Senate

• These 5 Republicans Broke With Trump on Venezuela War Powers - The Republican defectors paved the way for a debate that could expose bipartisan concern about President Trump’s actions in Venezuela. Mr. Trump called for them to lose their seats.
• In Trump’s Second Year, Congress Weighs How to Reassert Its Power - Lawmakers head into President Trump’s second year facing questions about whether they can reclaim congressional clout in the face of his power grab.
• Trump Vetoes 2 Bills, Drawing Accusations of Retaliation - The president said he blocked the bills to save taxpayers’ money. But he has grievances against a tribe in Florida and officials in Colorado.
• Republicans try to flip an Iowa Senate seat and reclaim a supermajority in year-end special election - Some Iowans are ringing in 2026 with a special election on the final Tuesday of the year, casting ballots for a state senator in a race that offers Republicans an opportunity to reclaim two-thirds control of the chamber. The seat is vacant
• Bessent, Trump urge ending the Senate filibuster; as 2026 budget looms - President Donald Trump and Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent urged an end to the Senate filibuster rule ahead of an anticipated budget battle in January.
• Cynthia Lummis, a One-Term G.O.P. Senator, Will Not Seek Re-election - A conservative who has served in the Senate since 2021, Ms. Lummis attributed the decision to the “difficult, exhausting session” this fall on Capitol Hill.
• Once Again, Health Care Proves to Be a Bitter Political Pill for G.O.P. - The inability to find a credible counter to the Affordable Care Act has long bedeviled Republicans and cost them at the polls. It’s threatening to do so again next year.
• Senate Passes Defense Policy Bill, Clearing It for Trump - The legislation authorizes $900 billion for the Pentagon, provides a pay raise for troops, and has some measures to reassert congressional oversight.
• Democrats Say Hegseth Balked at Call for Full Video of Boat Strike - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed congressional leaders on Tuesday about the monthslong military campaign targeting people suspected of being drug traffickers at sea.
• Fani Willis to face Georgia Senate questions about Trump prosecution, despite legal disputes - Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is finally scheduled to appear on Dec. 17 to testify before a special state Senate committee examining her prosecution of President Donald Trump, but lawyers aren’t done arguing over lawmakers' po