Washington Today

On Day 76 of the Homeland Security Department shutdown, the House joins the Senate in passing a full fiscal-year spending bill to fund all the department's agencies except ICE & CBP; Illinois Accountability Commission releases its final report on what it says were abuses by federal immigration agents in Chicago; Commerce Department says core inflation is 3.2%, driven by higher fuel prices from the war with Iran; Senate votes for a sixth time almost along party lines to block a Democratic resolution to require the U.S. stop military action against Iran without Congressional authorization; President Donald Trump signs an executive order to create a new government website where people can find and compare private-sector retirement savings accounts; House passes a five-year farm bill, after passing an amendment to remove a provision that would have given pesticide companies immunity from some liability claims; FCC Chair Brendan Carr says the White House did not pressure the commission to start an early review of Disney's broadcast licenses over President Trump's feud with ABC late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel; Senate bans Senators from betting on prediction markets; King Charles III & Queen Camilla finish up their state visit to the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iran War hits the 60 day mark, and President Donald Trump is asked when it might end and the Strait of Hormuz might reopen; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before a Congressional committee for the first time since the start of the Iran War, saying the biggest obstacle for U.S. success in the war is Congressional Democrats and some Republicans; Pentagon's Chief Financial Officer testifies that the cost of the war so far is $25 billion; Federal Reserve votes to leave interest rates unchanged, and chair Jerome Powell says he plans to stay on as Fed governor after his term as chair expires in two weeks because the Justice Department's criminal investigation of him is not fully settled; Senate Banking Committee approves the president's nominee for the next Fed chair, Kevin Warsh, in a party line vote; House passes a 3-year reauthorization of FISA Sect. 702 spying power, with opponents looking to add a requirement for a warrant to record Americans' conversations; Supreme Court strikes down a Louisiana Congressional district map as unconstitutional racial gerrymandering; Supreme Court hears oral argument in a case about the Trump Administration's efforts to end deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians in the U.S.; former Attorney General Pam Bondi has scheduled a date to be interviewed by the House Oversight Committee in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation; Great Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla visit New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla receive a state visit welcome at the White House, and the King addresses a joint meeting of Congress. President Donald Trump says 'Americans have had no closer friends than the British.' King Charles emphasizes the two countries' history of “reconciliation and renewal” and says the U.S.-UK bond is ‘irreplaceable and unbreakable.’ We hear from both and speak about the royal visit with c-span's Westminster Correspondent Peter Knowles (11); Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on charges alleging he threatened President Trump when he posted an image of seashells spelling out “8647” on his Instagram last year; U.S. House is trying again to move forward with this week's agenda, including reauthorization of the foreign spying power known as FISA Sect. 702, the Farm Bill, and budget reconciliation, the process for funding immigration agencies with only Republican votes; Florida's legislative starts debate on a mid-decade Congressional redistricting plan that could give Republicans four more U.S. House seats; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani extends the deadline to present a budget, as he seeks from the state government authorization to collect more revenue and close a multi-billion dollar budget gap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A man is now facing federal charges after an alleged attempt to assassinate the president at the White House Correspondents Dinner—sending shockwaves through Washington and prompting urgent questions about political violence and security. In this episode, we break down the charges against Cole Tomas Allen, what investigators say about his alleged motive, and what officials—including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt—are saying publicly. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties weigh in on the attack and the increasingly heated political climate, all while racing to finish key business before recess—including renewing FISA Section 702 and ending the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. We’ll bring you the latest details, reaction from Washington, and what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The war in Iran continues to dominate Washington, as lawmakers debate U.S. involvement and once again reject an effort to limit the President’s war powers. Back at home, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner brings together media and political leaders for a night of headlines, humor, and sharp contrasts amid a tense political climate. And in Virginia, a newly approved redistricting plan is already reshaping the political map — setting up key battles that could influence control of Congress in the upcoming elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First: The redistricting battle continued this week as voters in Virginia approved a new congressional map favoring Democrats. We speak with NOTUS politics reporter Reese Gorman about how the President's move to START the gerrymander war MAY be backfiring… Then: a conversation with author and political commentator Sophia Nelson about her new book "Redefining Freedom: Thoughts on Bridging Divides and Renewing the American Promise at 250." Finally: Substack author and independent journalist Hollie McKay discusses her reporting on how AI videos and images are shaping public opinion in the Iran conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justice Department ends the criminal investigation of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, which could mean the man