Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Representatives Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, both resigned from Congress amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell faces accusations of sexual assault, which he denies, while Gonzales is under investigation for a relationship with a staffer who later died. Their resignations follow mounting pressure from colleagues and former staffers, with Swalwell also suspending his gubernatorial campaign.
President Donald Trump called on GOP lawmakers to unite in support of a procedural vote on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically urging the passage of a clean extension of Section 702, which is set to expire on April 20. In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized the importance of this surveillance authority for national security, particularly in light of ongoing military operations in Iran, while working with House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders to advance the legislation. Despite internal divisions within the Republican conference, GOP leaders are aiming for a vote on the extension this week.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that Republicans are advancing a partisan strategy to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which has been shut down for nearly two months, by focusing solely on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. The proposed $75 billion bill will bypass Democratic demands for reforms and will be passed using budget reconciliation, requiring only a simple majority in the 53-47 Senate. However, some GOP lawmakers are advocating for a broader package, complicating efforts to keep the legislation narrow as President Trump has set a June 1 deadline for its passage.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will skip this week's virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, sending policy chief Elbridge Colby in his place, reflecting a trend of reduced U.S. engagement with European allies. The meeting, which will be chaired by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey, will include over 50 defense ministers from countries committed to supporting Ukraine.
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