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Republican senator calls for probe into Trump family's business dealings

Republican senator calls for probe into Trump family's business dealings

By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - A Republican US senator on Tuesday called for an investigation into the ways that President Donald Trump's family is profiting from his time in office, saying the perception that they are exploiting their position is undermining trust in the government

Rep. Eric Burlison Criticizes Congressional Spending Habits, Highlights Healthcare Cost Crisis

Rep. Eric Burlison Criticizes Congressional Spending Habits, Highlights Healthcare Cost Crisis

Missouri Representative Eric Burlison has publicly criticized his congressional colleagues, including Republicans, for what he describes as being "drunk on spending other people's money." Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Burlison expressed concern over the national debt, which has surpassed $40 trillion, and the resulting affordability crisis impacting working-class families. He emphasized his belief in fiscal prudence and cutting spending, positioning himself as a "small government free market conservative." Burlison highlighted healthcare costs as a primary driver of the affordability crunch, noting that average family insurance premiums have surged from $6,000 in 2000 to $27,000 today, significantly outpacing inflation. He argued that this unsustainable increase in healthcare expenses is crowding out other essential spending for American families, affecting their ability to afford homes, dine out, and take vacations.

Senator Shaheen Places Procedural Hold on $2.8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

Senator Shaheen Places Procedural Hold on $2.8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has initiated a procedural hold on a proposed $2.8 billion sale of bombs to Israel. This action mirrors a similar hold placed by Representative Greg Meeks (D-NY), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Traditionally, such holds can impede the progression of arms sales, although the Trump administration has previously bypassed these objections. The funding for this particular arms sale is designated to come from U.S. foreign military aid. Other Democratic senators have also expressed intentions to block the sale, suggesting that if the administration attempts to proceed despite the holds from Senator Shaheen and Representative Meeks, a vote on the Senate floor to prevent the sale is probable.

Senator Hawley Advocates for Federal Testing of Advanced AI Systems Amid Safety Concerns

Senator Hawley Advocates for Federal Testing of Advanced AI Systems Amid Safety Concerns

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, is advocating for federal testing of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems due to growing safety concerns. He supports the Trump administration's current efforts to evaluate emerging AI models for potential national security implications before their widespread deployment. Hawley believes that future AI systems could operate beyond human control and pose serious risks. He specifically cited the administration's ongoing testing of AI models and agents for national security concerns as a wise approach. The senator emphasized the need for Congress to collaborate with the executive branch by providing funding and structuring AI oversight efforts. This comes amidst a global debate on how governments should address the rapid advancements in AI technology, with some experts warning about the unpredictable nature of sophisticated AI systems.

Sylvester Stallone Declined President Trump's Surprise Appointment as Hollywood Ambassador

Sylvester Stallone Declined President Trump's Surprise Appointment as Hollywood Ambassador

Sylvester Stallone revealed he was caught off-guard and subsequently declined President Trump's appointment of him as a 'Special Envoy' to Hollywood. In January 2025, days before his second inauguration, President Trump announced on Truth Social that Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight would serve as his 'eyes and ears' in Hollywood to advise on bringing film and television production back to the U.S. Stallone learned of this appointment while watching television and expressed his surprise and hesitation, stating that he didn't believe the role was feasible. He later communicated his refusal to President Trump, explaining that Hollywood operates as 'feudal states' with established kingdoms, making it impossible for an outsider to dictate how six studios should operate. Stallone also noted that he, Gibson, and Voight are individuals who prefer to 'do our own thing,' making such a collective advisory role impractical.

House Freedom Caucus Faces Transformation as Key Members Depart, Signaling Potential Shift in GOP Ideology

House Freedom Caucus Faces Transformation as Key Members Depart, Signaling Potential Shift in GOP Ideology

The House Freedom Caucus, an influential group of conservative lawmakers, is undergoing a significant transformation as at least ten of its current members will not return for the next term. This exodus includes prominent figures who have been central to the caucus's identity and legislative strategies. Formed over a decade ago by Tea Party-aligned conservatives, the group aimed to push the Republican party further right on fiscal and social policies. Its influence has persisted, with several founders and members, such as Mick Mulvaney, Mark Meadows, and John Fleming, rising to senior roles within President Trump's administration. The departure of these members, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas and Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, raises questions about the future direction and impact of the caucus within the Republican party. Historically, the caucus has leveraged parliamentary maneuvers to influence legislation and challenge Republican leadership, advocating for a return to a more traditional, member...

