Congress

Congress is currently a focal point for several significant national issues. Republicans in Congress are reportedly divided over President Trump's demands for a restrictive voting bill and a significant increase in defense spending. Simultaneously, Trump plans to nominate Jay Clayton as the national intelligence director, a move that comes as a lapse in spy powers becomes more likely due to resistance from Congress and his own administration regarding his approach to China. In other legislative and oversight activities, a congressional committee is questioning Bill Gates about his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, and a judge has denied the Kennedy Center's request to pause a ruling ordering the removal of President Trump's name from its building. The legislative body also faces ongoing economic concerns, with US inflation reaching a three-year high. Additionally, the Social Security Administration's chief is prepared to address concerns about long wait times before Congress.