BREAKING NEWS
Takeaways as Congress sends tax and spending cuts bill to Trump's desk
Read full article: Takeaways as Congress sends tax and spending cuts bill to Trump's deskThe House has passed the massive tax and spending cuts package that President Donald Trump calls “beautiful,” getting it to his desk a day before the July 4 deadline that he had set.
Trump keeps saying the GOP mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not
Read full article: Trump keeps saying the GOP mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does notPresident Donald Trump keeps saying that Republicans’ mega tax and spending cut legislation will eliminate taxes on federal Social Security benefits.
House GOP struggles to win over holdouts on Trump's tax bill in late-night session
Read full article: House GOP struggles to win over holdouts on Trump's tax bill in late-night sessionHouse Republicans strained through a day of starts and stops trying to advance President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cuts package.
'Agonizing': How Alaska's pivotal Republican senator decided to vote for Donald Trump's bill
Read full article: 'Agonizing': How Alaska's pivotal Republican senator decided to vote for Donald Trump's billRepublican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska convinced Senate leaders to change their massive tax and spending cuts package to benefit her state and eventually voted for the legislation, ensuring its passage.
What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill that passed the Senate
Read full article: What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill that passed the SenateAt some 887 pages, the legislation is a sprawling collection of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities, including new money for national defense and deportations.
Republican budget bill dismantles climate law passed by Democrats
Read full article: Republican budget bill dismantles climate law passed by DemocratsThe sprawling Republican budget bill approved by the Senate Tuesday removes a proposed tax on solar and wind energy projects but quickly phases out tax credits for wind, solar and other renewable energy.
Senate passes Trump’s big tax and spending cuts bill as Vance breaks a 50-50 tie
Read full article: Senate passes Trump’s big tax and spending cuts bill as Vance breaks a 50-50 tieSenate Majority Leader John Thune says Republicans “got the job done” in passing President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts.
What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill moving through the Senate
Read full article: What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill moving through the SenateAt some 940 pages, the legislation is a sprawling collection of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities, including new money for national defense and deportations.
Senate GOP tax bill could crush wind and solar power, advocates say
Read full article: Senate GOP tax bill could crush wind and solar power, advocates sayA Republican plan heading to a vote in the Senate would quickly end incentives for clean energy and impose new taxes on some wind and solar projects, while boosting production of coal used to make steel.
The Latest: Senate votes on amendments to Trump’s big bill ahead of July 4 deadline
Read full article: The Latest: Senate votes on amendments to Trump’s big bill ahead of July 4 deadlinePossible changes to President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts are being considered, though most of the amendments are expected to fail.
Senate's long day turns to night as GOP works to shore up support on Trump’s big bill
Read full article: Senate's long day turns to night as GOP works to shore up support on Trump’s big billThe Senate’s long day of voting has churned into a long night as Republican leaders grasp for ways to shore up support for President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts.
Republican Senate tax bill would add $3.3 trillion to the US debt load, CBO says
Read full article: Republican Senate tax bill would add $3.3 trillion to the US debt load, CBO saysThe changes made to President Donald Trump’s big tax bill in the Senate would pile trillions onto the nation’s debt load while resulting in even steeper losses in health care coverage, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said in a new analysis, adding to the challenges for Republicans as they try to muscle the bill to passage.
Elon Musk renews his criticism of Trump's big bill as Senate Republicans scramble to pass it
Read full article: Elon Musk renews his criticism of Trump's big bill as Senate Republicans scramble to pass itElon Musk is doubling down on his distaste for President Donald Trump’s sprawling tax and spending cuts bill.
What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill now before the Senate
Read full article: What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill now before the SenateAt some 940-pages, the legislation is a sprawling collection of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities, including new money for national defense and deportations.
Senate Republicans advance Trump's tax and spending cuts bill after dramatic late-night vote
Read full article: Senate Republicans advance Trump's tax and spending cuts bill after dramatic late-night voteSenate Republicans voted in a dramatic Saturday session, clearing a key procedural step as they race to pass President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks, spending cuts and bolstered deportation funds by his July Fourth deadline.
Senate rejects effort to restrain Trump on Iran as GOP backs his strikes on nuclear sites
Read full article: Senate rejects effort to restrain Trump on Iran as GOP backs his strikes on nuclear sitesDemocratic efforts in the Senate to prevent President Donald Trump from further escalating with Iran have fallen short.