Rep. James Comer Supports President Trump's AI Task Force, Cautions Against Hasty Regulation

Rep. James Comer Supports President Trump's AI Task Force, Cautions Against Hasty Regulation

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, has voiced his support for President Trump's newly announced artificial intelligence (AI) task force. Speaking to Newsmax, Comer emphasized that President Trump is "on the right track" with this initiative. He highlighted the necessity for a regulatory framework for AI but cautioned Congress against rushing into regulations that could inadvertently grant a monopoly to the largest AI companies. Comer expressed concern that overly broad restrictions could stifle innovation and prevent smaller, upstart companies from competing with established tech giants. He suggested that Congress should prioritize public hearings and gather diverse perspectives over several months to carefully develop potential regulations, rather than acting hastily. Comer also noted skepticism regarding major AI companies advocating for regulation, questioning if such proposals are designed to protect their market dominance.

National Urban League Calls for Action on Voting Rights and Economic Dignity at March on Washington

National Urban League Calls for Action on Voting Rights and Economic Dignity at March on Washington

The National Urban League, alongside a coalition of labor, faith, and civil rights groups, is organizing a March on Washington to advocate for voting rights, equal opportunity, and economic dignity. This event, scheduled for August 28th, marks the 63rd anniversary of the original March on Washington. The organizers emphasize that this is not merely a commemorative event but a continuation of sustained pressure to demand change. Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, highlights the historical precedent where public pressure, such as the Birmingham protests, led to significant legislative action like the Civil Rights Act. The coalition aims to address contemporary issues, including the impact of Supreme Court decisions like Shelby v. Holder and Louisiana v. Callais on voting rights, and to push for the enshrinement of voting rights in the Constitution. The movement also seeks to ensure economic dignity for all Americans.

Representative Maxine Waters Confronts Treasury Secretary Over Cuba Sanctions, Citing Humanitarian Crisis

Representative Maxine Waters Confronts Treasury Secretary Over Cuba Sanctions, Citing Humanitarian Crisis

Representative Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, confronted U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a Congressional hearing. Waters criticized the U.S. government's oil restrictions and sanctions against Cuba, arguing that these measures are creating a humanitarian and energy crisis on the island. She accused the administration's 'maximum pressure' policy and fuel blockade of causing starvation among Cuban families and children by preventing access to food and electricity. The restrictions on oil supply have reportedly led to widespread, prolonged blackouts, shortages of drinking water, and significant delays in the distribution of UN food aid. While the administration defends economic pressure as a strategic component of its sanctions policy, various sectors and activists are debating the humanitarian impact of these policies on Cuba's civilian population.

Malcolm Gladwell Discusses 'The American Way of Killing' and Gun Violence in New Book

Malcolm Gladwell Discusses 'The American Way of Killing' and Gun Violence in New Book

Malcolm Gladwell, a staff writer at The New Yorker, has authored a new book titled 'The American Way of Killing,' which addresses the issue of gun violence in the United States. Gladwell's work applies social science and epidemiology to analyze America's unique relationship with gun violence. He argues that traditional death statistics do not fully capture the extent of the problem, as advancements in medical care save many lives that are nonetheless profoundly affected by violence. In an interview with David Remnick, Gladwell suggests that gun-control advocates may have misidentified the core issues, proposing that a persistent dynamic of under-policing and over-incarceration is at the root of America's gun violence problem. He also expressed strong disagreement with the phrase 'defund the police.'

Public Religion Research Institute Study Explores Correlation Between Religious Views and Immigration Policy Stances

Public Religion Research Institute Study Explores Correlation Between Religious Views and Immigration Policy Stances

A recent study conducted by the migration cohort of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) fellowship program in June explored the relationship between religious and theological beliefs and attitudes towards immigrants and immigration policies in the U.S. The survey, which gathered approximately 1,000 responses, specifically examined beliefs such as 'divine election' (the idea that God chooses who will be saved) and the belief that the U.S. has a religious obligation to support Israel. These theological positions were then compared to respondents' views on various immigration policies, including access to public education for undocumented immigrants, the reduction of international refugees, the policy of separating children from their parents at the border, and the prioritization of white South African refugees. Dr. Will McCorkle, who drafted the religion questions for the survey, noted that the research aimed to identify potential correlations between more theologically conservative religious value...

Congresswoman McIver Introduces Bill to Enhance SBA Reporting for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Congresswoman McIver Introduces Bill to Enhance SBA Reporting for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

Congresswoman LaMonica McIver has introduced the “Ensuring SBA Implementation of GAO Recommendations Act of 2026.” This proposed legislation aims to direct the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) veteran business office to establish clear procedures for reporting on veteran-owned small businesses. The bill's stated goal is to mandate the SBA to report on methods to improve veteran-owned businesses' access to federal contracting opportunities and SBA programs. It also addresses a finding by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that indicated the SBA had previously lacked proper procedures for its annual reporting requirements. This initiative seeks to create more transparency and accountability within the SBA's efforts to support veteran entrepreneurs.