AGP Executive Report

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House approved a war powers resolution to curb President Trump’s military action against Iran, passing 215-208 with four Republicans joining Democrats—an unusual rebuke that now faces an uncertain path as Trump is expected to resist. Immigration Crackdown Funding: The Senate advanced debate on a $70 billion bill to fund Trump’s ICE and border enforcement push, setting up a fast, amendment-heavy fight over how far Congress will go to rein in the administration. Middle East Ceasefire Tensions: As Israel and Lebanon moved toward a U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework, reporting highlights how fragile it remains amid continued strikes and Hezbollah-linked conditions. China Competition in Foreign Policy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said China now drives much of U.S. diplomacy, framing the rivalry around economic security and supply chains. Cuba Sanctions Hit Payments: Cuba said Visa and Mastercard transactions will be suspended after expanded U.S. sanctions, further pressuring the island’s economy and tourism. Tech and Security: Lithuania confirmed talks with the U.S. on nuclear deployment, while the U.S. also discussed expanding nuclear posture in Europe.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House passed a war powers resolution to force an end to Trump’s Iran military action unless Congress authorizes it, 215-208, with four Republicans joining Democrats as opposition grows over cost and legality. Middle East Escalation: Iran and the U.S. traded strikes as Iran hit Kuwait’s airport with drones and missiles and the U.S. struck Iran’s Qeshm Island; Rubio said talks with Lebanon and Israel aim to secure Lebanon from Hezbollah, while Iran warned any Beirut attack could trigger full regional war. Diplomacy Under Strain: Trump said Iran ceasefire talks are still ongoing and suggested Iran and Lebanon issues should be handled separately, even as ceasefire violations threaten negotiations. China Spying Warning: Five Eyes issued a rare joint alert warning China uses LinkedIn and job platforms to target security and intelligence personnel. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. proposed forced-labor-linked tariffs (including 12.5% on some countries) and Treasury’s Bessent said China is interested in more Boeing purchases ahead of Xi’s visit. Immigration Detention: A detainee’s pregnant wife pleaded for release amid protests at Delaney Hall in Newark. Tech/Business: LibertyStream delivered its first U.S. tonne of lithium carbonate; Kia began U.S. Sportage Hybrid production in Georgia to avoid higher import duties.

US Politics & Immigration Funding: House Speaker Mike Johnson says President Trump has dropped his push for the $1.8B “anti-weaponization fund,” clearing a path for GOP leaders to fund deportations through 2030 without added limits on immigration enforcement officers. Housing: Congress is again debating a bipartisan housing package aimed at speeding homebuilding and cutting costs; the House passed it 396-13, reviving the long-running fight over which provisions belong in the final bill. Voting Access: The USPS proposed major changes to mail-in voting, including a new “Mail-In and Absentee Participation List” of eligible voters and barcode-linked tracking for enforcement review. US-Iran Tensions & Markets: Renewed Gulf attacks are rattling diplomacy and pushing oil higher, with markets slipping as investors weigh the risk of a longer conflict. Trade & Tariffs: The USTR is moving forward with forced-labor-related tariffs covering 60 economies, including India, while India says talks on a trade framework are still progressing. California House Races: California’s 5th District primary advanced Democrat Michael Masuda to the general election, with other districts also seeing projected runoffs.

Immigration & Homeland Security: Democrats grilled DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin in a tense Senate hearing over immigration enforcement threats and DHS spending, sharpening doubts about his rule-of-law approach. AI Governance: Trump signed a new AI executive order, keeping a voluntary federal review but cutting the model assessment period to 30 days, while a State Department official said the U.S. rejects global AI standards yet is still talking with allies on real-world harms. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. moved to keep pressure on Brazil with a proposed 25% tariff tied to a Section 301 probe, even as Brazil’s leaders pushed back and questioned U.S. motives. DOJ & Capitol Security: Acting AG Todd Blanche told lawmakers the Justice Department won’t proceed with Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund after a judge paused it, escalating the fight between the White House and Congress. Middle East & Shipping: U.S.-Iran talks remain in flux as Rubio testified that Iran’s supreme leader is alive and more engaged, while CENTCOM disabled an Iranian-bound tanker under the maritime blockade. Ebola in Kenya: A Kenyan court delayed a proposed U.S. Ebola quarantine unit, ordering Kenya to disclose its deal with Washington after protests turned deadly. Iowa Primaries: Voters headed to the polls in key Iowa races, with turnout expectations and candidate choices driving local debate.