Republicans hit major setback in their effort to ease regulations on gun silencers
Read full article: Republicans hit major setback in their effort to ease regulations on gun silencersRepublican efforts to loosen regulations on gun silencers and short-barreled rifles and shotguns have been dealt a big setback.
Senate Republicans move to slash consumer bureau funding by half, risking hundreds of job cuts
Read full article: Senate Republicans move to slash consumer bureau funding by half, risking hundreds of job cutsSenate Republicans have proposed cutting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding by nearly half.
Republican plan for nationwide private school vouchers deemed in violation of Senate rules
Read full article: Republican plan for nationwide private school vouchers deemed in violation of Senate rulesA Republican plan to expand private school vouchers nationwide was dealt a major setback when the Senate parliamentarian said the proposal would run afoul of procedural rules.
Supreme Court preserves key part of Obamacare coverage requirements
Read full article: Supreme Court preserves key part of Obamacare coverage requirementsThe Supreme Court has preserved a key part of the Affordable Care Act’s preventive health care coverage requirements, rejecting a challenge from Christian employers to the provision that affects 150 million Americans.
Meet the Senate parliamentarian, the official tying Republicans in knots over their tax bill
Read full article: Meet the Senate parliamentarian, the official tying Republicans in knots over their tax billA few Republicans are reacting with indignation after the Senate parliamentarian advised that some of the measures in their tax and immigration bill could not be included in the legislation.
Key Medicaid provision in Trump's bill is found to violate Senate rules. The GOP is scrambling
Read full article: Key Medicaid provision in Trump's bill is found to violate Senate rules. The GOP is scramblingThe Senate parliamentarian has advised that a Medicaid provider tax overhaul central to President Donald Trump's tax cut and spending bill doesn't adhere to procedural rules.
A look at how Trump's big bill could change the US immigration system
Read full article: A look at how Trump's big bill could change the US immigration systemPresident Donald Trump’s spending cuts and border security package would inject hundreds of billions of dollars into his mass deportation agenda.
What's in and out of Trump's big bill as Senate races to meet Fourth of July deadline
Read full article: What's in and out of Trump's big bill as Senate races to meet Fourth of July deadlinePresident Donald Trump says “NO ONE GOES ON VACATION” until the big, beautiful bill is on his desk by the Fourth of July deadline.
State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss
Read full article: State Rep. Nate Schatzline drops Texas Senate bid, endorses conservative activist Leigh WambsganssThe North Texas district opened up last week when Republican Kelly Hancock resigned from the upper chamber to take over as the state’s acting comptroller.
New property tax legislation aims to give $10 billion in relief to Texans
Read full article: New property tax legislation aims to give $10 billion in relief to TexansNew property tax relief legislation, signed by Governor Abbott last week, aims to provide $10 billion worth of relief to Texans across the state.
Trump administration postpones classified briefings for lawmakers on Iran
Read full article: Trump administration postpones classified briefings for lawmakers on IranPresident Donald Trump’s administration has postponed classified briefings for Senate and House members on Tuesday as lawmakers are looking for more answers about Trump’s directed strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend and his announcement on Monday that the two countries had reached a ceasefire agreement.
The Republican attempt to discourage Trump lawsuits has hit a big obstacle
Read full article: The Republican attempt to discourage Trump lawsuits has hit a big obstacleRepublicans have hit a roadblock in an effort that could deter nonprofits, individuals and others from filing lawsuits to block President Donald Trump’s executive actions.
New Texas laws signed by Gov. Greg Abbott taking effect immediately
Read full article: New Texas laws signed by Gov. Greg Abbott taking effect immediatelyThose taking effect immediately range from enhancing the state’s water infrastructure to addressing education issues, including grades in K-12 and higher education.
GOP tax bill would ease regulations on gun silencers and some rifles and shotguns
Read full article: GOP tax bill would ease regulations on gun silencers and some rifles and shotgunsThe massive tax and spending cuts package that President Donald Trump wants on his desk by July 4 would loosen regulations on gun silencers and certain types of rifles and shotguns.
GOP's food stamp plan is found to violate Senate rules. It's the latest setback for Trump's big bill
Read full article: GOP's food stamp plan is found to violate Senate rules. It's the latest setback for Trump's big billThe Senate parliamentarian has advised that a Republican proposal that would shift some food stamp costs from the federal government to the states would violate the chamber’s strict rules.
