Pressure ratchets up on Congress to ban lawmakers from the stock market

The Senate has backed a resolution that allows President Donald Trump to continue military actions in Venezuela without prior congressional notification, following a tie-breaking vote by Senator J.D. Vance. This resolution defeats efforts to limit the president's war powers regarding Venezuela, where tensions have escalated significantly.

YouTuber Nick Shirley is set to testify before Congress on January 21 regarding a significant fraud investigation in Minnesota, which is estimated to involve up to $9 billion in misappropriated funds, including a $250 million COVID relief scheme. This hearing aims to address the extensive fraud network that has emerged in the state.

Over the past two decades, Minnesota has emerged as a significant hub for Somali immigrants, drawn by the state's liberal social policies and job opportunities. However, this community is now facing scrutiny due to a sprawling fraud scandal linked to COVID-19 aid, which has attracted national attention and criticism from political figures, including former President Trump.

Donald Trump signed a bill on January 14, 2026, allowing whole and 2% milk to be served in US school cafeterias, effectively overturning the Obama-era restrictions on higher-fat milk options. This legislation, known as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, also opens the door for non-dairy drinks like fortified soy milk to be included in school menus in the near future.

Congress has mandated that the Pentagon submit a report detailing China's signals intelligence capabilities in Cuba, alongside information regarding any remaining Russian technical espionage activities on the island. This requirement reflects growing concerns about foreign surveillance and intelligence operations close to U.S. borders.

Fintech giant Bilt announced an overhaul of its credit cards, introducing a 10% introductory interest rate for all card users for the first year. This change comes in response to a bipartisan call for lower credit card rates, aiming to make borrowing more affordable for consumers.

A divided House committee has advanced a bill aimed at restricting stock trading by members of Congress, amidst accusations of misdirection and a disingenuous pursuit of perfection that have marred what began as a bipartisan effort. The bill reflects growing public frustration over lawmakers profiting from the stock market while in office, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.

Representative Robin Kelly has introduced three articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, a move that has garnered support from nearly 70 members of Congress. This action comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Noem's immigration policies and her handling of various issues related to the Department of Homeland Security.