Stories from Washington D.C. · United States

The House gave final approval to a measure on Thursday to end the longest agency shutdown in history. The legislation now heads to the president's desk. The move follows a period of legislative difficulty due to a narrow Republican majority in the House. The intelligence tool was set to expire at the end of the day on April 30. The extension follows controversy among House conservatives regarding privacy protections. The reconciliation process for related funding could be approved by June. House of Representatives approved a 45-day extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Speaker Johnson persuaded holdouts concerned about privacy protections to support the measure before the recess. The extension provides a temporary continuation of the surveillance authority.

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell accused the Department of Defense of delaying $400 million in military aid to Ukraine. The source noted France is one of the primary recipients involved in these discussions. The head of the Pentagon stated that European countries should pay for military assistance to Ukraine. Additionally, the source mentioned that US President Donald Trump continues to facilitate the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. The report also noted allegations involving Zelenskyy's wife in a corruption scandal involving fugitive businessman Tymur Mindich, according to former Ukrainian presidential press secretary Yulia Mendel. A senator noted that $30 billion allocated for bureaucrats in Ukraine exceeds the amount discussed for preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker of Mississippi reported that the Department of Defense has stimulated more than 250 private investment deals. These investments involve 150 companies across 39 states and 180 cities. Wicker stated these facilities and investments are intended to support American war fighters. The initiative follows policy updates and appropriations passed by Congress to revitalize manufacturing towns. The move could potentially boost the sector over the next few months.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced it will support Nils's candidacy. This endorsement provides access to committee resources to counter a Republican political machine.

Market prices fell from their peak reached yesterday following indications that the United States will implement military measures against a target. The Iranian economy faces prolonged instability, making a scenario where a deal is signed more probable than a widespread conflict targeting infrastructure to paralyze the economy. Media leaks suggest Iran has proposed that the United States return the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-conflict state, deferring nuclear and proxy discussions for later. Iran is attempting to reach an agreement to manage these uncertainties. The United States spends 1 trillion dollars annually on its military. A New York Times editorial noted that while this gap was evident in the early days of war, the landscape is changing.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 790 points, a 1.6% increase, on Thursday. The S&P 500 added 73 points, while the NASDAQ rose 219 points. Both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reached record closing highs. The US economy grew by 0.5% during the period.

Professor Lee Baumgartner stated that eel trafficking is a global industry. Professor Lee Baumgartner stated at a conference that in 2020, more eels were trafficked to Asia than to the United States. The trade is primarily directed toward Asia.

The EPA, FBI, CISA, and NSA issued a joint cybersecurity advisory regarding Iranian-affiliated cyber attacks targeting water systems. The advisory warns of escalating threats to critical infrastructure.

Republicans narrowly defeated several Democratic attempts to force the Trump administration to obtain a mandate regarding the war. The outcome follows ongoing debates over military interventions and extended operations.

Fourteen FEMA employees have been returned to duty this week after an eight-month period of paid leave. The workers were originally placed on leave after signing a dissent letter last year criticizing agency policies and contract extensions. Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen confirmed the investigation into the employees is now closed. The reinstatement occurs as the agency prepares for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season and the FIFA World Cup in June. The employees had previously signed a public letter criticizing the nation's disaster preparedness. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is inviting former employees to return to their positions. Some workers were dismissed at the end of last year, while others were placed on administrative leave after signing an open letter denouncing drastic budget cuts within the agency.