Good evening everyone. Lots of news to cover tonight. This will be a shorter update as I am still at the hospital with my wife and baby for a couple more days, but we are all doing well, just sleeping a lot less. I also want to say thank you again for all the messages and kind notes. It really means a lot.
Today’s news is packed. House Republicans are in open revolt over the DHS funding deal while Trump is now calling to scrap the filibuster entirely. At the same time, TMZ is spotlighting lawmakers leaving town during the shutdown, Trump pushed a questionable story about Sharpies, and the U.S. is escalating in Iran with another aircraft carrier as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz grow.
Here’s the news:
- House Republicans are rebelling against a Senate-passed DHS funding bill and instead pushing a separate short-term measure that includes funding for ICE and CBP. Speaker Mike Johnson plans to advance a 60-day funding proposal, but Democrats have already signaled it would fail in the Senate without immigration limits. The dispute highlights deep divisions over immigration policy and threatens to prolong the funding standoff. The clash could delay efforts to restore full DHS operations, including easing airport disruptions.
- Mike Johnson criticized the Senate’s DHS funding proposal, calling it “a joke” and condemning how it was negotiated overnight. He argued the process was rushed and unfairly pushed onto the House. Johnson said Republicans would not accept the deal as it stands. The comments reflect escalating tensions between the House and Senate over how to resolve the funding dispute.
- Donald Trump is now calling for the termination of the filibuster:
- Here’s what one Republican had to say today:
- TMZ is asking the public to submit photos of members of Congress on vacation during the DHS shutdown to highlight lawmakers traveling while federal workers go unpaid. The effort comes as TSA staffing shortages worsen, causing long lines and disruptions at airports. Hundreds of screeners have already quit, with officials warning of a “dire” situation if the shutdown continues. Here is TMZ catching Marsha Blackburn leaving town before the Senate vote:
- Sam Graves, a longtime Republican congressman and chair of the Transportation Committee, announced he will retire in January. His departure adds to a growing number of GOP exits ahead of midterm elections where the party faces potential losses. While his district is safely Republican, the broader trend raises concerns about party momentum. The move reflects shifting political dynamics as control of Congress remains at stake.
- Matt Schlapp tried to energize the CPAC crowd by asking, “How many of you would like to see impeachment hearings?” and was met with cheers. He quickly responded, “That was the wrong answer,” revealing a disconnect between expectations and the audience’s reaction. The moment drew attention for its awkwardness and mixed messaging. It highlights internal tensions and differing views within the conservative base.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed four Army officers from a promotion list, including two Black officers and two women, prompting concerns about bias and political interference. The decision has sparked backlash within the military, with officials questioning both the legality and fairness of the move. The New York Times also alleges a senior aide argued President Donald Trump would not want to appear publicly alongside a Black female officer, highlighting deeper tensions around diversity in the ranks. The controversy underscores broader efforts to reshape military leadership and raises concerns about the politicization of promotions.
- Trump: “They have to open up the Strait of Trump-- I mean, Hormuz. Excuse me. Such a terrible mistake. The fake news will say, ‘He accidentally said--’ No. There’s no accidents from me.”
- During a Cabinet meeting, Donald Trump spent several minutes discussing a pen he was holding, claiming a deal with the maker to make Sharpies appear more official. Newell Brands, which produces Sharpies, said the conversation described by Trump did not occur.
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr claimed Trump is “winning,” pointing to changes across major media outlets and public broadcasting. He cited the defunding of PBS and NPR and the departures of several prominent journalists as evidence. Carr also suggested broader shifts in media ownership are underway, including potential changes at CNN.
- Todd Lyons, the acting ICE Director, has, according to Politico, been hospitalized multiple times for stress while overseeing aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Officials say intense pressure from the White House, including frequent confrontations with Stephen Miller, has taken a toll on his ability to manage the agency. Lyons has denied that White House pressure caused his stress, though accounts describe him as struggling with the demands of the role.
- U.S. markets are sliding sharply as the Iran war drives rising oil prices and falling consumer confidence, with major indexes entering correction territory. A new survey shows consumer sentiment dropping to its lowest level in months while inflation expectations climb. Analysts warn the conflict is creating broader economic uncertainty and could slow global growth. The downturn reflects growing concern that prolonged instability will continue to strain both markets and the wider economy.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. expects its military operation against Iran to conclude in “weeks, not months,” even as fighting intensifies and Israel signals further escalation. Iran continues missile attacks and denies any active negotiations, while tensions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten global energy markets. The conflict has caused significant casualties and economic disruption, with oil prices rising and markets reacting negatively. Despite optimism from U.S. officials, uncertainty remains high as both military and diplomatic paths continue to evolve.
- The White House is expected to propose a 20 percent cut to funding for the National Institutes of Health, a move likely to face strong bipartisan opposition in Congress. The reduction would significantly impact biomedical research despite growing public support for increased funding. Lawmakers have previously rejected similar proposals, and polling shows most Americans favor maintaining or expanding NIH investment. The proposal sets up another major budget fight over science and public health priorities.
- A visit by a Russian delegation to Capitol Hill arranged by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has sparked backlash from both Democrats and Republicans, who warned it posed security and legitimacy concerns. Critics argue hosting officials tied to the Kremlin during ongoing conflicts undermines U.S. interests and support for Ukraine. Supporters of the meeting said it was intended to promote dialogue and potential paths to peace. Here is a video of the private Capitol tour arranged by Congresswoman Luna:
- Iran-linked hackers released hundreds of emails and photos from what appears to be FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal account, with officials confirming the breach but saying no government information was compromised. Most of the material is older and largely personal, though the leak is seen as part of a broader cyber campaign tied to escalating tensions. The hackers claim the release is retaliation for U.S. actions against their network. The incident underscores ongoing cybersecurity threats targeting high-level U.S. officials.
- Donald Trump said, “The environmentalists are terrorists. I call them environmental terrorists,” escalating his rhetoric against environmental groups.
- A Secret Service agent assigned to protect Jill Biden accidentally shot himself in the leg while handling his weapon at Philadelphia International Airport. The injury was not life-threatening and no one else was harmed in the incident. Officials say the case will be investigated internally as a negligent discharge. The episode raises additional concerns about strain and oversight within the Secret Service workforce.
- Law enforcement foiled a plot to assassinate Palestinian American activist Nerdeen Kiswani, arresting a suspect after an undercover operation uncovered plans involving weapons and Molotov cocktails. Authorities say the attack was imminent, but intervention prevented any harm. The suspect allegedly gathered materials and identified a target location before being taken into custody. Mayor Mamdani’s statement:
- According to Politico, Trump has named James Murphy as chair of the National Labor Relations Board, restoring leadership after a long vacancy that limited the agency’s ability to function. The board had been unable to handle many cases due to a lack of members, creating a significant backlog. Murphy’s appointment helps resume operations, though the panel remains understaffed and politically divided. Additional appointments may be needed to fully restore the board’s authority and shift its policy direction.
- Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI after a car crash in Florida in which his vehicle rolled over. Authorities said he showed signs of impairment and refused a urine test, though he did not test positive for alcohol. He was not seriously injured and no one else was harmed in the incident. The arrest adds to prior legal and health challenges as Woods attempts a return to professional golf .
See you soon.
— Aaron
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