Watch live: Johnson speaks after NDAA advances, as health care concerns grow

Minnesota lawmakers are calling for a crackdown on fraud following a scandal that reportedly cost the state $1 billion, with accusations directed at Governor Tim Walz for allowing the situation to escalate. The fraud is particularly linked to the Somali community and COVID-19 aid programs, raising concerns about oversight and accountability.

A North Carolina lawmaker has accused school officials of violating a parental rights bill during a heated hearing focused on the inclusion of LGBTQ books in schools. This confrontation reflects ongoing tensions between GOP lawmakers and educational institutions regarding parental control over educational content.

Senate Democrats are raising alarms over a potential healthcare affordability crisis as enhanced subsidies from the Biden administration are set to expire. In response, Republicans assert that this crisis is artificially created for political gain, intensifying the ongoing debate over healthcare policy.

Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his delight over Representative Jasmine Crockett's announcement to run for the U.S. Senate from Texas, highlighting her progressive stance in a predominantly Republican state. This development is significant as it marks a shift in the Democratic primary landscape, especially following the withdrawal of former House Representative Colin Allred, which has opened the field for new candidates like Crockett.

Democrat Eileen Higgins has won the Miami mayoral race, marking the first time in nearly 30 years that a Democrat has held the position, defeating Republican Emilio González, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. This victory is seen as a significant shift in the political landscape of Miami, traditionally a Republican stronghold.

More Republicans in both the House and Senate are expressing support for extending the expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, indicating a potential shift away from strict party lines. This comes as lawmakers face a critical deadline to address the subsidies that affect millions of Americans.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, which had been under US sanctions for several years, as part of the Trump administration's intensified pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime.

The House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, sending the substantial defense bill to the Senate for consideration. The final vote was 312-112, with Speaker Mike Johnson rallying support after an earlier setback in the rule vote. This legislation authorizes significant funding for military programs, including troop pay raises and reforms to procurement processes.