A bipartisan agreement between Senators Marsha Blackburn and Ted Cruz, which aimed to loosen federal restrictions on how states regulate AI, has been scrapped from a broader legislative package—dubbed the "big, beautiful bill" by former President Trump. The deal's removal signals friction over how much autonomy states should have in governing emerging AI technologies.

Editor’s Note: This might seem like inside baseball, but it’s a big deal for how AI gets regulated in the U.S. States are already passing their own AI laws (like deepfake bans or facial recognition limits), and this would’ve given them even more leeway. Now, the fight over who calls the shots—Washington or state capitals—just got messier, which could slow down clear rules for AI companies and users alike.

Senate Republicans are pulling an all-nighter to push through President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, scrambling to meet their own July 4 deadline. It’s a high-stakes political sprint, with the GOP determined to deliver a major legislative win—even if it means burning the midnight oil.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another late-night congressional session—it’s a make-or-break moment for Trump’s agenda. If the bill passes, it could reshape taxes and spending in a big way. But the rush also highlights the pressure on Republicans to show they can govern, especially after earlier setbacks. Whether you love or hate the bill, the outcome will ripple through wallets and midterm elections alike.

Former President Trump is sounding the alarm about a potential "whopping 68% tax increase" if the Senate doesn’t pass his sweeping bill, which combines tax cuts with border security measures. He’s framing it as the "largest tax increase in history," but the proposal is already facing pushback from both sides of the aisle.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about taxes—it’s a high-stakes political play. Trump’s warning amps up pressure on lawmakers, tying popular tax cuts to the divisive issue of border security. If the bill stalls, it could become a rallying cry for his campaign, painting opponents as responsible for soaring taxes. For everyday Americans, the outcome could hit wallets directly, making this a story worth watching.

The Senate went into overdrive, voting on a slew of amendments to a major bill—some calling it a "vote-a-rama"—while the White House signaled it’s ready to restart negotiations after dropping a controversial tech tax provision. Meanwhile, hundreds of current and former EPA employees raised concerns (though the excerpt cuts off before detailing what exactly).

Editor’s Note: This is one of those messy, high-stakes legislative sprints where a ton of changes get debated in a short time—meaning the final bill could look very different from where it started. The dropped tech tax and EPA rumblings hint at behind-the-scenes tensions, so even if the process feels chaotic, the outcomes could ripple through tech, climate policy, and more.

The Senate is grinding through a marathon voting session on Trump's massive budget bill—a key part of his agenda—but it’s causing rifts even among Republicans. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is stirring the pot, threatening to campaign against any lawmakers who back the bill, calling out its $3.3 trillion deficit increase as hypocritical for those who promised fiscal restraint.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another policy debate—it’s a high-stakes showdown with real consequences. If the bill passes, it could reshape spending priorities for years, but the backlash (from figures like Musk and within Congress itself) shows how divisive fiscal policy has become. For voters, it’s a litmus test: Which side will lawmakers choose—party loyalty or their campaign promises?

A group of conservative lawmakers met with Senate Majority Leader John Thune late Monday night after their push to slash an extra $313 billion from Medicaid hit a roadblock. The amendment, aimed at curbing Medicaid growth, seemed doomed to fail, so they scrambled to figure out their next move in advancing Trump’s sweeping bill.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just inside baseball—Medicaid cuts could affect millions of low-income Americans who rely on the program. The fact that conservatives are regrouping signals high-stakes negotiations behind the scenes, with real consequences for healthcare access. If they can’t rally support, it could weaken their broader legislative agenda.

A push by certain Republicans to block state-level AI regulations—part of a broader legislative package they’ve dubbed the "big, beautiful bill"—just hit a roadblock. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a key figure, withdrew her support, joining other GOP holdouts who argue states should retain some oversight over artificial intelligence. The move signals internal division and complicates the bill’s path forward.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just inside baseball—it’s a fight over who gets to set the rules for AI, a technology reshaping everything from jobs to privacy. If Congress blocks states from regulating AI, it could centralize control in Washington, but critics worry that might leave gaps in oversight. Blackburn’s defection shows even Republicans aren’t united on how to handle it, which could stall or reshape the bill entirely.

West Virginia Senator Jim Justice, a Republican, is pushing back against a proposal by Florida Senator Rick Scott that would strip Medicaid benefits from able-bodied adults without kids. Justice says he’s a hard "no" on the plan, which could slash federal Medicaid spending by $313 billion. The move highlights growing GOP divisions over cutting safety-net programs, especially in states like West Virginia where Medicaid is a lifeline for many.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just inside-the-Beltway drama—it’s a real-world fight over who gets healthcare. Medicaid cuts might sound like abstract budget talk, but they’d hit vulnerable people hard, especially in poorer states. Justice’s opposition signals that even some Republicans worry these cuts could backfire politically, alienating voters who rely on the program. It’s a reminder that gutting Medicaid isn’t as easy as some lawmakers think.

Florida Republican Rep. Greg Steube isn’t sugarcoating it—getting Trump’s sweeping legislative package through the House won’t be easy. With a razor-thin majority, the GOP can only afford to lose three votes, and Steube openly admits it’s going to be a tough sell. His blunt take suggests internal divisions or lukewarm support could derail the bill before it even gets off the ground.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just inside baseball—it’s a reality check for Trump’s agenda. If even allies like Steube are warning about hurdles, it signals potential roadblocks ahead, whether from dissent within the GOP or the challenges of governing with a fragile majority. For voters, it’s a reminder that big promises often collide with messy legislative math.