US Drug Overdose Deaths Decline for Third Year
U.S. drug overdose deaths fell for the third consecutive year in 2025, with approximately 70,000 fatalities reported, a decline of nearly 14% from the previous year, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This reduction brings overdose deaths to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with decreases observed across various drug types, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, although seven states experienced increases, notably Arizona and New Mexico. Experts attribute the decline to factors such as increased availability of naloxone, expanded addiction treatment, and shifts in drug use patterns.
Kiley Forces House Vote on Ukraine Support Act
Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA) completed a discharge petition that forces a House vote on the Ukraine Support Act, becoming the 218th signatory required to advance the bill. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), aims to provide $1.3 billion in aid to Ukraine and impose new sanctions on Russia, with a vote expected in early June. This bipartisan effort comes despite opposition from Republican leaders and highlights ongoing tensions within the House regarding foreign aid and party unity.
House Prepares Vote on Amended Housing Bill Next Week
The House of Representatives has released the text of an amended housing bill and scheduled a vote for next week, as Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise confirmed ongoing efforts to address concerns over the Senate's 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Despite President Donald Trump's endorsement of the Senate bill, House Republicans are advocating for changes, including a permanent ban on the Federal Reserve issuing digital currency and modifications to provisions restricting Wall Street's ability to purchase single-family homes. The bipartisan housing package has faced delays due to disagreements between the two chambers.
Congressional personal data compromised in RXNT breach
The Office of the Attending Physician notified lawmakers this week of a data breach involving RXNT, a medical software provider, which may have compromised personal information, including prescription histories, of members of Congress. The breach occurred on March 1 and 3, with sensitive data such as names, birthdays, and addresses accessed, although financial data and Social Security numbers were not compromised. Brian Monahan, the Capitol's attending physician, is personally contacting affected individuals to inform them of the incident.
Florida's congressional map faces lawsuits over voter impact
Florida's new congressional map, defended by state officials as free from partisan gerrymandering, is facing multiple lawsuits from voting rights and civil rights groups. Critics, including U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, argue that the map disproportionately splits Black voters in Tampa Bay, exacerbating existing gerrymandering issues.
