Federal

House Approves Sanctions Bill Targeting Russia and Iran

The House of Representatives passed a sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran on September 16, 2026, with a vote of 262-159. The bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to strengthen sanctions against both countries and grants President Trump authority to impose tariffs on Russian oil importers. The legislation has faced opposition from some Democrats concerned about its implications for U.S. foreign policy.

House Recesses Early; Helicopter Crash in Los Angeles; European Union and Canada Relations

The U.S. House will recess a day early, leaving several issues unresolved, including an impeachment effort against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A helicopter crash in Los Angeles resulted in three fatalities, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada as the first associate member of the EU. In Gaza, search-and-rescue efforts continue after a building collapse killed at least 21 people.

Trump Calls for Interest Rate Reduction Following Fed's Rate Hike

President Donald Trump has called for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates to 1% or less following the Fed's recent rate hike. In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized the current rate and reiterated his belief that the U.S. should not be supporting other countries economically. The Fed's decision to raise rates was unanimous, citing elevated inflation as a concern.

House Approves Bill to Sanction Russia

The House of Representatives passed a Russia sanctions bill on September 16, 2026, which expands economic pressure on Russia and grants President Trump authority to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil and gas buyers. The bill, which has been in development for over a year, received bipartisan support but faced opposition from House Democratic leaders.

House Passes Sanctions Bill Targeting Russia and Iran with Bipartisan Support

House Passes Sanctions Package Targeting Russia and Iran

The House of Representatives passed a sanctions package on September 16, 2026, aimed at Russia and Iran, with a vote of 262 to 159. The legislation grants President Trump tariff authority over countries supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, despite opposition from some Democrats. The bill now awaits the President's signature.

US Government Paid $9.5 Billion in Administrative Leave in 2025, GAO Report Shows

A GAO report reveals that the US government spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal employees in 2025, marking a 435% increase from 2023. This initiative is linked to efforts aimed at reducing the federal workforce.

National Park Service Proposes Measures to Mitigate Impact of Planned Trump Arch

The National Park Service has proposed measures to mitigate the impact of President Trump's planned 250-foot arch, which is expected to affect historic sites in Washington, D.C. The memorandum of agreement outlines steps to address construction noise, lighting, and other factors while seeking approval from various preservation offices. The project has faced opposition and is currently subject to a federal lawsuit.

Committee Investigating Jeffrey Epstein Holds Billionaire Leon Black in Contempt of Congress

Leon Black, a billionaire investor, did not comply with a subpoena to appear before the committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. The next steps will be decided by the Department of Justice regarding potential criminal charges.

Federal Reserve Raises US Interest Rates for First Time in Three Years

The Federal Reserve has raised US interest rates to a range of 3.75%-4% for the first time in over three years, citing persistent inflation as the reason. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh described the decision as necessary and responsible, while President Trump expressed opposition to the rate hike. The increase is expected to raise borrowing costs for loans and mortgages, impacting American consumers.

First Circuit Reviews Trump's Efforts to Reduce Federal Agencies

The First Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed the Trump administration's appeal to overturn a ruling that blocked the reduction of three federal agencies. The administration's executive order aimed to minimize the size and workforce of these agencies, which was challenged by a coalition of Democratic-led states. The court has not yet indicated when it will issue a ruling.

Analysis Reveals $177 Billion in Federal Grants Cut or Frozen by Trump Administration

Rep. Joyce Beatty Requests Emergency Hearing on Kennedy Center Closure

Rep. Joyce Beatty has requested an emergency hearing regarding the Kennedy Center's immediate closure, which followed a board vote citing safety concerns. Beatty alleges that the board may have violated a previous court ruling blocking the center's planned two-year closure for renovations. The center's closure comes after structural damage was reported due to severe storms.

Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh Emphasizes Independence After Rate Hike

Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh emphasized the independence of the Fed after it raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 3.75% to 4%. Warsh stated that maintaining independence involves staying in their lane, while also acknowledging that Trump has not criticized him since his nomination.

U.S. War Against Iran Costs Exceed $38 Billion, Congressional Budget Office Reports

The Congressional Budget Office reported that the U.S. war against Iran has cost over $38 billion as of August 1, 2026, with potential monthly costs reaching $3 billion. The war is expected to contribute to inflation, increasing it by approximately 0.5 percentage points through early 2027. The report highlights financial implications for taxpayers and ongoing funding requests from the White House.

Kennedy Center Closes for Repairs Following Board Vote Amid Legal Dispute

The Kennedy Center has closed for repairs following a board vote aligned with former President Donald Trump. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty is seeking a court hearing to challenge the closure, which she deems unlawful. The closure comes after a federal judge blocked the addition of Trump's name to the building, citing the need for Congressional approval.

Trump Criticizes Federal Reserve Rate Hike, Supports Chairman Warsh

President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Reserve for raising interest rates while expressing support for Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh. The Fed's recent decision to increase its target rate to a range of 3.75%-4.0% was made in response to ongoing inflation concerns. Trump's comments highlighted his alignment with Warsh, despite the rate hike, while Senator Elizabeth Warren acknowledged Warsh's actions but noted the need for him to rebuild his reputation.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Announces Cancer-Free Status

Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, announced she is cancer free after a recent medical appointment at the Mayo Clinic. Wiles expressed gratitude for the support she received during her treatment and thanked President Trump for his unwavering backing. She has a long history in Republican politics and was appointed as the first female White House chief of staff following Trump's 2024 election victory.

Trump Administration Spent $9.5 Billion on Employee Leave in 2025, GAO Report Reveals

A Government Accountability Office report indicates that the Trump administration spent approximately $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. The report attributes this rise to a deferred resignation program initiated by the administration, which allowed many federal employees to receive salaries while resigning early.

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh Prepares for Key Decision Amid Inflation and Political Pressure

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is set to make a significant decision on interest rates amid ongoing inflation and political pressure from President Trump. With expectations for a rate hike growing, Warsh's approach is under scrutiny, particularly following discussions with Trump and the administration's attempts to remove Fed governor Lisa Cook. Surveys indicate strong support among former Fed officials for raising rates, while economic factors such as the U.S.-Israel conflict and developments in artificial intelligence continue to influence the economic landscape.