Joint Chiefs Chair Calls for Renewal of FISA Section 702
Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine urged Congress to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is set to expire on April 20, arguing that it is vital for U.S. national security and military operations. Despite concerns over privacy, Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for an 18-month clean renewal, while some lawmakers, including House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, advocate for a shorter extension and additional privacy reforms. The Trump administration is actively seeking support to ensure the legislation remains in effect amid ongoing national security challenges.
Federal Judge Upholds FDA Review of Mifepristone
A federal judge ruled against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's request to block the Biden administration's mail-order abortion scheme, allowing the FDA to continue its safety review of mifepristone. U.S. District Judge David Joseph's decision follows a lawsuit claiming the FDA unlawfully loosened safeguards around the abortion pill, which has seen a significant shift to mail-order dispensing, with a study indicating that less than 2% of mifepristone prescriptions are filled at physical pharmacies in states permitting telehealth access.
White House report links DEI initiatives to GDP decline
The White House Economic Report 2026, released on April 13, concluded that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have negatively impacted U.S. productivity, reducing the gross domestic product by approximately $94 billion annually. The report, commissioned by President Donald Trump, found that industries implementing DEI policies were 2.7 percent less productive than those that did not, suggesting that such practices led to inefficient management and higher operational costs.
U.S. Home Sales Hit Nine-Month Low in March
U.S. existing home sales fell 3.6% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million units, marking a nine-month low, as rising mortgage rates and tight inventory dampened market activity, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The NAR has revised its sales growth forecast for 2026 down to 4%, significantly lower than the previously projected 14%, citing declining consumer sentiment and a sluggish labor market as contributing factors. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.18% in March, further complicating the housing landscape.