Iran-U.S. Lebanon Tensions: Trump says Iran talks are still moving and a deal could come “over the next week,” even as reports claim Tehran paused indirect negotiations amid Israel’s Lebanon push. Defense & Courts: A federal appeals court ruled the Pentagon’s transgender service ban was unlawfully discriminatory, though it limits immediate relief to current service members. Congress & Immigration Funding: Republican senators want clarity on a controversial $1.8B Trump-linked settlement fund after DOJ said it will follow a court order blocking the program, complicating an immigration enforcement funding bill. Foreign Policy Oversight: Secretary of State Marco Rubio faces tough questions in Congress, with lawmakers zeroing in on the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Tech & Chips: Nvidia unveiled the RTX Spark aimed at Windows laptops, as Washington tightens rules on advanced AI chip sales to China. Local Politics & Power Costs: Ohio’s data-center boom is sparking a fight over who pays rising electricity bills. Public Health Protests: Kenya saw deadly protests over a planned U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility, with police firing reported.

US-Iran Tensions: Trump said Iran suspended talks without informing Washington, while the US reported intercepting Iranian missiles over Kuwait and striking Iranian radar and command sites as diplomacy stays shaky. Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Lebanon’s presidency and Hezbollah officials say a US-backed mutual halt is accepted, with talks in Washington aimed at expanding it beyond Beirut’s southern suburbs. Trade & Chips: Taiwan and the US reached a deal to cut tariffs and boost Taiwanese investment in the US, pushing more AI chip production stateside. Federal Courts & Trump Fund: The DOJ is pausing Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund after a judge blocked it, as Democrats push new legislation to prevent future slush-fund schemes. Economy & Rates: New inflation data shows a widening gap between core PCE and CPI, complicating hopes for Fed rate cuts. Military Families: Sen. Mark Warner held a roundtable on deployment challenges, focusing on childcare, mental health, and access to resources. Rural Health: The Senate passed a five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, backed by Sen. Peter Welch. Tech & Security: Hackers briefly took over a senior Space Force official’s Instagram, posting pro-Iran propaganda. LGBTQ+ Observances: Pride Month 2026 kicks off with events across the US.

US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. and Iran traded fresh strikes amid stalled talks, with Washington saying it hit Iranian radar and drone sites after Iran shot down a U.S. MQ-1 drone, while Iran and Kuwait reported retaliatory attacks and air-defense interceptions; markets reacted with oil jumping over 3% as the Strait of Hormuz remained a key pressure point. Lebanon Crisis: Israel expanded operations in Lebanon, seizing the Beaufort Castle, as the UN Security Council prepared an emergency meeting; the U.S. floated a Lebanon de-escalation “roadmap” that would require Hezbollah to stop firing first. FBI Child-Safety Crackdown: FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted a nationwide push against child exploitation networks, citing Operation Setoria’s rescue of 87 children and 273 arrests, plus other major cases across multiple cities. Trade & Food Safety: U.S. senators expanded their shrimp import inquiry, sending questions to major seafood certification groups over health risks and how retailers handle recalls. Politics & Money: Political ad spending for the 2026 cycle is nearing $4 billion, with California’s governor’s race setting a record pace. Elections Abroad: Colombia’s presidential race heads to a June 21 runoff after no candidate won a majority, with Abelardo de la Espriella and Ivan Cepeda advancing. Local US Watch: Boston Medical Center reported losses ahead of looming Medicaid cuts, warning safety-net hospitals could be hit hardest.

Iran Talks & Hormuz Pressure: Trump reportedly toughened terms in a proposed U.S.-Iran peace framework and sent revised language back for review, while Iran’s parliament speaker said Tehran won’t accept any deal without tangible rights secured; Egypt and France are pushing for a quick ceasefire and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. Lebanon Escalation: Israel says it has taken control of the Beaufort Ridge outpost and advanced near the Litani River, with Israeli officials urging the U.S. to allow expanded strikes as Germany calls for a ceasefire. Election Rules Fight: The USPS unveiled a draft plan to tighten mail-in voting by requiring voters be on federal registration lists, a move critics say sidesteps Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms. Courts vs Trump: A Florida judge ordered review of a deal tied to Trump’s IRS settlement, as retired judges argue it was collusion and fraud on the court. Campaign Politics: Maine Democrats face fresh fallout from leaked sexting reports involving Senate candidate Graham Platner. Defense Industry Demand: Zelensky warned the U.S. isn’t producing enough Patriot missiles and urged licensing so Ukraine can manufacture more.

