Bill Hagerty

A bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee will be renamed the Donald J. Trump Bridge. The event, led by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, includes elected officials and takes place in Jefferson County, crossing the French Broad River in Dandridge.

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces mounting scrutiny over allegations including a Nazi tattoo, communist affiliations, and past misconduct. Republican senators criticize him openly while many Democratic senators avoid commenting, with some stating the decision should be left to Maine voters.

Republican senators are criticizing Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner over allegations including a Nazi tattoo, communist affiliations, and inappropriate behavior, while many Democratic senators avoid commenting. New York Times reports detail claims from ex-partners alleging harmful fantasies and awareness of the tattoo's Nazi symbolism.

The Justice Department created a $1.776 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of government 'weaponization' without congressional approval, sparking bipartisan criticism over its legality and funding source. The fund, linked to a Trump-led lawsuit against the IRS, allows political allies to benefit but excludes Trump himself, raising concerns about transparency and executive overreach.

Senate Republicans are divided over the scope of a proposed budget reconciliation bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with leaders like John Thune advocating for a 'skinny' bill focused solely on ending the shutdown, while others push to include provisions like the SAVE America Act and funding for the Iran war. The debate highlights infighting within the GOP as they balance speed with political priorities.

Senate Republicans are divided over the approach to funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through a budget reconciliation bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune advocates for a 'skinny' bill to quickly end the two-month funding stalemate, while others, like Sen. Tommy Tuberville, push to include Trump-aligned policies like the SAVE America Act, Iran war costs, and disaster relief, risking delays.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., proposes the Freedom to Build Act to reduce 'bureaucrat tax' costs on home construction by incentivizing deregulation. The Economic Report of the President highlights regulations adding $100K to new home costs, urging state-level reforms to boost housing supply.

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) introduced the Freedom to Build Act to reduce the 'bureaucrat tax'—excessive regulations adding $100K to new home costs—by incentivizing deregulation through federal grants. The Economic Report of the President cited the tax as a barrier to housing supply, while the Senate passed a Trump-backed affordable housing package, though House GOP raised concerns.