John Kennedy

Lawmakers in the 119th Congress are increasingly active on social media, utilizing platforms like X and Instagram to build influence and elevate their profiles. Progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez boast massive followings across multiple sites. For Republicans, Sen. Ted Cruz leads the pack, while Sen. John Kennedy has gained attention through his clips featuring an exercise machine.

Republican senators are backing a petition from 9/11 victim families demanding that Mayor Zohran Mamdani be banned from attending the 25th anniversary remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero. The complaint focuses on claims regarding Mamdani's alleged ties to Islamic extremism, his views on America's place in the world, and accusations of supporting Hamas. Several GOP lawmakers criticized him for these comments during interviews.

Families of 9/11 victims have launched a petition calling for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to be excluded from the Ground Zero anniversary remembrance ceremony. Republican senators supported this effort, citing various concerns regarding Mamdani’s statements and alleged associations with Islamic extremism. Sen. Tim Sheehy accused Mamdani of platforming Islamic extremism and openly supporting Hamas.

The Senate passed a bipartisan bill funding the government through December 11 at current levels, thus placing pressure on the House to prevent an October shutdown. While both chambers passed differing stopgap measures, the legislation spurred conflict over federal grants and provisions impacting agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. Lawmakers expressed deep disagreements with the proposed grant rules and specific agency funding limits.

Todd Blanche rescinded a $1.8 billion fund for Trump's allies but maintained audit immunity for Trump and his organization. Trump criticized a dropped charge against a former Olympian, discussed Iran negotiations, and planned a California visit to highlight economic contrasts with Democrats. Twenty-five states sued over new tariffs, claiming they replace invalidated import taxes.

Democrats have not controlled the Pennsylvania Senate since 1978, with Republicans maintaining a majority except for a brief 1993 period. The 2026 elections may determine whether Democrats break this nearly 50-year streak, as suburban swing districts could shift control of the state legislature, impacting policies like budgets, voting laws, and energy initiatives.

Senate Budget Committee Republicans will meet to discuss advancing a fiscal blueprint for a new party-line spending bill. Chair Ron Johnson is working with leadership and prioritizing a stopgap spending bill, while Sen. John Kennedy expects no action on a budget resolution this week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not ruled out taking up a budget resolution but acknowledges challenges.

The Senate advanced a stopgap funding bill to avert a government shutdown, passing a procedural vote 89-4. The bill would fund federal agencies through Dec. 11 with some exceptions and includes provisions restricting the Trump administration's plan for political appointees and new funding for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Senate and House versions differ, creating potential conflict ahead of the fiscal year-end shutdown deadline.

Republican Sen. John Kennedy expressed doubt about the Senate confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the full-time role. Kennedy, a member of the Judiciary Committee, noted GOP Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are discussing a resolution with the Justice Department.

Republican Sen. John Kennedy expressed uncertainty about whether President Trump genuinely believes his claims of vandals damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, suggesting it could be political messaging or Trump 'thinking out loud.'

GOP Sen. John Kennedy stated that legislation for President Trump's 'anti-weaponization' fund should not provide a blank check to the administration. Trump has acknowledged that legislation will be necessary for the fund.

Sen. John Kennedy stated he would exclude Jan. 6 rioters from an 'anti-weaponization' fund bill. The article references his location in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 9, 2025.

Kamala Harris listed John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama as the 'most effective presidents in American history' at the National Urban League Conference, omitting Joe Biden despite serving as his vice president. She was asked by National Urban League President Marc Morial to rank the top three most effective U.S. presidents.

President Donald Trump urges Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, while Democratic senators avoid endorsing its outright removal, advocating exceptions for specific measures. Lawmakers debate the filibuster's application, with some Democrats supporting its elimination for constitutional violations or voting rights legislation.

President Trump is urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act, but Democratic senators oppose an outright removal, instead supporting exceptions for specific legislation. Republican lawmakers acknowledge the lack of votes to remove the filibuster, while Trump claims Democrats would eliminate it if they regained power.

Louisiana's population in 2024 grew for the first time since 2017, driven by reduced out-migration and in-migration linked to economic factors like healthcare and construction. Young families and individuals from high-cost states, drawn by affordability, contributed to the trend, alongside international migration, which now accounts for 25% of in-migration.

Sen. John Kennedy warns President Trump against delaying Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination to 2027, citing the risk of a Senate majority shift in November. Kennedy, part of the Senate Judiciary Committee, suggests this delay could backfire if the Senate flips.

A statewide policy group in Michigan is advocating for two additional literacy reforms, citing Mississippi's success in improving reading scores, while candidates in the gubernatorial race express mixed views. The state currently ranks 44th in fourth-grade reading, with existing budget funding for three reforms but opposition to the remaining proposals from the Michigan Education Association.

Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, was honored with a Capitol Rotunda ceremony and a funeral at the National Cathedral after his death at 71. Attendees included Israeli PM Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Zelensky, Vice President Vance, the Trump Cabinet, and bipartisan Senate members. President Trump, who initially had a contentious relationship with Graham, served as a eulogist, recalling their eventual alliance and Graham's political adaptability.

President Donald Trump is warming toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recently announcing Ukraine’s license to produce Patriot missiles and praising Zelenskyy at a NATO summit. This shift coincides with a broader Republican Party realignment toward Ukraine, highlighted by Laura Loomer’s transition from Russia sympathizer to Ukraine defender, though Trump’s motives remain unclear as he balances pressure on Russia and potential negotiations.

Sen. John Kennedy warned John Thune about being too cautious as the Trump agenda's future remains uncertain. Kennedy made the comment during an interview with CBS News' 'Face The Nation'.

Senator John Kennedy claimed that President Trump supports daily strikes on Iran and advocated increasing pressure rather than pausing for negotiations, stating 'You have to kill a few chickens to scare the monkeys'.

Senator Kennedy stated that President Trump supports daily strikes on Iran, suggesting the strategy 'kills a few chickens to scare the monkeys.' He also recommended continuing a blockade to 'starve them out' during an interview on CBS's 'Face the Nation.'

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that a pause in strikes against Iran is providing space for diplomacy. Military assets are being relocated to the region, and Sen. John Kennedy and Sen. Bernie Sanders commented on Iran-related developments.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that a pause in strikes against Iran is providing 'some space for diplomacy.' The article also notes that military assets are being moved into the region, with GOP Sen. John Kennedy and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders commenting on Iran.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) for being too cautious in negotiations with Senate Democratic leaders to prevent a government shutdown. Kennedy expressed concern over Thune's approach to avoid a shutdown at the end of September.

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy participated in an interview on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on July 26, 2026. The transcript details his appearance on the program.

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy participated in an interview on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' on July 26, 2026. The transcript details his discussion during the program.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz, Senator John Kennedy, and former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb joined the show 'Face the Nation.' The article mentions their participation in the second half of the program.

Senator John Kennedy supports President Trump's goals in Iran and advocates for the U.S. to 'stay the course' in the region. He calls for increased transparency about the conflict, opposes the U.S. civil nuclear power deal with Saudi Arabia, and supports passing the SAVE America Act.

On 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,' Sens. Bernie Sanders and John Kennedy discuss the war with Iran and the 2026 midterm elections. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, and CBS News director Anthony Salvanto share poll results.

The July 26, 2026 episode of 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' features Republican Sen. John Kennedy, independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz as guests. The segment highlights their participation in the program.

John Fleming, Louisiana State Treasurer, reflects on his U.S. Senate race, stating he has no regrets despite facing opposition from Donald Trump, the Louisiana Governor, and political infrastructure. He claims his self-funded campaign led in polls for five weeks before the runoff. Fleming also discusses carbon capture as a potential issue in future Louisiana elections and mentions a Senator John Kennedy quote about foreign shrimp and oysters.

A bipartisan Russia sanctions bill named after Sen. Lindsey Graham faces delays as the Senate may vote next week but the House is in recess until Aug. 31. The bill, supported by the White House, aims to impose sanctions on Russia to aid Ukraine, but its progress is complicated by scheduling challenges and President Trump's push to include Iran sanctions.

The White House Rose Garden, established in 1913 by Ellen Wilson, has undergone multiple redesigns, including a 2025 overhaul by Donald Trump featuring a stone-tiled patio, gold lettering, and statues of Founding Fathers. Earlier versions included Edith Roosevelt's Colonial Garden (1902) and Rachel Lambert Mellon's 1961 redesign influenced by John F. Kennedy's European travels.

President Trump criticizes Senate Majority Leader John Thune for the GOP's failure to pass the SAVE America Act, escalating tensions. Senate Republicans defend Thune, stating the bill lacks necessary votes and Trump's approach is ineffective.

House GOP's Recon 3.0 budget faces resistance in the Senate as leaders struggle to secure support amid challenges including government funding deadlines, deficit hawk opposition, and difficulty incorporating Trump's election legislation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to advancing the budget resolution, citing political and procedural hurdles.

Republicans in Congress continue to support the Iran war despite public disapproval and rising costs, with lawmakers defending President Trump's decisions while facing pressure to demand more information. The conflict has led to increased military spending, including $37.5 billion, and escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, as Democrats push for congressional approval votes.

Republicans in Congress continue to support the Iran war despite public disapproval and rising political risks ahead of midterms. Lawmakers face pressure over escalating costs, gas prices, and U.S. military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, while polls show most Americans believe the war is not worth fighting.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the U.S. war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion, while Congress questioned the Trump administration's $80 billion funding request. Lawmakers from both parties criticized the request, citing concerns over the cost and lack of clarity.