Senate Majority Leader John Thune

Senate leaders unveiled a short-term spending bill to fund federal agencies past the midterm elections into early December, avoiding a government shutdown during campaign season. The bill funds the government at current levels until Dec. 11, with the House having passed a similar measure lacking some White House-sought exceptions, including $1 billion for 'Trump-class' battleships.

Senate leaders unveiled a short-term spending bill to fund federal agencies through December 11, avoiding a government shutdown during the campaign season. The bill mirrors a House measure but excludes White House-requested exceptions like $1 billion for 'Trump-class' battleships. Lawmakers aim to finalize the deal before the August recess to prevent a third shutdown in 10 months.

Senate leaders are considering blocking a Trump administration plan to replace the peer-review process for federal grants with political appointees. Bipartisan negotiations on a funding bill to prevent a government shutdown include discussions on halting the proposed regulation, which faces opposition from both Democratic and some Republican senators due to concerns over politicizing grant approvals.

The U.S. House Republicans launched a budget reconciliation process to allocate up to $60 billion for defense and up to $12 billion for farm aid. The plan includes instructions for four House committees to draft bills into a $95 billion package, with provisions for election-related grants and intelligence spending. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the need to safeguard elections and strengthen defense.

Several senators will meet with President Donald Trump to discuss progress on the Clarity Act, a cryptocurrency regulatory bill with unresolved ethics provisions tied to Trump's business interests. Lawmakers aim to pass the bill before the August recess amid challenges securing bipartisan agreement.

The US House GOP launched a budget reconciliation process to allocate $95 billion, including $60 billion for defense and up to $12 billion for farm aid. The plan directs four committees to draft bills, with the House Budget Committee set to debate the resolution next, followed by potential Senate action.

A coalition of over 200 crypto companies and organizations urged Senate leaders to schedule the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act for a full Senate vote, emphasizing the need for U.S. leadership in regulating digital asset markets. The letter, signed by entities like Coinbase, Ripple, and Binance.US, highlights bipartisan support and the bill's potential to establish federal oversight and clarify regulatory roles between the SEC and CFTC.

Republican Ken Paxton defeated longtime Texas Sen. John Cornyn by 28 points in the primary, marking the widest loss for a sitting U.S. senator in nearly 50 years. Trump's endorsement of Paxton, despite his legal controversies, highlights his influence over the GOP but complicates efforts to secure the Senate majority. Key concerns include funding challenges for Paxton's general election race and potential Senate resistance to Trump's priorities.

Congress passed a short-term renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for 45 days after struggling to reauthorize the nation's spying program. The renewal came after a 13-day extension was applied last month. Lawmakers were divided on the issue, with some advocating for a digital currency ban.

Pro-life groups are urging the Senate to extend a decade-long ban on federal funding for Planned Parenthood and abortion providers before a July 4 deadline, warning of a potential $800 million annual taxpayer windfall. The current funding prohibition, part of a Trump-era budget bill, expires this Independence Day, with Republicans emphasizing fiscal responsibility and opposition to subsidizing abortion services.

Pro-life groups are urging the Senate to extend a decade-long ban on federal funding for Planned Parenthood and abortion providers before a July 4 deadline, arguing it is fiscally irresponsible to subsidize abortion services amid rising federal debt. The current funding prohibition, part of Trump's 2024 budget, expires on July 4, and the groups warn that failure to act could result in hundreds of millions in annual taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.

Senate Republicans are preparing a party-line funding bill to finance Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through a budget reconciliation process, aiming to bypass Democratic opposition. However, divisions exist within the party over the scope of the bill, with some lawmakers like Ted Cruz advocating for broader provisions, including long-term funding and tax cuts, while leadership prefers a narrowly tailored package. House Republicans also push for expanding the bill to include additional priorities.

The DHS shutdown enters its 60th day as House Republicans block reopening efforts, focusing instead on funding ICE and CBP. Senate GOP leaders push for a reconciliation bill to fund these agencies, while House Republicans express frustration over the legislative process.