United States Congress

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on congressional Democrats:

"I think every Democrat in Congress would vote against the cure to cancer because they just don't want Trump to get any credit or a win for anything."

WaPo Report: A classified U.S. intelligence assessment shared with Congress concludes that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons. Washington and Riyadh have signed a civil nuclear agreement that could conditionally permit enrichment up to 20%, and lawmakers and nonproliferation experts have raised concerns over the risks.

The Washington Post

The advocacy arm of the National Iranian American Council has asked a federal judge to declare the war in Iran unconstitutional, in a lawsuit filed Thursday. The group argues Congress never declared or authorized the war.

Over the coming 12 months, the Trump administration plans to take in up to 17,500 additional White Afrikaners from South Africa under the U.S. refugee program. The figure appears in a notice delivered to Congress on Tuesday, which CBS News obtained.

President Trump says he may use sweeping new tariff powers to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

“Last week, in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, I signed a powerful new law passed by Congress, providing me with enormous new tariff authorities. And, if necessary, I will have to use them. It's time to stop the killing.”

The legislation gives Trump authority to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including potentially China and India.

Gov. Gavin Newsom:

"I just signed an EXECUTIVE ORDER to dramatically accelerate independent oversight of AI companies and advance the creation of an 'AI kill switch.' With Donald Trump and Congress failing to lead, California is stepping up to keep all Americans safe."

NYT Report: The White House is weighing business deals with Russia before the fighting in Ukraine ends. The move reverses Trump's pledge last year that no deals would happen "until we get the war settled." Congress passed a sanctions bill this week targeting Russia's energy sector, 262 to 159, and Trump has indicated he will sign it.

Saudi Arabia will buy 48 F-35 fighter jets from the United States in a deal valued at up to $24.3 billion, the kingdom's first purchase of the aircraft. Congress was notified today by the State Department, which described the sale as essential to "improving the security of a major non-NATO ally."

The Trump administration is planning a $2.8 billion munitions sale to Israel, including tens of thousands of 2,000 pound bombs: 20,000 MK 84s and 20,000 BLU-117s. Congressional committees that weigh in on large arms sales have already been informally notified.

- Reuters.

U.S. President Donald Trump pledges a $5,000 dividend to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in November.

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli:

The United States is undergoing an accelerated process of Islamization. We see it in the political system.

There are a great many "Mamdanis" of various kinds who have now entered Congress and regional leadership.

Washington Post Report: The Trump administration plans at least $900 million in construction and modernization across the White House grounds. Funding was pulled from other agencies and private donors rather than Congress, then moved into a routine-maintenance account tied to confidential "modernization" contracts.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth:

"We are committed in working with Congress to get $1.5 trillion. But this is not the same way we've funded our department in the past... So far, $75 billion in private investment from defense companies who are now investing in new plants, new equipment, new assembly lines to build the munitions of the future faster than ever possible. That's saving taxpayer dollars."

President Trump has notified Congress of renewed U.S. military operations against Iran, meeting his 48-hour War Powers Resolution reporting requirement.

The move follows renewed strikes on Iranian military targets and the reinstated naval blockade, in response to Iran's attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and on U.S. and partner interests.

Trump told Congress U.S. forces resumed "defensive strikes" in Iran on July 7, reopening the dispute over whether he needs approval to continue. - NYT

Sen. Lindsey Graham ranks in the bottom half of Congress's biggest earners, despite over three decades in office and a top GOP role. - NYP

Rubio and Witkoff to brief Congress on Iran today, per Punchbowl.

U.S. Vice President Vance on Iran: "We do plan to brief Congress very soon."

Trump says he would send any Iran deal to Congress for review.

Trump: "I think if Democrats took control of the Congress... and let’s say took control of the country, I think that this country’s finished. These people are sick. They suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome, but really, they have bad policy. They have horrible policy."

Trump: The ballroom is being built.

Reporter: What if congress doesn’t sign off on the security part?

Trump: Then the White House won’t be a very secure place.