Stories from Washington · United States

House Speaker Mike Johnson is attempting to pass several major bills despite facing divisions within his narrow Republican majority in Washington. Differences are being amplified by distractions involving Donald Trump. Conservative members, specifically the House Freedom Caucus, are making consensus harder to achieve, according to the report. Leadership remains closely tethered to the president, complicating congressional progress. Speaker Johnson's leadership is reportedly tethered to President Trump, whose struggling poll numbers in this election year are fueling concerns and dividing the conference. Earlier this month, the House conference held a Tax Day event to promote legislative wins such as eliminating taxes on tips. Republican strategist Alex Conan stated that Speaker Johnson holds a slim one to four seat majority depending on the day.

Elon Musk is expected to continue testifying in a trial that is projected to last three to four weeks. Musk's financial advisor is also expected to take the stand later today. Sam Altman is anticipated to testify in the coming weeks.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the United States have agreed to pay $650 per test. This payment is part of an incentivization program for hospitals to adopt specific software or testing protocols.

The Justice Department under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is intensifying efforts to target perceived enemies of Donald Trump. The announcement was made during a press conference yesterday. Anthony Fauci of concealing communications related to COVID-19 research. The charges stem from an Instagram post containing the numbers 86 47, which authorities claim could be interpreted as a call to harm the president. Cumber denies the accusations and has stated he will defend himself in court. The source noted the charges were recently brought forward. Comey was previously charged in September with lying to Congress, but a judge dismissed that specific case. In a video posted to his Substack, Comey maintained his innocence and stated he is not afraid. He also expressed continued belief in the independent federal judiciary.

A Gallup poll indicates the share of non-homeowners planning to purchase a house within the next five years has fallen to 25 percent. This figure represents the lowest level since Gallup began tracking the metric in 2013. The decline comes as median home prices in the United States have risen to over $400,000. Previously, nearly 50 percent of non-homeowners expressed similar intent a decade ago. The source noted that home ownership is increasingly out of reach for many. The report was delivered by NPR News in Washington. This decline follows a long-term trend of increasing property costs. Nearly half of non-owners stated they do not intend to purchase a home in the near future.

A federal judge is pressing the Trump administration to explain why the Kennedy Center must be fully closed for two years starting this July for renovations. Preservation groups have filed a lawsuit against the administration to contest these plans. The proceedings aim to determine if the closure can be stopped. Executive director Matt Floca stated the current center will not be torn down during the process, though the administration noted safety risks would prevent the center from remaining open during construction. While the administration claims the closure is for maintenance and upkeep, preservationists cite comments from Kennedy Center Board Chair President Trump suggesting the project aims to create a brand new building. Both sides are scheduled to question newly appointed Executive Director Matt Floca during a hearing. on Wednesday, April 29.

Senator Nyamu has sponsored a new legislative bill aimed at regulating the use of artificial intelligence.

Prosecutors have until May 11 to indict Dr. Donald Trump stated that former FBI Director James Comey's social media post regarding the number 86 was understood as a call for assassination. The post has caused outrage among Trump supporters. Media coverage is drawing comparisons between former FBI Director James Comey and comedian Jimmy Kimmel regarding their respective rights to express opinions. The Trump administration has initiated a second attempt to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey following the dismissal of a September charge regarding lying to Congress. Comey released a Substack video asserting his innocence. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the indictment concerns threats against the President of the United States. CBS reporter Major Garrett confirmed there is no suggestion that the President directed the charges.

Republican lawmakers argue that a proposed resolution regarding Cuba is unnecessary because the United States is not currently engaged in direct military action against the country.

During a state visit to the United States, Karl Tretyevn addressed the American Congress. He called on the United States to prepare to defend Ukraine, which he characterized as preparing for a direct conflict with Russia. Tretyevn reminded legislators of the joint military efforts between the US and Britain in two world wars, the Cold War, and Afghanistan. The Congress reportedly gave a standing ovation to his remarks.