Immigration Courts & Rights: Rights groups sued ICE over alleged abuse at Camp East Montana on Fort Bliss in El Paso, citing a measles outbreak, violent force, solitary confinement, and unsanitary conditions. Middle East Diplomacy: The U.S. warned it is “more than capable” of resuming war with Iran as talks stall, with Trump insisting on nuclear red lines and Hormuz reopening while Iran denies a final deal. Defense & Alliances: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth told allies to raise defense spending or face changes, as the U.S., UK, and Australia pushed AUKUS underwater drone plans. Israel-Lebanon: Israel and Lebanon held U.S.-backed military talks as fighting deepened, with Hezbollah still a central issue. Politics & Courts: A judge will review Trump’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund after former judges questioned its legitimacy. U.S.-Israel Military Integration: A new NDAA provision would expand U.S.-Israeli defense tech cooperation, raising concerns about deeper integration. Local Impact: San Diego’s Muslim community held healing efforts after a mosque attack. Economy & Tech: SoftBank plans $88B in France data centers to boost AI computing capacity outside the U.S.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. is ready to restart strikes on Iran if talks fail, as negotiations continue over a potential deal and the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Diplomacy vs. pressure: Iran’s leaders reiterated openness to a “dignified framework” for ending the conflict, while Trump signaled a possible lift of the naval blockade tied to mine removal. Shipping risk: Reports say commercial vessels are taking unusual steps—like going dark on tracking—to transit Hormuz with U.S. military coordination. Tech sovereignty: The EU is drafting a major tech package aimed at cutting reliance on U.S. cloud services and reducing ties with U.S. and China tech. U.S. courts & politics: A judge ordered Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center, citing congressional authority. Local accountability: An investigation and editorial spotlighted Lancaster County’s Blessings of Hope amid debt and governance turmoil. International spotlight: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing began a visit to India with prayers at Bodh Gaya, setting up talks with Prime Minister Modi.

U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks: The U.S. and Iran are reported to have agreed on a 60-day ceasefire extension and steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but President Trump has not finalized approval, while Iran says no deal is final yet and Washington signals sanctions relief would be phased. Congressional Oversight: Senate Democrats are pressing the Congressional Budget Office to scrutinize the Pentagon’s Iran-war cost estimates, arguing independent analyses put the price far higher than official figures. Federal Courts vs. Trump Branding: A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to remove Trump’s name and blocked a planned two-year closure for renovations, ruling the board violated the law that names the venue for President Kennedy. Immigration & Rights: Lawyers say a pregnant Ghanaian woman and her young son detained at a Washington airport are being deported despite valid visas, raising fresh concerns about conditions during the Trump immigration crackdown. Elections Watch (Texas): A new poll after the Texas GOP Senate runoff shows Democrat James Talarico leading Ken Paxton narrowly, with strong support among independents and moderates. Economy: Mortgage demand cooled in late May as rates rose, while gas prices fell for the eighth straight day and stocks ended May near record highs led by tech.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy & Markets: The U.S. and Iran are reportedly “very close” to a 60-day ceasefire extension and a framework for new nuclear talks, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz a key goal—though President Trump has not yet approved the deal, keeping oil and stocks jumpy. Economy Watch: The Commerce Department revised first-quarter GDP growth down to 1.6% (from 2.0%), while inflation pressures tied to the Iran war continue to squeeze households. Wall Street: Despite the GDP downgrade and hotter inflation data, major indexes hit record closing highs as investors bet on de-escalation. Energy Prices: Oil benchmarks slid on deal optimism, but volatility remains after renewed strikes and counterstrikes. Tech & Labor: A House bill would set a federal safety framework for autonomous commercial trucks, including rules for remote workers and workforce training. National Security Claims: U.S. Central Command denied Iranian media reports that a U.S. aircraft was shot down near Bushehr. Cyber/Privacy: The Pentagon and CENTCOM warn adversaries are using location data to target U.S. troops. Money & Politics: The Treasury is preparing for a proposed $250 note featuring Trump’s portrait, even as legal and legislative hurdles remain. TikTok Oversight: Sen. Ed Markey is pressing TikTok and Oracle for details on whether the post-ban spin-off deal protects Americans’ national security interests.

