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US Senate blocks bid to prevent Trump from military action against Cuba

US Senate blocks bid to prevent Trump from military action against Cuba

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, April 28 (Reuters) - The Republican-led U.S. Senate on Tuesday blocked a Democratic-led resolution that would have barred President Donald Trump from military action against Cuba without congressional approval.
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President Trump Withdraws Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination, Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier

President Trump Withdraws Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination, Nominates Dr. Nicole Saphier

President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of Dr. Casey Means' nomination for U.S. Surgeon General, citing stalled progress in the Senate due to concerns over her experience and vaccine stance. Dr. Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, has been nominated as her replacement. Saphier is recognized for her work in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth. The decision follows contentious Senate hearings where Means faced scrutiny over her medical credentials and views on vaccines, particularly her skepticism about the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Trump's decision reflects ongoing challenges in securing Senate approval for his nominees.
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House of Representatives Extends FISA Section 702 Amid Privacy Concerns

House of Representatives Extends FISA Section 702 Amid Privacy Concerns

The House of Representatives has voted to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for three years. This section allows U.S. intelligence agencies to intercept electronic communications of foreign nationals outside the United States, which sometimes includes Americans in contact with these foreign targets. The extension passed with a vote of 235 to 191 and now moves to the Senate, where it faces a challenging path. Speaker Mike Johnson faced difficulties in securing support from privacy-focused Republicans, and previous attempts at longer extensions were unsuccessful. Efforts to introduce a warrant requirement for accessing Americans' information in the FISA database were not successful, as top intelligence officials argued it would compromise national security.
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U.S. Senate Bans Members from Trading on Prediction Markets Amid Insider Trading Concerns

U.S. Senate Bans Members from Trading on Prediction Markets Amid Insider Trading Concerns

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a rule prohibiting senators from trading on prediction markets, effective immediately. This decision comes amid growing concerns about insider trading on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, where event contracts can involve sensitive topics such as elections and military actions. The move follows recent incidents, including the suspension and fining of political candidates for insider trading on their own campaigns. The Senate's action aims to address ethical concerns and restore public trust in the integrity of prediction markets.
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U.S. Senate Implements Ban on Prediction Market Trading Amid Insider Trading Concerns

U.S. Senate Implements Ban on Prediction Market Trading Amid Insider Trading Concerns

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a rule prohibiting senators from engaging in trading on prediction markets. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about insider trading on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, where event contracts can involve sensitive topics such as elections, military actions, and other government activities. The move follows recent incidents, including the suspension and fining of a U.S. Senate candidate and two House candidates for political insider trading. Additionally, a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier was arrested for allegedly using classified information to place bets on Polymarket related to a military mission. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has been urged by Democratic members of Congress to establish rules preventing insider trading and corruption in these markets.
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US Congress passes 45-day surveillance law extension

US Congress passes 45-day surveillance law extension

By AJ Vicens April 30 (Reuters) - Congress on Thursday passed a 45-day extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, prolonging a debate about a section of the spy law that critics say enables the abusive surveillance of American citizens.
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House Votes to Extend Surveillance Program Amid Senate Uncertainty

House Votes to Extend Surveillance Program Amid Senate Uncertainty

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 for three years. This program allows U.S. intelligence agencies to intercept electronic communications of foreign nationals outside the U.S. The extension passed with a vote of 235 to 191, despite opposition from privacy-focused Republicans and some Democrats. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain due to disagreements over privacy protections and an attached provision banning Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The program has been a point of contention, with debates over its impact on privacy rights and national security.
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Justice Department moves to roll back gun regulations as Senate confirms new ATF chief

Justice Department moves to roll back gun regulations as Senate confirms new ATF chief

Justice Department officials are moving to roll back and modify a slate of gun regulations in a dramatic shift in firearm policy pushed by Second Amendment supporters in President Donald Trump’s base
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US Senate bans its members, staff from betting in prediction markets

US Senate bans its members, staff from betting in prediction markets

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday unanimously approved an immediate prohibition on incumbent senators, staff and other officers from using prediction markets that provide a form of gambling on real-world events.
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House Approves IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act to Enhance Tax Compliance

House Approves IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act to Enhance Tax Compliance

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act, a bipartisan effort to enhance the IRS's Whistleblower Awards Program. Co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly and Rep. Mike Thompson, the bill aims to improve the appeals process for whistleblowers, protect their anonymity, and ensure timely award payments. The legislation also seeks to align the tax treatment of attorney's fees for whistleblowers with other federal programs. The bill passed with overwhelming support and will now proceed to the Senate for consideration. The program has been instrumental in recovering billions in unpaid taxes and serves as a deterrent against tax evasion.
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Senate Rejects Attempt to End President Trump's Blockade of Cuba

Senate Rejects Attempt to End President Trump's Blockade of Cuba

The U.S. Senate has rejected a Democratic-led resolution that sought to require President Trump to end the U.S. energy blockade on Cuba unless he received congressional approval. The resolution, which was dismissed by a 51-47 vote, aimed to check the president's unilateral actions in global conflicts, including those involving Cuba. The blockade has contributed to humanitarian crises in Cuba, with disruptions to medical care and essential services. The vote reflects ongoing partisan divisions over the president's foreign policy approach and the use of military force.
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US agents raid 22 Minnesota sites in social-welfare fraud probe

US agents raid 22 Minnesota sites in social-welfare fraud probe

By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON, April 28 (Reuters) - U.S. law enforcement agencies searched more than 20 locations in Minnesota on Tuesday as part of investigations into fraud in social-welfare programs in the state, an area of intense focus by President Donald Trump's administration.