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Democrats say Social Security boss' message pushed misleading statements on Trump tax law's benefits

Democrats say Social Security boss' message pushed misleading statements on Trump tax law's benefits

Congressional Democrats are squaring off with President Donald Trump's administration over one of the most potent political issues in the country ahead of this year’s midterm elections: Social Security
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Senate Democrats Criticize Social Security Commissioner for Partisan Emails Promoting President Trump

Senate Democrats Criticize Social Security Commissioner for Partisan Emails Promoting President Trump

Democratic senators have criticized Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano for sending emails that they describe as partisan and promoting President Trump. The emails, sent to American seniors, praised President Trump's leadership and policies, including the 'Big Beautiful Bill' which purportedly offered tax cuts and relief for seniors. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Tammy Baldwin, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Ben Ray Luján have expressed concerns that these communications conflict with Bisignano's commitment to run the Social Security Administration (SSA) independently and without political bias. The senators are seeking details about the distribution of a specific email sent on July 2, which they argue contained misleading statements about the benefits of the bill for seniors.
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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.
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Senator Wyden Proposes Bill to Limit President Trump's Tariff Authority

Senator Wyden Proposes Bill to Limit President Trump's Tariff Authority

Senator Ron Wyden introduced the Congressional Trade Powers Reform Act of 2026, aiming to curb President Trump's extensive tariff powers. The bill seeks to require Congressional approval for tariffs imposed under Sections 301, 201, and 232 of trade laws. This move comes after Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing a rarely used trade law. Wyden criticized Trump's use of tariffs as reckless and emphasized the need for Congress to reclaim its authority over trade policy. The bill proposes a Joint Committee on Tariffs and Trade to review and recommend tariff proposals to Congress.
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Warren accuses AI firms of trying to curb oversight in trade accord

Warren accuses AI firms of trying to curb oversight in trade accord

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Reuters) - Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren accused major AI companies of pushing the Trump administration to limit AI transparency rules in North America's trade pact, arguing instead that regulators should have broader access to information about the companies' models.
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Senate Democrats Investigate Alleged Political Interference in IRS Audits

Senate Democrats Investigate Alleged Political Interference in IRS Audits

Senate Democrats have requested an investigation into potential political interference in IRS tax audits by the Trump administration. The inquiry follows reports that Kenneth Kies, a top IRS official, was ousted after refusing to comply with White House demands related to tax audits. The senators, led by Chuck Schumer and Ron Wyden, have expressed concerns about violations of federal laws that prohibit political influence over tax audits. They have asked the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate the matter.
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US Trade Chief Defends Tariffs Amid Criticism Over Price Increases

US Trade Chief Defends Tariffs Amid Criticism Over Price Increases

The Trump administration's chief trade official, Jamieson Greer, defended the tariffs imposed by President Trump, asserting that they have not led to increased prices for American families. This statement was made during a Senate hearing where lawmakers, including Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, challenged the administration's economic policies amid rising inflation. Greer claimed that core inflation, which excludes food and energy, had fallen to 2.6% year-on-year, a significant improvement from January 2025. However, Warren cited estimates indicating that families are paying an average of $1,700 more due to tariff costs since Trump's return to office. The tariffs, which were previously ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court, are set to expire soon, with the administration planning to introduce new duties on imports.
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Jones Act Waiver Sparks Debate on U.S. Shipping Costs and National Defense

Jones Act Waiver Sparks Debate on U.S. Shipping Costs and National Defense

The Jones Act, a century-old U.S. maritime law, is under scrutiny as President Trump has issued a waiver to ease supply-chain issues and control oil prices. The Act mandates that all domestic waterborne shipments be conducted on American-built, owned, and crewed ships. Critics argue that the law inflates consumer prices and stifles innovation in the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The waiver, initially issued in March, has been extended and is under consideration for further extension. This move has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some Republicans urging the waiver's expiration, while others see it as a necessary step to address current economic challenges.
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Senator Hirono Co-Sponsors Bill to Enhance Federal Language Access Services

Senator Hirono Co-Sponsors Bill to Enhance Federal Language Access Services

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono from Hawaii has co-sponsored the Language Access for All Act, alongside Senators Andy Kim of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. This legislation aims to protect and enhance language access services at federal agencies, a response to policy changes under the Trump administration that reduced multilingual services. The bill seeks to codify the obligation of federal agencies to provide translation and interpretation services, addressing the needs of over 25 million Americans with limited English proficiency. The bill also proposes the establishment of a public complaint system and the development of language access plans by federal agencies.
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GOP Faces Internal Conflict Over SAVE America Act Amid Shutdown Concerns

GOP Faces Internal Conflict Over SAVE America Act Amid Shutdown Concerns

Senate conservatives aligned with President Trump are considering attaching the SAVE America Act to a stopgap funding measure to keep the government running past September 30. This move is facing resistance from within the GOP, as some members fear it could lead to a government shutdown. The SAVE America Act, which focuses on election reforms, is a priority for President Trump, who has been pressuring Republicans to pass it. The act includes measures such as requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for voting. While some Republicans see this as a strategic move to force Democrats into a difficult position, others warn of the risks associated with a potential shutdown.
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Social Security Administration Faces Delays Due to Staffing Cuts Under Trump Administration

Social Security Administration Faces Delays Due to Staffing Cuts Under Trump Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is experiencing significant delays in processing claims due to staffing cuts implemented during the Trump administration. These cuts have resulted in longer wait times for retirees, disabled Americans, and low-income beneficiaries seeking critical income and identity services. The SSA has lost approximately 7,800 employees, about 14% of its workforce, which has strained the system. The agency is shifting towards centralized scheduling and online transactions, but this has raised concerns about accessibility for those who are not comfortable with or cannot afford technology. The SSA is also testing centralized national scheduling in Tennessee and Nevada, which may streamline services but could complicate state-specific issues.
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Social Security Delays Persist Due to Staffing Cuts Under Trump Administration

Social Security Delays Persist Due to Staffing Cuts Under Trump Administration

Millions of Social Security recipients are experiencing longer wait times for claim appointments due to staffing cuts implemented during President Trump's administration. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has seen a significant reduction in its workforce, losing approximately 7,800 employees, which has strained the agency's ability to process claims efficiently. As a result, only 64.6% of initial claims were scheduled within 30 days as of early July, a decrease from 78.1% the previous year. The SSA has shifted towards centralized scheduling and online transactions, but this has not fully mitigated the delays. The agency is also testing new scheduling systems in Tennessee and Nevada, aiming to streamline services. However, these changes have raised concerns about accessibility, particularly for disabled and low-income applicants who may struggle with digital access.