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks: The US and Iran reportedly drafted a 60-day ceasefire extension and a new round of nuclear talks, but President Trump still has to sign off; the emerging terms reportedly include unrestricted Strait of Hormuz shipping, mine removal within 30 days, and limits on Iran’s ability to impose tolls—while fresh strikes keep the fragile truce in doubt. Treasury & Currency Fight: Treasury officials say they’re “prepared” to print a new $250 bill featuring Trump if Congress changes a 1866 law barring living people on US currency, setting up a legal and political showdown ahead of the 250th anniversary. Legal Battle Over “Slush Fund”: Public Citizen sued DOJ to block the “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” arguing the DOJ created nearly $1.8 billion without required public process and oversight. Ethics & DOJ Scrutiny: Trump’s attorneys general face new ethics complaints tied to past prosecutions, as watchdog groups push for discipline. Louisiana Redistricting: Louisiana lawmakers moved to redraw maps to eliminate a majority-Black district, but plaintiffs say the changes still don’t fully comply with the Supreme Court’s Callais ruling. E. Jean Carroll Saga: Carroll’s long-running case against Trump continues to draw attention as the legal fight stretches toward new phases. Energy & Jobs: California’s workers boosted US productivity in 2025, and US sanctions hit Iran’s military-linked oil trade even as ceasefire talks advance.

US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. and Iran traded fresh strikes in the Strait of Hormuz area in the most serious clash since an April ceasefire began, with Washington saying its actions were defensive after drones and a control station near Bandar Abbas were targeted, while Iran’s IRGC said it hit a U.S. airbase in Kuwait as a “serious warning.” Energy Markets: Oil jumped again as the renewed violence threatened global shipping and LNG flows, underlining how fragile diplomacy remains. Federal Courts & Crypto: The CFTC asked a federal judge to undo a prior Gemini settlement, arguing the earlier complaint shouldn’t have been filed under current enforcement standards. Immigration & Security: The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv denied reports it had left the city, saying operations remain unchanged despite Russia’s warning to diplomats and foreigners. Congress & Elections: Republicans are poised to extend their redistricting advantage, potentially adding up to 10 House seats through partisan line-drawing as the post–Voting Rights Act landscape shifts. Health Care Policy: Kansas lawmakers introduced a bipartisan bill offering interest-free loans to rural hospitals at risk of closure. Sports & Community: Spokane’s first pro women’s soccer team, Zephyr FC, won’t return for a third season, while a Kansas forum is set to spotlight candidates for a key House seat.

Ukraine-EU: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says the coming weeks are “important” for decisive steps in Ukraine’s EU accession, including a Ukraine Support Loan aimed at defense needs. Iran talks & Strait of Hormuz: At a White House cabinet meeting, President Trump said a “perfect” U.S.-Iran deal would mean immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while rejecting any plan for Iran or Oman to control it. Immigration enforcement: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended conditions at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall migrant detention center after protests and pepper spray incidents involving Sen. Andy Kim. Texas politics: Ken Paxton won the GOP Senate runoff, setting up a November matchup with Democrat James Talarico and underscoring Trump’s influence in the party. Congress & courts: A group of 35 former federal judges filed to reopen Trump’s IRS “slush fund” settlement fight, while Ohio’s new anti-SLAPP law is invoked in a defamation case involving Rep. Max Miller. College sports: Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan bill to overhaul college sports rules on transfers, eligibility, and NIL, aiming to break a Senate logjam. Public safety: Two Michigan road workers were killed when an SUV hit them during highway work.

Philippines Senate Clash: The fight over online voting in the Philippine Senate escalated again, with the minority bloc walking out and Malacañang arguing the rules are being targeted for political convenience—while former Senate president Franklin Drilon calls the push “tyranny of the majority” tied to the VP impeachment fight. US Politics: In Texas, Ken Paxton crushed John Cornyn in the GOP Senate runoff, setting up a November showdown with Democrat James Talarico and underscoring Trump’s grip on the party. Middle East: As US-Iran talks try to move forward, Israel is intensifying operations in Lebanon, raising the odds Washington and Tehran face a painful choice if the ceasefire frays. US Immigration: A new USCIS memo signals tighter scrutiny for people seeking green cards from inside the US, pushing most applicants back to consular processing. EU-US Trade: EU governments cleared legislation to cut import duties on many US goods, aiming to head off Trump’s tariff threat. Defense Budget Pressure: CNN reports Pentagon training and maintenance are being squeezed by Iran operations, with leaders urging Congress for more money.