Stories from Washington · United States

The United States Senate has approved a $70 billion budget intended to modernize critical infrastructure systems. The decision marks a significant step in national system modernization efforts. The US House of Representatives approved a spending plan that could lead Congress to consider an additional $70 billion for federal immigration enforcement activities. The proposal requires further detailing by lawmakers before it can be sent to President Donald Trump for signature. The plan aims to fund increased oversight and activities by federal agents. The vote resulted in 215 ayes and 200 nays with one member voting present. House Speaker Mike Johnson intends to pass a second part of the plan to fund the remainder of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding ICE and Border Patrol, through September 30th.

SpaceX has secured a $57 million contract from the United States military to conduct a satellite crosslink demonstration. The project aims to enhance communication capabilities through advanced satellite technology. This contract further solidifies SpaceX's role as a primary defense contractor for space-based infrastructure. The US Army awarded a manufacturer a $2.7 billion contract in March 2026 for the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system. The Department of War described the system as a major priority for defense. The missile was first tested outside the United States during an exercise in Australia in mid-2025 to test deployment and operation. The current launch is described as an urgent necessity.

Fed nominee Lael Brainard (implied context) or nominee Wash expressed that the current economy is near full employment and that the massive balance sheet has caused the Fed to be drawn into political affairs. She advocates for a gradual, cautious reduction of the balance sheet in coordination with the Treasury to return the Fed to its primary mandate. He argues that the current holding of excessive government bonds and mortgage-backed securities negatively impacts asset values and creates hidden risks. West aims to return the balance sheet to normal levels to allow market forces to determine interest rates based on supply and demand. He is noted as a strong supporter of deregulation. He intends to accelerate the process of returning the balance sheet to normal levels once he assumes his new role. The announcement was made during a discussion regarding Federal Reserve policy.

A new proposal regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has been unveiled in the U.S. Following this, debate began on the Section 702 powers bill under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to expire on Thursday. Congressman Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chair from Ohio, expressed support for the extension. Congresswoman Zoë Lofgren, a Democrat from California, rose in opposition to the reauthorization without meaningful reform. Lofgren stated the Trump administration is building a sweeping surveillance apparatus that cramps civil rights and disregards the rule of law. The debate includes discussions regarding the Liberties Protection officer within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Lawmakers did not include a requirement for warrants in the approved version.

The Iranian Supreme Leader, Parliament Speaker, and President issued joint statements via social media to deny allegations of a nuclear weapons program. The comments follow ongoing tensions regarding US maritime presence near the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump responded to a Fox News correspondent at the White House regarding whether he will resume military strikes. This follows a period of more than three weeks involving drone activity and communication blackouts related to the conflict. The decision remains pending as the administration evaluates military options. Donald Trump has refused to supply any nuclear materials to Iran, including resources intended for peaceful use. The US leader stated his primary goal remains a total ban on the republic acquiring atomic weapons.

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for the first-ever gene therapy designed to treat deafness. This medical milestone offers a potential cure for genetic hearing loss by addressing the underlying biological causes. The approval marks a significant advancement in regenerative medicine and auditory science. The treatment reportedly restores hearing in 90% of participants. The approval follows clinical evaluations of the therapy's efficacy. The treatment was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The treatment targets specific genetic mutations, such as the FoxP2 gene associated with language development. Research indicates that in certain families, up to 15 out of 30 living members carry the specific mutation. BrioHealth Solutions is the subsidiary involved in the process. The source noted the therapy's potential to help those with hearing disabilities.

A new federal bill has been introduced to establish a grant program aimed at training the cybersecurity workforce. This initiative seeks to address the expanding attack surface created by the rise of agentic AI. Counselor Crystal Oriata stated the grants will help providers start or expand services. Jasmine Mumtaz, a childcare provider, expressed confidence in relaunching her business due to the potential support. County Executive Aisha Braveway was absent from the signing ceremony despite her signature being required for the legislation to become law.

The U.S. The DOJ alleges the post was a call to assassinate President Trump. Comey denies the allegations and stated he is ready to defend himself. He maintains his innocence and expressed belief in the independent federal judiciary. The indictment also includes charges for allegedly lying to Congress. The indictment follows a previous case that was reportedly dismissed. The post in question allegedly featured a picture of seashells on a North Carolina beach from one year ago. The Justice Department is pursuing indictments against former FBI Director James Comey. The case involves an online photograph posted by Comey last year that authorities allege was an attempt to harm President Trump. Comey stated he believed the photo had a political message rather than a threat and has since removed it.

American agricultural producers are demanding legislative action to pass a new comprehensive farm bill. The current lack of updated legislation is creating economic instability and market volatility for farmers. This push comes seven years after the last major farm bill was implemented. The United States Congress is preparing to consider and pass a new version of the Farm Bill. The legislation is a law that covers agriculture and food assistance programs. Michael Hap of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy stated the bill sets the rules for the food and farm economies. The bill consists of 12 sections or titles. This legislation is typically reviewed and passed approximately every five years. The process is being monitored by Marketplace in New York.

The US Department of the Treasury has issued sanctions against a criminal network operating across India, Mexico, and Guatemala to traffic drugs. This move targets the infrastructure used by the Sinaloa Cartel to facilitate international distribution. The sanctions aim to disrupt the financial and logistical capabilities of the organization. The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on 35 entities and individuals. These targets are accused of overseeing a parallel banking network used by Iran to bypass sanctions. The network reportedly moves tens of billions of dollars. One specific target is the head of operations for Hamas military intelligence in northern Gaza.