Trump Briefed on Military Options Amid Senate Vote
President Trump is set to receive a briefing from CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper regarding potential military action in Iran, as the Senate rejected a Democratic-led effort to force the removal of U.S. forces, with a vote of 47 to 50. The rejection comes just before a legal deadline under the War Powers Resolution, which mandates congressional authorization for military operations beyond 60 days, a timeline that expires soon. Trump is considering a range of military options, including strikes on Iranian infrastructure and securing the Strait of Hormuz, while maintaining that a naval blockade is currently his primary leverage.
Congress Ends 76-Day DHS Shutdown with Bipartisan Bill
Congress ended a record 76-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security on May 1, 2026, when the House unanimously approved a Senate-passed funding bill for most DHS agencies, excluding immigration enforcement. President Trump is expected to sign the bipartisan legislation, which fully funds agencies such as the Coast Guard and TSA, while House Republicans prepare to pursue a separate party-line package to allocate funds for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, aiming for completion by June 1.
Former Fauci Adviser Indicted on Multiple Felony Charges
The Department of Justice indicted Dr. David Morens, a former senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci, on multiple felony counts, including conspiracy against the United States and destruction of federal records. The indictment alleges that Morens used his personal Gmail account to circumvent public transparency laws and collaborated with co-conspirators to conceal internal discussions about government-funded virus research, while also providing assistance to a nonprofit organization to reinstate a suspended federal grant.
House Advances Controversial Bill on Surveillance Powers
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 235-191 to advance a controversial bill extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows the government to surveil foreign communications but also collects data from U.S. citizens. This legislation, supported by 42 Democrats alongside most Republicans, has faced criticism for lacking meaningful reforms to protect Americans' privacy, with lawmakers like Rep. Ilhan Omar warning it undermines constitutional protections. The Senate subsequently passed a short-term extension of the surveillance powers, which will remain in effect for another 45 days.
Louisiana House Primaries Delayed After Supreme Court Ruling
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., supported the decision to delay Louisiana's House primaries originally scheduled for May 16, following the Supreme Court's ruling that invalidated the state's congressional map as unconstitutional. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry confirmed that while the House primaries are suspended, other races, including the Senate primary, will proceed as planned. Johnson also urged other states with similar electoral maps to consider redrawing them ahead of the midterm elections.
FCC Advances Proposal to Ban Chinese Labs from Testing Electronics
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted unanimously to advance a proposal that prohibits all Chinese labs from testing electronic devices for use in the United States, citing national security concerns. Approximately 75% of U.S. electronics are currently tested in China, prompting the FCC to streamline the approval process for devices tested in U.S. labs or those from countries deemed secure. In a separate vote, the FCC also moved to bar China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom from operating data centers in the U.S., while considering further restrictions on interconnection with companies on its national security 'Covered List.'