How Senate Republicans want to change the tax breaks in Trump's big bill
Read full article: How Senate Republicans want to change the tax breaks in Trump's big billHouse and Senate Republicans are taking different approaches when it comes to the tax cuts that lawmakers are looking to include in their massive tax bill.
Thai prime minister's leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sparks outrage and political turmoil
Read full article: Thai prime minister's leaked phone call with Cambodia's Hun Sen sparks outrage and political turmoilThailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has apologized for the political turbulence set off by a leaked recording of her negotiating with Cambodia’s former leader in the two nations' latest border dispute.
California senators demand Trump immigration officials stop using Medicaid data
Read full article: California senators demand Trump immigration officials stop using Medicaid dataThe Trump administration’s decision to provide deportation officials with personal data — including the immigration status — on millions of Medicaid enrollees prompted two California U.S. senators on Wednesday to demand that the data sharing “cease” and for Homeland Security officials to “destroy” the records.
Had a belly full. Could Chinese swimmers have eaten 5 kilos of food en route to failed doping test?
Read full article: Had a belly full. Could Chinese swimmers have eaten 5 kilos of food en route to failed doping test?The head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency told senators that Chinese swimmers would have had to ingest around 11 pounds, or five kilograms of food to test for the amounts of the performance enhancer that resulted in the much-debated positive drug tests from 2021 that were later disregarded.
Colombia's Senate approves labor bill that would mean more pay and protections for workers
Read full article: Colombia's Senate approves labor bill that would mean more pay and protections for workersColombia’s Senate has approved a labor bill that is expected to grant workers more overtime pay while making it harder for companies to hire employees on short-term contracts.
Trump tax bill would widen deficits by $2.8T after factoring in economic impacts, CBO says
Read full article: Trump tax bill would widen deficits by $2.8T after factoring in economic impacts, CBO saysPresident Donald Trump’s tax and budget bill would increase deficits by $2.8 trillion over the next decade after factoring in other economic effects.
Senate Republicans double down and target clean energy in draft tax bill
Read full article: Senate Republicans double down and target clean energy in draft tax billA proposal by Senate Republicans would adjust the pace at which some crucial home energy efficiency and electric vehicle tax credits are phased out in timelines different from what House Republicans proposed in the multitrillion-dollar tax bill they passed last month.
Threats to lawmakers are on the rise, security officials tell senators after Minnesota shootings
Read full article: Threats to lawmakers are on the rise, security officials tell senators after Minnesota shootingsThreats to members of Congress are on the rise, security officials told senators at an emergency briefing in the wake of the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker in her home over the weekend.
'Shocked' and 'sickened' Democrats react with fury to video of Padilla's removal
Read full article: 'Shocked' and 'sickened' Democrats react with fury to video of Padilla's removalSenate Democrats were shaken to the core after seeing videos of officers aggressively pushing California Sen. Alex Padilla out of a news conference with the Homeland Security secretary and eventually restraining him on the floor outside the room.
House approves Trump's request to cut funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aid
Read full article: House approves Trump's request to cut funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aidThe House has voted to cut about $9.4 billion in spending as President Donald Trump’s administration looks to follow through on work done by the Department of Government Efficiency when it was overseen by Elon Musk.
Trump's FAA administrator pick questioned about safety and pilot training standards at hearing
Read full article: Trump's FAA administrator pick questioned about safety and pilot training standards at hearingPresident Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration pledged to ensure safety and upgrade the nation's outdated air traffic control system if confirmed.
Trump's actions in Los Angeles spur debate over deportation funds in his 'big, beautiful' bill
Read full article: Trump's actions in Los Angeles spur debate over deportation funds in his 'big, beautiful' billPresident Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” includes more than tax breaks and spending cuts — it also seeks to pour billions of dollars into his mass deportation agenda.
Colombian presidential hopeful Uribe in critical condition after assassination attempt
Read full article: Colombian presidential hopeful Uribe in critical condition after assassination attemptColombian conservative presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe is in critical condition after being shot in the head during an assassination attempt over the weekend.
Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative session
Read full article: Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative sessionTexas passed sweeping changes to cannabis policy, including expanding the medical marijuana program and banning hemp products, while also boosting psychedelics research.
Thune's first big test as Senate leader has arrived with Trump's tax bill
Read full article: Thune's first big test as Senate leader has arrived with Trump's tax billOnly six months into the job, Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a massive challenge as he tries to quickly pass President Donald Trump’s sprawling tax and spending cuts package.
