweeping Russia sanctions bill long championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Wednesday, sending the legislation to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature after more than a year of congressional maneuvering.
Rand Paul kills Kennedy's AI ‘kill switch’ bill
Sen. Rand Paul blocked an attempt by fellow Republican Sen. John Kennedy to quickly pass legislation that would require companies to build a “kill switch” into their artificial intelligence model.
House votes to hold Leon Black in contempt of Congress
The House voted Wednesday by unanimous consent to hold billionaire investor Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he refused to comply with two congressional subpoenas sought by the Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Bonamici ‘exploring’ bid for Scott’s education leadership
The top Democrat on the House education committee is potentially facing a second challenge to his leadership amid broader frustrations over the caucus’ long-standing deference to seniority.
Ted Cruz: 'It’s still my hope' to have an AI markup this month
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz is still optimistic that his twice-delayed markup on artificial intelligence legislation will happen before the midterms — and that the centerpiece bill will be a yet-to-be-finalized bipartisan measure to stave off catastrophic risks posed by the evolving technology.
Leader of House Epstein investigation rolls out bill to protect victims of sexual assault
House Oversight Chair James Comer has introduced legislation that would ensure survivors of sexual abuse can speak freely about their experiences, even if they signed a nondisclosure agreement.
Ted Lieu, No. 4 Democrat, calls for committee vote on bipartisan AI bill
A key House Democrat involved in developing an artificial intelligence framework for his party called Wednesday for committee consideration of a bipartisan bill to regulate the most advanced AI models — even as he has held off on endorsing it.
Mike Johnson cancels another House session day
Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday he is canceling planned Thursday votes and sending members home for a seven-week recess a day earlier than expected.
Rep. Casar: ‘The AI race is not an arms race that you win’
Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) is objecting to the notion that America should be focused on winning the AI race.
Congress in AI deadlock as public fear soars
Nearly two thirds of Americans surveyed in a new POLITICO poll out Wednesday see at least a moderate risk that artificial intelligence will destroy humanity.
Why the Senate might not solve Jon Husted's data center problem
The Ohio Republican is desperate for a shield from a flurry of campaign-trail attacks, but his colleagues seem unlikely to cooperate.
College sports bill moves forward in Senate with Democratic support
A group of Senate Democrats on Tuesday voted with most Republicans after months of painstaking negotiations to help advance a sweeping college athletics bill.
Rebel Democrats again help House GOP advance floor agenda
A pair of House Democrats voted to advance a slate of GOP bills in a procedural vote that was otherwise on track to fail — the second time they have crossed party lines to help out House GOP leaders in recent weeks.
House panel recommends Leon Black be held in contempt for stonewalling Epstein investigation
The House Oversight Committee voted unanimously 41-0 Tuesday to recommend billionaire investor Leon Black be held in contempt of Congress for not fully cooperating with the panel’s Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Most House Democrats vote to advance Trump impeachment
A large majority of House Democrats declined to follow their leaders in voting to reject an impeachment resolution targeting President Donald Trump over his immigration enforcement policies.
Cruz and Hawley shut down antitrust exemptions for AI companies
Two Senate Republicans said Tuesday that providing antitrust exemptions to artificial intelligence companies to facilitate discussions on how to make AI safer should be taken off the table — as lawmakers discuss ways to respond to industry warnings about the need for guardrails on the rapidly evolving technology.
Trump's AI ignorance is 'truly embarrassing,' Bernie Sanders says
Sen. Bernie Sanders decried Washington on Tuesday for failing to regulate artificial intelligence, including the advanced models that AI researchers, tech executives and safety advocates warn pose an existential risk to humanity.
Gottheimer pushes back on third-party audits of advanced AI
Rep. Josh Gottheimer said proposals to use third-party organizations to evaluate the safety of frontier artificial intelligence models are not enough, instead endorsing a mandatory government vetting regime.
FBI’s Kash Patel brawls with Senate Democrats at Judiciary hearing
Senate Democrats battered FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday at a Senate Judiciary oversight hearing, combatively criticizing a broad swath of his behavior and performance to the point the panel’s chair asked one to “shut up.”
House votes delayed
GOP leaders have delayed scheduled House votes after Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) spent more than an hour on the floor reading an impeachment resolution targeting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. That threatened to create a conflict between a planned 1:30 p.m. vote series and a 3 p.m. portrait unveiling ceremony for former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. That vote series is now expected at 4 p.m., and a later series — to include a vote focused on a data center utility costs — is being pushed to 9:30 p.m.
Kash Patel defends use of Flock cameras as critics decry threats to privacy
FBI Director Kash Patel defended the use of Flock cameras as a crucial tool that helped the agency locate the Brown University shooter and recover victims of child exploitation.
