This week, House lawmakers are preparing for their summer recess, aiming to clear a lengthy agenda before their scheduled departure on August 31. Meanwhile, the Senate will remain in session for two more weeks.
House Achievements This Week
House members have pushed several significant bills through the chamber:
- War Powers Resolution: In an effort to limit Presidential military actions in Iran, House Democrats, aided by four Republicans, passed a nonbinding war powers resolution to issue a message to President Trump.
- Defense Policy Bill: A narrowly passed $1.15 trillion defense policy bill saw bipartisanship, with six Democrats supporting and seven Republicans opposing it.
- Stock Trading Guidelines: A Republican-backed bill restricting new stock purchases by Congress members and families passed, requiring a seven-day public notice before selling existing stocks.
- Government Funding Extension: House Republicans passed a bill to extend government funding until December 4, ahead of the usual September deadline.
Data Centers and Electric Bills
A bill addressing the impact of data centers on electric bills gains traction with a 52-0 committee vote in the House and a companion bill in the Senate.
Trump Controversies
President Trump’s plan to charge investment firms up to $100,000 monthly for early access to his social media posts faces criticism. Senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Chuck Schumer expressed concerns, calling the initiative unethical and corrupt.
Food Recalls Update
The summer of recalls continues with concerns over eggs, fruit pouches, and garlic powder:
- Eggs: 1.6 million eggs recalled due to potential salmonella contamination, particularly risky if consumed raw.
- Fruit Pouches: Specific Pumpkin Tree Peter Rabbit Organics Banana & Strawberry pouches recalled due to possible plastic contamination.
- Garlic Powder: Heavenly Spices garlic powder in Canada recalled over contamination risks.
Secret Service Agent on Leave
A Secret Service agent from Vice President Vance’s detail has been placed on leave following an investigation into leaks about the vice president’s travel requests.
Quick Industry Updates
- Oil Prices Surge: Iranian-aligned militia group attacks in the Red Sea drive oil prices above $100 per barrel.
- Google Fined: The European Union imposed a $1 billion fine on Google for allegedly favoring its products in search results.
Upcoming Events
Today’s schedule includes various political engagements, such as Senate voting, Trump announcements, and meetings.
— House and Senate in session.
— Trump to speak at the EPA and host the LA Dodgers.
— SpaceX’s Starship test launch in Texas.
— White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner rescheduled.