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Washington judge blocks Kalshi contracts, cites state's gambling law

Washington judge blocks Kalshi contracts, cites state's gambling law

By Jonathan Stempel July 21 (Reuters) - A judge granted Washington's request to block Kalshi from offering its so-called event contracts in the state, saying the prediction markets platform likely violated the state's gambling laws.

House to Consider Continuing Resolution to Extend Federal Funding Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

House to Consider Continuing Resolution to Extend Federal Funding Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to consider a continuing resolution (CR) this week to extend funding for federal programs until December 4. This measure is intended to prevent a government shutdown as Congress has not finalized the fiscal year 2027 spending bills. The CR would maintain funding at current levels, allowing more time for negotiations. House Democrats, led by Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, are awaiting a list of 'anomalies' from the White House, which would identify programs needing short-term funding boosts. The Senate is also preparing a CR, with ongoing debates over spending priorities, particularly between defense and non-defense allocations.

Congressional Hearings Focus on Year-Round E15 Legislation Amid Rising Fuel Prices

Congressional Hearings Focus on Year-Round E15 Legislation Amid Rising Fuel Prices

This week, Congress is focusing on agriculture policy, with significant attention on year-round E15 legislation. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to testify on various issues, including farm aid and trade policy. Biofuel advocates are pushing for legislation to allow year-round sales of E15, a higher ethanol blend fuel. As fuel prices rise, there is increased pressure on lawmakers to pass this legislation. Biofuel groups argue that expanding E15 sales would boost domestic biofuel markets and increase corn demand. Despite limited public progress, discussions in the Senate continue, with bipartisan support for the legislation.

Senate Democrat calls for probe of US derivatives regulator's staff cuts

Senate Democrat calls for probe of US derivatives regulator's staff cuts

WASHINGTON, July 21 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's deep staffing cuts at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission could hamper its ability to enforce the law and should be investigated by the congressional watchdog agency, a top Senate Democrat said on Tuesday.

House Votes to Extend Government Funding to Prevent Election Year Shutdown

House Votes to Extend Government Funding to Prevent Election Year Shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 220 to 205 to extend government funding at existing levels through December 4, aiming to prevent a government shutdown just before the midterm elections. The vote saw six Democrats join Republicans in advancing the bill. The decision comes amid tensions over President Trump's election overhaul bill, the SAVE America Act, which has been a point of contention among lawmakers. Democratic leaders have criticized the funding extension for not addressing issues such as funding for immigration enforcement. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will require bipartisan support to pass.

House Passes Early Government Funding Bill to Prevent Election Season Shutdown

House Passes Early Government Funding Bill to Prevent Election Season Shutdown

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a temporary government funding bill aimed at preventing a potential shutdown before the upcoming midterm elections. The bill, which funds the federal government through December 4, was passed by a mostly party-line vote of 220-205. This early action is unusual, as Congress typically addresses such funding measures closer to the fiscal year-end deadline. House Speaker Mike Johnson challenged Democrats to oppose the bill, suggesting they would be responsible for any ensuing chaos if the government were to shut down after September 30. The bill maintains current spending levels and is intended to avoid the disruptions caused by previous shutdowns. GOP leaders plan to focus on other legislative priorities, including a $95 billion bill to boost defense and aid farmers, as well as parts of President Trump's elections overhaul bill.

U.S. Senate Committee Advances WRDA 2026 to Enhance Water Infrastructure Cybersecurity

U.S. Senate Committee Advances WRDA 2026 to Enhance Water Infrastructure Cybersecurity

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has unanimously approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Sheldon Whitehouse, Kevin Cramer, Angela Alsobrooks, and Adam Schiff, authorizes 61 feasibility studies and 15 new or modified U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction projects. These projects focus on flood risk management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure programs, including the State Revolving Funds, and includes provisions to strengthen cybersecurity for critical water systems. The bill aims to enhance water resources infrastructure and increase access to clean and safe drinking water nationwide.

Senator Durbin Criticizes Senate's Focus on Nominations Over Legislation

Senator Durbin Criticizes Senate's Focus on Nominations Over Legislation

Senator Dick Durbin, a long-serving Democratic whip from Illinois, has expressed concerns about the U.S. Senate's increasing focus on nominations rather than legislation. According to a review by NOTUS, the Senate has been voting more frequently on Cabinet and judicial appointments than on legislative matters, a trend that has been growing since the Senate lowered the threshold for most federal judges and executive branch nominations to a simple majority in 2013. By the end of 2024, nominations accounted for over 60% of roll-call votes, compared to less than 20% before 2013. Durbin noted that this shift has detracted from the Senate's legislative responsibilities. Political scientists attribute this change to increased polarization and a reduction in competitive seats, which has made bipartisan collaboration less appealing.

Democratic Socialists of America Propose Abolishing the U.S. Senate Amidst Criticism

Democratic Socialists of America Propose Abolishing the U.S. Senate Amidst Criticism

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have proposed the abolition of the U.S. Senate, a move that has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly from conservative circles. The DSA argues that the Senate is an outdated institution that disproportionately represents smaller, predominantly white states, thus skewing political power away from more diverse, populous states. This proposal has been highlighted by right-wing media as an example of the DSA's radical agenda, with headlines emphasizing the extremity of the idea. Despite the controversy, the DSA maintains that eliminating the Senate would be a significant democratic advancement, addressing historical imbalances in representation. The Senate's structure, established through the Great Compromise, has long been criticized for its unequal representation, where smaller states have the same number of senators as larger ones, leading to a disparity in voting power among racial groups.

Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Restrict Foreign Campaign Contributions Post-Citizens United

Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Restrict Foreign Campaign Contributions Post-Citizens United

Democratic lawmakers, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, have introduced a bill aimed at curbing foreign influence in U.S. elections. The legislation seeks to establish foreign ownership thresholds to determine which U.S. corporations should be prohibited from making political contributions. This move comes in response to the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which allowed corporations and outside groups to spend unlimited sums on U.S. elections. The bill, known as the Get Foreign Money out of U.S. Elections Act, has garnered support from over 65 Democratic cosponsors in the House and 11 in the Senate. It aims to close loopholes that currently allow foreign entities to funnel money into U.S. elections, a practice that lawmakers argue undermines American democracy.

Farmfest Candidate Forums Anticipate Record Crowds Amid Competitive Minnesota Races

Farmfest Candidate Forums Anticipate Record Crowds Amid Competitive Minnesota Races

Farmfest, an agriculture-focused event near Redwood Falls, Minnesota, is expected to draw record crowds this year due to the absence of incumbents in the races for Minnesota governor and U.S. Senate. Organized by Kent Thiesse since 1990, the forums provide a platform for candidates to address agricultural issues directly with rural Minnesotans. The event, scheduled a week before the Minnesota statewide primary elections on August 11, includes forums for the governor’s race, U.S. Senate races, and congressional races in several districts. This timing is crucial for candidates to connect with voters. The forums are particularly significant this year as they coincide with a challenging period for the agricultural economy, with tight profit margins and unfinished farm bill work likely to be key topics.

Senator says US daylight saving time bill faces tough fight

Senator says US daylight saving time bill faces tough fight

By David Shepardson FARNBOROUGH, England, July 20 (Reuters) - A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week to make daylight saving time permanent will face a tough fight in the Senate to win approval, a lawmaker said Monday.