Congress

The term "Congress" appears across several recent news articles, primarily in the context of oversight and legal requirements. The Justice Department's release of millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein files is newsworthy, partially due to the "Epstein Files Transparency Act" passed by Congress, mandating the release. Members of Congress can access unredacted versions of these files. Congress is also relevant because the State Department notified it of a large arms sale to Israel and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, articles discuss government shutdowns and executive orders, both areas where Congress plays a crucial role in funding, oversight, and potentially challenging executive actions. A judge blocked provisions in Trump's election executive order, highlighting the checks and balances between the executive and judicial branches, with Congress potentially involved in legislative responses. Therefore, Congress's role in legislation, oversight, and national security is the common thread across these diverse news items.