No budget vote before election, Thune says
Majority Leader John Thune all but extinguished the already dwindling chances Senate Republicans might act on a new party-line budget reconciliation bill before the election. He told reporters Tuesday that he does not expect a budget resolution, needed to kickstart the reconciliation process, to get a vote before the election. The House adopted their own version of the fiscal blueprint in July that doesn't have the votes in the Senate. "That'll probably be post-election question," Thune said.
Kash Patel: Trump administration working with Congress on legislation curbing ‘birth tourism’
FBI Director Kash Patel told senators Tuesday the Trump administration is working with Congress to draft new legislation that would crack down on women who come to the U.S. to give birth so their children will automatically become citizens.
Bipartisan House duo welcome industry support for their AI safety proposal
The Republican cosponsor of bipartisan artificial intelligence safety legislation said he sat down with OpenAI’s top lobbyist a day before the company backed a key provision in the bill that’s struggled to gain traction on Capitol Hill.
Johnson plays down AI warnings: 'You're not all going to be dead in 10 years'
Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed fears of civilizational wipeout from artificial intelligence, comparing the recent alarms from inside AI labs to what he characterized as overblown warnings on the political left over climate change.
Rick Scott launches ‘Rescuing America’ economic messaging plan
Sen. Rick Scott is launching a plan for how the country should tackle its growing economic headaches as Republicans face rising voter affordability concerns heading into the midterms.
Capitol agenda: Trump’s AI demands jam Republicans
Party meetings Tuesday may spotlight the mismatch between the growing sense of urgency among some rank-and-file Republicans and President Donald Trump’s stark demands against any regulation.
Inside John Thune’s AI dilemma
The Senate majority leader, who has a long-running interest in tech policy, is in the hot seat.
College sports bill opposition brews despite Cruz, Cantwell optimism
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz and ranking member Maria Cantwell on Monday said their chamber was “on the cusp” of passing legislation to broadly regulate college athletics, but the measure’s success is still unclear.
House Republicans must decide whether they want to pass Trump’s AI loyalty test
“Do you really trust the members of Congress who barely understand AI to write the regulations around something?” one House Republican asked.
Russia sanctions bill clears procedural House hurdle
The legislation isn’t out of the woods yet and could still face procedural obstacles on the House floor.
Sen. Kennedy readies AI ‘kill switch’ bill
Sen. John Kennedy plans to introduce a bill that would require companies to build a “kill switch” into their artificial intelligence models, he told reporters. It comes as pressure mounts on Congress to regulate the risky technology and tech leaders call for an industry slowdown.
Trump nominates Wesley Hunt as US ambassador to Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump nominated Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) to be the next U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia on Monday, part of a spate of nominations sent to the Senate less than two months before the midterms decides the fate of the GOP’s control of the chamber.
Hakeem Jeffries: Congress must act ‘immediately' to rein in AI
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Monday for immediate congressional action to regulate artificial intelligence — his most urgent call to date for guardrails on the rapidly advancing technology amid warnings it could eradicate humanity if left unchecked.
Thune says ‘light touch’ needed on AI regulation
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Monday he sees a role for Congress in regulating artificial intelligence — albeit with a “light touch.”
OpenAI's top lobbyist on Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers
OpenAI’s top lobbyist is on Capitol Hill Monday to meet with lawmakers as anxieties about artificial intelligence abound throughout the country.
Mitch McConnell expected to return to Senate this week
GOP lawmakers believe Sen. Mitch McConnell will return to the Capitol this week, ending a three-month health-related absence, according to four people granted anonymity to disclose private conversations.
Andy Kim says Congress shouldn’t trust AI companies to slow their own development
The AI industry’s promise to slow itself down is “not nearly enough,” Sen. Andy Kim said Monday, calling for a binding federal framework and dismissing President Donald Trump’s argument that new rules would hand the race to China.
Johnson teases White House meeting with AI executives ‘soon’
Speaker Mike Johnson said a meeting at the White House with executives for major artificial intelligence companies could happen as early as the end of this week or early next week, with pressure growing on Congress to set guardrails around the expanding technology.
Senior Democrat pushes back against AI select committee
The top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee pushed back Monday against Democrats forming a House select committee that would be tasked with dealing with AI.
Chris Murphy gives $525K to party, state committees
Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is giving more than $500,000 to Democratic national and state committees working to boost the party in the midterms.
Capitol agenda: Congress isn’t rushing after AI alarms
A tight calendar before the midterms and lack of consensus on a plan are just two factors challenging lawmakers.
Chip Roy is leaving Congress — but not before warning his colleagues about AI
The Texas Republican isn't typically one to cede ground. But now he says he’s wrestling with what the advent of artificial intelligence could mean for life as we know it.
Convention puts GOP’s reality on display: Midterm policy agenda is skimpy
Even President Donald Trump’s promise of $5,000 checks underscores the intraparty divides that have left this Congress unable to reliably legislate.