Congress

Fox News — Politics Jul 15

Jack Smith Discussed at Confirmation Hearing Over Senators' Messages

During a confirmation hearing for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, former special counsel Jack Smith was discussed regarding allegations of his review of lawmakers' text messages in the investigation into Donald Trump. Senator John Kennedy raised questions about the nature of the communications obtained, while Blanche confirmed that the DOJ is investigating the matter and emphasized the importance of safeguards for privileged communications.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

The Hill Jul 15

Democrats Question Jay Clayton During Confirmation Hearing for Director of National Intelligence

During a confirmation hearing on July 15, 2026, Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faced scrutiny from Democratic senators concerning Trump's attempts to revive investigations into the 2020 election. His confirmation is crucial for the reauthorization of U.S. foreign surveillance powers, which have not been renewed since they expired over a month ago.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

The Hill Jul 15

Concerns Grow Over Potential Government Shutdown as Trump Pressures GOP Leaders

Senators are voicing concerns about a potential government shutdown in September, prompted by President Trump's demand for GOP leaders to abolish the filibuster. Trump warned that without this change, a spending showdown could lead to another shutdown.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

The Daily Beast Jul 15

DOJ Responds to Senator Durbin's Claim on Todd Blanche's Comments

The DOJ has disputed claims made by Senator Dick Durbin that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche called a $1.8 billion compensation fund a 'mistake.' The DOJ stated that Durbin misinterpreted Blanche's comments during a private meeting. The fund, aimed at compensating Trump allies, faced significant criticism, resulting in the DOJ's decision to not move forward with it.

Bias: 16 Sentiment: -0.10

Axios Jul 14

House GOP Faces Challenges in Advancing Reconciliation Bill

House Speaker Mike Johnson is under pressure to advance a reconciliation bill that includes significant funding for defense and agriculture. However, divisions within the Republican Party regarding the bill's contents and strategy pose challenges, with some members expressing concerns over funding offsets and a lack of transparency in negotiations. The White House is working to garner support ahead of upcoming votes.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

The Hill Jul 14

Durbin reports Blanche called DOJ 'anti-weaponization' fund a 'mistake'

Senator Dick Durbin reported that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described the Trump administration's $1.776 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund as 'a mistake.' This remark was made during a meeting before Blanche's nomination hearing for the position of Attorney General.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: +0.00

Fox News — Politics Jul 14

Investigation into Trump Includes Text Messages from Congress Members

Former special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into President Donald Trump included text messages from nearly 50 members of Congress, bypassing required review protocols. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley and Senate Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Ron Johnson criticized the investigation as an abuse of power, alleging violations of constitutional protections for lawmakers. The situation has prompted calls for accountability and potential prosecution of those involved.

Bias: 33 Sentiment: -0.20

The Hill Jul 14

Senator Cornyn expresses concern over Attorney General's role in Trump IRS settlement

Senator John Cornyn has raised concerns about Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's role in a settlement that would shield President Trump and his family from IRS audits. The settlement involves the IRS and the Justice Department.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

The Daily Beast Jul 14

Senator Ron Johnson Questions Authenticity of Mitch McConnell's Hospital Photo

Senator Ron Johnson questioned the authenticity of a photo of Mitch McConnell recovering in the hospital, claiming it was an older image based on a source's information. He later retracted this statement, urging to disregard his earlier comments. McConnell's office released the photo after he was hospitalized following a fall, clarifying his health condition.

Bias: 16 Sentiment: +0.00

notus.org Jul 14

House Republicans Express Frustration Over Reconciliation Bill Discussions

House Republicans are frustrated over their exclusion from discussions regarding a third reconciliation bill led by Speaker Mike Johnson and the White House. Key members of the House Budget Committee were not invited to a meeting at Camp David, leading to concerns about transparency and inclusion. Johnson plans to move forward with budget instructions soon, but skepticism remains about passing any legislation before the upcoming midterms.

