The Speaker's Lobby: What Congress' December script means for healthcare next year

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.

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.

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.

The House GOP has announced plans to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress, escalating tensions as they face scrutiny over their compliance with subpoenas related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. This move reflects ongoing partisan divisions and the GOP's focus on accountability.

The U.S. Senate has recently voted to eliminate a measure that aimed to limit President Trump's war powers regarding Venezuela, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote after two Republican senators shifted their support under pressure from Trump. This decision allows Trump to continue military operations without prior congressional notification.