Frustrated GOP barrels toward key health insurance vote without a clear plan

Former Kentucky lawmaker Charles Booker has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to succeed outgoing Republican Senator Mitch McConnell. Booker, a progressive Democrat, is known for his pro-reparations stance and calls for the abolition of ICE, reflecting his far-left policy views.

During a recent Senate hearing, bipartisan efforts to extend ObamaCare enhanced subsidies faced significant obstacles, with lawmakers from both parties acknowledging the urgent need for a deal but failing to reach consensus. The deadline for these subsidies is approaching, raising concerns for millions of Americans relying on affordable health care coverage.

A scheduled House vote on the SCORE Act, aimed at regulating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for athletes, was canceled due to defections among GOP members and concerns regarding athlete rights, despite support from the White House.

Democrats are currently refusing to negotiate on extending enhanced Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire this year, believing they hold the political advantage in the ongoing healthcare debate. This decision comes amid a backdrop of rising health insurance costs and a lack of consensus among Republicans on alternative proposals.

In a special election held on December 2, 2025, Republican Matt Van Epps defeated Democrat Aftyn Behn in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District by a margin of 52% to 46%. Despite the loss, Democratic National Committee officials interpreted the results as a potential warning sign for the GOP, particularly in light of former President Trump's diminished campaigning efforts leading up to the election.

GOP lawmaker Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas has called for the release of video footage related to a second military strike on an alleged drug boat, which followed an initial attack that reportedly left survivors. This comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces scrutiny over the legality and ethics of these military operations in the Caribbean.

Senate Republicans have asserted that President Trump's military strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean Sea are facing more intense scrutiny than former President Obama's drone program. They argue that these operations are crucial for curbing the influx of drugs into the United States.

Billionaire spacewalker Jared Isaacman has returned to the Senate following his renomination by President Donald Trump for the position of NASA Administrator. Isaacman, who was initially nominated in May, faced a temporary withdrawal of his nomination before being reinstated to seek confirmation from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.