nominated to be his successor, Kevin Warsh, will be confirmed by the Senate; White House says President Donald Trump is sending his special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan tomorrow for new peace talks with the Iranian Foreign Minister; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. is in no rush for a deal with Iran to end the war, and the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz can continue 'as long as it takes'; Secretary of State Marco Rubio signs a critical minerals agreement with the European Union Trade Commissioner; Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) gives an update on the battles against wildfires in his state; interview with Deadline Political Editor Ted Johnson about President Trump going to the White House Correspondents Association dinner Saturday for the first time in his presidency (30); interview with Politico's Food and Agriculture Reporter Grace Yarrow about House debating the Farm Bill next week (41); Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-NYC) creates a new office to tackle home deed theft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump when asked by a reporter how long he is willing to wait until he gets a response from Iran to U.S. peace proposals, replies, 'Don't rush me'; Senate Republicans take the first step in budget reconciliation, passing a budget resolution after a long session that ended in the middle of night, that will allow them to pass three years of funding for federal immigration enforcement without Democratic votes and the reforms the Democrats have demanded; House passes legislation waiving federal drilling permit requirements for geothermal operations; President Trump announces a drug pricing agreement with the pharmaceutical company Regeneron, last of 17 drug companies targeted by the administration; Justice Department reclassifies medical marijuana as a lower-risk drug. We will talk about it with Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond (32); Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduces a bill aimed at preventing what he sees as unconstitutional surveillance by the federal government. This comes as a key foreign spying tool – known as Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 – expires in a week and debate heats up over how to protect Americans who have their conversations recorded inadvertently; U.S. Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro announces charges against two Chinese nationals accused of running a 'scam compound' in Burma that targeted Americans to steal their life savings, perhaps $700 million in all; First Lady Melania Trump speaks at the annual First Lady's Luncheon for spouses of elected officials; Children of reporters ask House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) questions on National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iran renews its attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and calls the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports a violation of the ceasefire, as efforts are reportedly underway behind the scenes to schedule another round of peace talks; Senate votes down another Iran War Powers resolution offered by Democrats to cut off President Trump's authority to continue the war; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defends easing sanctions on Iranian and Russian oil at Senate committee hearing; Democrats celebrate Virginia voters passing a congressional redistricting referendum that favors their party, while President Trump claims the result was 'rigged'; Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) on this Earth Day announces three new state parks; Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is asked about abortion medication & vaccine policies, as he finishes up testifying at congressional hearings on the Trump Administration's proposed health care budget for FY2027; Rep. David Scott (D-GA) has died at age 80. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh tells the Senate Banking Committee at his confirmation hearing that he will be "strictly independent." Committee ranking Democrat Elizabeth Warren (MA) says Warsh would be President Donald Trump's 'sock puppet' in following the president's wishes to cut interest rates; President Trump extends the ceasefire with Iran 'until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal'; Senate Republicans unveil their plan to fund the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Protection for the next 3 ½ years to be passed without the need for Democratic votes, or the Democrats' demands for immigration enforcement reforms; Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormic (D-FL) resigns minutes before the House Ethics Committee was to meet to decide her punishment for ethics violations; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says U.S. military members will no longer be required to get a flu vaccine; CMS Admin Dr. Mehmet Oz talks about a plan to require states go after Medicaid fraud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump said today the ceasefire with Iran will end “Wednesday evening Washington time….and that it’s "highly unlikely” he would extend it; Vice President Vance and other US officials are expected to leave for Pakistan tomorrow ahead of a potential second round of talks with Iran; Congress works to extend FISA Section 702; and there's possible Republican support on limiting President Trump's war powers against Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The war with Iran intensifies as U.S. operations continue and tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of broader escalation. At the same time, a rare and escalating clash unfolds between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the conflict, highlighting a deep divide between Washington and the Vatican. Back on Capitol Hill, lawmakers move to extend key surveillance authorities under Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, reigniting debate over national security and Americans’ privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First: As millions of Americans filed their 2025 taxes this past week - a discussion with Wall Street Journal reporter Richard Rubin about how the Trump administration is actually scaling back tax enforcement. Then: Congressional hearings began this week on the President's 2027 budget request – including $1.5 