Trump tax bill will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit and leave 10.9 million more uninsured, CBO says
Read full article: Trump tax bill will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit and leave 10.9 million more uninsured, CBO saysPresident Donald Trump’s big bill is likely to unleash trillions in tax cuts and slash spending, but also spike deficits by $2.4 trillion over the decade and leave some 10.9 million more people without health insurance.
Musk calls Trump's big tax break bill a 'disgusting abomination,' testing his influence over the GOP
Read full article: Musk calls Trump's big tax break bill a 'disgusting abomination,' testing his influence over the GOPElon Musk has blasted President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” of tax breaks and spending cuts as a “disgusting abomination."
Republican push for proof of citizenship to vote proves a tough sell in the states
Read full article: Republican push for proof of citizenship to vote proves a tough sell in the statesPresident Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have made it a priority this year to require people to prove citizenship before they can register to vote, but turning that aspiration into reality has proved difficult.
In final act, Texas Legislature boosts judges’ pay and lawmaker pensions
Read full article: In final act, Texas Legislature boosts judges’ pay and lawmaker pensionsHouse and Senate members agreed that judges needed a pay raise. But they spent the final hours of the legislative session debating whether Texas lawmakers should also benefit from the boost.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
Long-awaited raise for Texas judges in limbo over legislative pension clash
Read full article: Long-awaited raise for Texas judges in limbo over legislative pension clashA bill to increase judicial salaries from $140,000 to $175,000 a year stalled amid a disagreement over lawmakers’ own retirement benefits.
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax reliefA boost in public school spending, school vouchers, and money for water systems are other highlights of the state budget, which was bolstered by a $24 billion surplus.
Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreigners
Read full article: Texas moves close to ban on some land sales to foreignersThe Legislature has approved a conference committee report that lists sales to certain people from China, North Korea, Russia and Iran as threats to national security.
Judge refuses to temporarily block the Trump administration from removing Copyright Office director
Read full article: Judge refuses to temporarily block the Trump administration from removing Copyright Office directorA federal judge has refused to temporarily block the Trump administration from removing and replacing the director of the U.S. Copyright Office.
Once again, Texas Legislature unlikely to pass ethics legislation this year
Read full article: Once again, Texas Legislature unlikely to pass ethics legislation this yearLawmakers filed dozens of bills that would increase transparency around spending in elections and strengthen penalties for campaign and lobbying violations. None are poised to pass.
“Anti-Red Flag Act” that would limit when guns can be taken from people advances in Texas House
Read full article: “Anti-Red Flag Act” that would limit when guns can be taken from people advances in Texas HouseSenate Bill 1362 would prevent officials from taking someone’s firearms if they haven’t been charged with a crime or aren’t subject to a protective order under the Texas Family Code.
Lawmakers near deal to spend $20 billion over two decades on water crisis
Read full article: Lawmakers near deal to spend $20 billion over two decades on water crisisThe deal allocates $1 billion a year to water projects for 20 years, which some groups estimate is a fraction of what Texas needs to save its water supply.
Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don’t deal with homeless encampments
Read full article: Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don’t deal with homeless encampmentsThe bill would have withheld some tax dollars from cities that did not comply with state law.
Bill giving Texas parents, school boards more control over library books heads to Gov. Greg Abbott
Read full article: Bill giving Texas parents, school boards more control over library books heads to Gov. Greg AbbottSenate Bill 13 would require school boards or advisory councils to approve new books and review complaints. In most cases only 50 parents’ approval would be needed to create the oversight councils.
Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislature’s approval
Read full article: Bill that gives Texas increased oversight of largest energy users wins Legislature’s approvalSenate Bill 6, which now heads to the governor’s desk, gives the state’s electricity managers the ability to shut power to large consumers during emergencies.
Proposal to automatically deny bail to some previously accused of felonies falls in Texas House
Read full article: Proposal to automatically deny bail to some previously accused of felonies falls in Texas HouseDemocrats declined to support Senate Joint Resolution 87, which sprinted through the Senate and needed 100 votes to clear the lower chamber.
Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changes
Read full article: Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changesThe governor has not addressed whether he supports the ban, as hemp industry leaders have urged him to veto Senate Bill 3.
Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas House
Read full article: Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas HouseA top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the legislation would make it easier to construct homes on smaller lots. A House Democrat briefly killed the bill.
After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agenda
Read full article: After years of tension, Texas House emerges as cooperative partner for Dan Patrick and his conservative agendaA 2024 war among Republicans tilted the House to the right. Now more closely aligned with the Senate, Speaker Dustin Burrows has accelerated action on bail, school vouchers and social issues.
Some of Trump's loyalty-first picks for prosecutors draw opposition from senators who can block them
Read full article: Some of Trump's loyalty-first picks for prosecutors draw opposition from senators who can block themSenate opposition led President Donald Trump to abandon his candidate to be the top prosecutor in the nation’s capital.
$8.5 billion school funding package passes Texas Senate
Read full article: $8.5 billion school funding package passes Texas SenateThe legislation includes new pots of money for teacher raises and other school costs like insurance and transportation. It now heads to the House, where leaders say it will pass.
Tax bill passed by House Republicans would gut Biden-era clean energy tax credits
Read full article: Tax bill passed by House Republicans would gut Biden-era clean energy tax creditsThe budget reconciliation bill passed by House Republicans early Thursday would gut clean energy tax credits that Democrats approved three years ago.
Senate votes to block California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035
Read full article: Senate votes to block California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035The Senate has voted to block California’s first-in-the nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
Philippine president calls for all Cabinet secretaries to resign after election setbacks
Read full article: Philippine president calls for all Cabinet secretaries to resign after election setbacksPhilippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thrusday asked all of his Cabinet secretaries to submit resignations in a “bold reset” of his administration following last week’s mid-term elections, which saw more opposition candidates win crucial Senate seats.
Texas Legislature on verge of completely banning THC products after key House vote
Read full article: Texas Legislature on verge of completely banning THC products after key House voteThe House approved the ban after previously considering proposals to preserve the industry by tightening regulations.
Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending priorities
Read full article: Water bills face deadline threat as Texas lawmakers negotiate spending prioritiesGov. Greg Abbott and other leaders have called for a major investment to save the state’s water supply. How to spend the money has caused friction at the Capitol.
Texas House, Senate lawmakers reach $8.5 billion school funding deal
Read full article: Texas House, Senate lawmakers reach $8.5 billion school funding dealThe deal appears to strike a face-saving compromise for both chambers over how to increase funds for the state’s public schools, with money earmarked for teacher pay and overhead costs.
What to know about the US Senate's effort to block vehicle-emission rules in California
Read full article: What to know about the US Senate's effort to block vehicle-emission rules in CaliforniaThe U.S. Senate is moving forward with an effort to block California's nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions.
Stricter bail rules win final passage in Texas Legislature, will go to voters in November
Read full article: Stricter bail rules win final passage in Texas Legislature, will go to voters in NovemberThe House passage of the measure asking voters to amend the state Constitution to tighten the state’s bail laws hands a major policy win to Gov. Greg Abbott.
Missouri governor says he'll bring lawmakers back to get a plan for keeping the Chiefs and Royals
Read full article: Missouri governor says he'll bring lawmakers back to get a plan for keeping the Chiefs and RoyalsMissouri’s governor says he will call the Legislature into a special session to consider incentives aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from moving to Kansas.
Juvenile detention, imported shrimp, forever chemicals among hundreds of bills cut off by House deadline
Read full article: Juvenile detention, imported shrimp, forever chemicals among hundreds of bills cut off by House deadlineSome measures that made it through before midnight dealt with jail bonds, an unconstitutional ban on gay sex, and the liability of vaccine manufacturers.
Faculty and students blast Texas House panel for limiting testimony on bill that targets state universities
Read full article: Faculty and students blast Texas House panel for limiting testimony on bill that targets state universitiesThe House's higher education committee closed registration to testify on Senate Bill 37 less than half an hour after the hearing started. About 20 people said they didn't get to address lawmakers.
Senate rejects Democratic measure to force more transparency on deportations to El Salvador
Read full article: Senate rejects Democratic measure to force more transparency on deportations to El SalvadorSenate Republicans have blocked a Democratic resolution to require more transparency from the Trump administration about deportations to El Salvador.
Ethics complaint resurfaces as Kentucky Republican Daniel Cameron runs for a U.S. Senate seat
Read full article: Ethics complaint resurfaces as Kentucky Republican Daniel Cameron runs for a U.S. Senate seatAn ethics complaint stemming from Republican Daniel Cameron’s failed run for Kentucky governor has resurfaced as the former state attorney general campaigns for a U.S. Senate seat in Kentucky.