Bias: 16 Sentiment: -0.10

Fox News — Politics Jul 14

AOC Questions McConnell's Prolonged Absence from Senate

Senator Mitch McConnell has been absent from the Senate since June 14 due to medical issues, prompting Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to question the legality of his prolonged absence. While Republican senators express confidence in his return, Ocasio-Cortez suggests that regulations may be necessary to address the length of absences for lawmakers.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: -0.10

Fox News — Latest Jul 14

AOC Questions McConnell's Prolonged Absence from Senate

Senator Mitch McConnell has been absent from the Senate since June 14 due to medical issues, leading Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to question the legality of his prolonged absence. McConnell has attributed his hospitalization to complications from polio and pneumonia, while Republican senators have expressed confidence in his return. Ocasio-Cortez has suggested the need for regulations on lawmakers' absences.

Bias: 30 Sentiment: -0.10

The Hill Jul 14

Grassley reports DOJ reviewed text messages of 44 lawmakers in Trump probe

Senator Chuck Grassley announced that the Justice Department informed him that former special counsel Jack Smith's team reviewed text messages from 44 lawmakers during an investigation into President Trump. Grassley confirmed he was one of the lawmakers affected by this review.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

The Hill Jul 14

Senate Democrats Block Motion for $1.15 Trillion Defense Authorization Bill

Senate Democrats blocked a motion to advance the $1.15 trillion defense authorization bill on July 14, 2026. The bill, which usually garners bipartisan support, has encountered partisan disputes regarding defense spending levels, resulting in a vote of 50 to 46 against proceeding.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Fox News — Politics Jul 14

Senate Democrats Block Procedural Hurdle for National Defense Authorization Act

Senate Democrats have blocked a procedural step for the National Defense Authorization Act, citing concerns over military funding and actions in Iran. This decision reflects a significant division within the Senate, with a majority of Democrats opposing the bill in committee. Republicans argue that advancing the bill is necessary for amendments to be made.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

Washington Examiner Jul 14

Jack Smith's Team Reviewed Text Messages of 44 Members of Congress, DOJ Records Indicate

Jack Smith's investigative team reviewed text messages involving 44 members of Congress, according to Justice Department records. The review, which included mostly Republicans and some Democrats, raised concerns about potential bypassing of protocols meant to protect privileged information. Smith has previously denied accessing the contents of lawmakers' messages.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: -0.10

Fox News — Politics Jul 14

House Conservatives End Blockade, Allow Votes on Key Legislation

House conservatives ended their blockade of the House floor, allowing Speaker Mike Johnson to advance key legislation after weeks of stalled activity. The House passed a procedural vote enabling discussions on several bills, including appropriations for the State Department and the SAVE America Act, which aims to enhance election integrity.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Guardian — US Jul 14

Supreme Court Justices Testify Before House on Security Budget Increase

Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified before House lawmakers on July 14, 2026, discussing the court's budget request with an emphasis on the need for enhanced security. Each justice is currently assigned a security detail of four to eight members.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00

Washington Examiner Jul 14

House Speaker Mike Johnson Works to Gain Support from GOP Holdouts Amid Legislative Blockade

House Speaker Mike Johnson is working to gain support from GOP holdouts as a legislative blockade shows signs of easing. He plans to introduce a procedural measure that requires backing from members demanding the passage of the SAVE America Act and the codification of former President Trump's border policies. The House is facing challenges due to a slim majority and divided factions within the GOP.

Bias: 14 Sentiment: +0.00

Fox News — Latest Jul 14

Lindsey Graham's Role in U.S. Foreign Policy Under Trump

Senator Lindsey Graham, who had a complex relationship with Donald Trump, became a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during Trump's presidency. Following Graham's death on July 14, 2026, his absence raises questions about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine and the influence of his bipartisan initiatives, particularly regarding Russia sanctions.

Bias: 4 Sentiment: +0.00