Trillion dollars for defense spending. We'll dig into the numbers with Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress and Veronique de Rugy from the Mercatus Center. Finally: we end with a conversation with writer and truck driver - Gord Magill on his new book "End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister say the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels, but President Trump says the U.S. naval blockade of shipping to and from Iranian ports continues; France and Britain say they will lead a multinational defensive mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz that will be deployed only after a lasting peace is agreed to; Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is questioned at a House hearing about vaccine policy, dietary guidelines and President Trump's mental fitness; A 10-day extension of FISA Section 702 warrantless wiretap authority is approved by the House & Senate, after an overnight House session where proposals to try to satisfy Republicans seeking greater protections against surveillance of Americans fail to pass. We will talk about it with The Hill's National Security Reporter Rebecca Beitsch (40); Democrat Analilia Meija beats Republican Joe Hathaway in a New Jersey 11th Congressional District special election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Israel & Lebanon, to pause the war between Israel & Hezbollah in Lebanon. President Trump says the next round of negotiations in the war between the U.S. & Iran could happen this weekend; House votes down by just a few votes an Iran War Powers resolution to limit the president's authority to wage war on Iran without Congressional approval; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth compares news media criticizing the U.S. war with Iran to the Pharisees, the biblical Jewish group who criticized Jesus; House passes a bill to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitian immigrants living in the U.S., as the Trump Administration is looking to revoke that protection; Senate joins the House overturning a Joe Biden-era environmental regulation banning mining operations on federal land in Minnesota's Superior National Forest; Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. testifies before the House Ways & Means Committee on rooting out health care spending fraud; astronauts from the Artemis II moon mission hold their first news conference since returning to Earth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is Tax Day, the deadline to file federal and most state tax returns. IRS CEO and Members of Congress are talking about the changes to your tax bill from last year's tax cut legislation known by supporters as the One Big Beautiful Bill; Senate votes down for a fourth time an Iran War Powers Act Resolution that would require President Donald Trump to end military action against Iran without Congressional authorization; President Trump continues his posts attacking Pope Leo XIV over the Pope's criticism of the war with Iran; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicts the prices of gasoline, now averaging about $4 a gallon, will drop to $3 by summer; House Republican majority postpones a procedural vote on reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), warrantless surveillance authority, which expires Monday, after a group of conservative Republicans demanded more protections against the incidental collection of Americans' communications; First Lady Melania Trump goes to Capitol Hill for a roundtable discussion with Members of Congress on foster care reform; Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas gives a speech at the University of Texas at Austin on America's 250th Anniversary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) resign amid accusations of sexual misconduct, and another woman comes forward saying Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her; Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts talks in Washington with the Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon on reaching a settlement to end with the war between Israel and Hezbollah; President Donald Trump says the U.S.-Iran negotiations to end the war could resume soon; Republicans in Congress are moving ahead with plans to fund immigration enforcement with only Republican votes, and without the reforms Democrats have demanded to end the Homeland Security Department shutdown; solemn Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony is held at the U.S. Capitol; Vice President JD Vance talks about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban losing reelection; New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) announces the location of the first of his promised city-run grocery stores with lower food prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A U.S. military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is now underway after peace talks with Iran collapsed over the weekend in Islamabad, raising tensions in an already volatile region. President Trump is warning Iranian vessels to stay clear, even as he insists diplomatic talks are still ongoing. At the same time, the President is escalating his criticism of Pope Leo following the pontiff’s condemnation of the war—controversy that comes after the White House quietly deleted a social media post depicting Trump as Jesus. Back in Washington, lawmakers return from a two-week recess facing key votes in both chambers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The war involving Iran dominates the week, as tensions rise and a fragile ceasefire is tested. Melania Trump delivers rare public remarks drawing attention in Washington, while oil prices climb near $100 a barrel amid growing global uncertainty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First: A discussion about the latest in Iran including the two-week ceasefire and efforts to negotiate a peace deal, with Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Then: Sophia Besch of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, discusses NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's visit to Washington and President Trump's threats to leave NATO. And finally: Breaking Defense's Ashley Roque discusses the cost of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran and the Pentagon's $200B funding request. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices