House budget blueprint faces Senate test before August recess
The House passed a 2027 budget framework, but the Senate has not advanced it as lawmakers weigh reconciliation plans against a separate government-funding deadline.
Congress
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Proposed OMB grant rule raises concerns over presidential control
A proposed OMB grant rule would formalize federal requirements and add political review and termination powers, prompting concerns from Congress, states and cities.
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Smithsonian Museum Director Defends Exhibits at House Hearing
Anthea Hartig defended the National Museum of American History as lawmakers challenged exhibits, educational materials and White House criticism.
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GAO flags delays in federal watchdog misconduct reviews
A GAO review found missed deadlines, incomplete records and weak congressional reporting in the system that investigates misconduct allegations against senior federal watchdog officials.
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Congress bill targets protection of New Deal murals in federal buildings
A House proposal would require preservation plans and continued public access for federally commissioned art when federal buildings are sold or transferred.
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House Intelligence Bill Would Give IC Inspector General New Powers
A House committee advanced a bill that would give the intelligence community’s watchdog new law-enforcement authority. The proposal is not yet law.
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Federal deficit reaches $1.4 trillion through June as funding fight nears
CBO estimates the federal deficit reached $1.4 trillion through June as senators unveiled a proposal to keep agencies funded through Dec. 11.
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Senate funding deal puts federal grant control at center of fight
A proposed Senate stopgap could avert a shutdown and delay political review of competitive grants, but the deadline, final text and House response remain unsettled.
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Schedule Policy/Career puts presidential control against civil-service protections
OPM’s July 23 guidance makes Schedule Policy/Career operational, while a pending lawsuit challenges whether it weakens protections Congress created.
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SEC and Big Ten Back College Sports Bill as Senate Deadline Nears
The SEC and Big Ten now support a revised college-sports bill, reviving its Senate prospects while major questions about payments and enforcement remain.
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Alabama voters in four congressional districts face a special primary Aug. 11
Voters in Alabama’s 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th congressional districts must verify their district, ballot choice and voting deadlines before Aug. 11.
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House Passes $1.15 Trillion Defense Bill With Proposed Department of War Name
The House passed a $1.15 trillion fiscal 2027 defense authorization bill by 216-212, but Senate negotiations and presidential action are still required.
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Anthony Fauci Invokes Fifth Amendment at Senate COVID Hearing
Anthony Fauci declined to answer senators’ questions at a July 29 hearing, leaving the Senate inquiry open without a confirmed contempt vote or referral.
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Senate Advances Russia Sanctions Bill After Zelenskyy Visits Capitol
The Senate advanced a proposed Russia sanctions package in an 86-12 procedural vote as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy watched from the gallery.
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Eastvale’s ZIP code push gains state backing, but Congress must act
California has backed Eastvale’s independent ZIP code campaign, but residents should keep using 91752 or 92880 while federal action remains pending.
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House Panel Advances 10 Bills to Shift Education Programs to Other Agencies
A House committee advanced 10 bills that could move selected education programs to Labor, Treasury and HHS, but the proposals have not changed federal law.
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House Budget Vote Sets Up Senate Fight Over Iran War Spending
The House approved a budget framework for possible Iran war, farm and election spending, but the July 22 vote did not provide funds or enact policy.
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House passes December funding extension; Senate holds next shutdown decision
The House passed H.R. 9770, a proposed extension through December 4, but the Senate has not advanced it before the September 30 funding deadline.
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Fed warns inflation is rising again ahead of July rate meeting
The Federal Reserve says inflation accelerated as energy, food and tariff pressures weigh on households before its July 28-29 policy meeting.
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House passes FY2027 defense bill to codify “Department of War”—what changes, what’s next
On July 22, 2026, the House passed H.R. 8800 by 216–212, adding a statutory “Department of War” name restoration. Here’s what changes and what Senate must decide next.
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House passes H.R. 9770 stopgap through Dec. 4—what changes next
United States Breaking National Politics – House passed H.R. 9770 on July 21, funding agencies through Dec. 4. The Senate could rewrite it, including grant provisions.
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House passes Sunshine Protection Act—permanent DST heads to Senate next
The House passed H.R. 139 on July 14, 2026, by 308-117 to end the twice-yearly clock change. The Senate is the next hurdle.