Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are set to appear before lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss the judiciary's budget, a routine hearing that takes on added significance amid escalating security threats against federal judges. The appearance comes as the high court faces heightened scrutiny and safety concerns.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is also scheduled to testify before the House, just hours after the latest Consumer Price Index data showed inflation easing slightly in June. The economic update provides a backdrop for policy debates on the Hill.
President Trump will host Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House on Tuesday as the conflict with Iran reaches a boiling point. Both sides have engaged in near-daily strikes, and the U.S. military announced it will resume its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz at 4 p.m. EDT. Trump informed Congress late last week via a letter that hostilities would resume, signaling a return to open confrontation. Read more about Trump's Iran strikes resume as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens.
On Capitol Hill, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) faces a challenging path to advance a third budget reconciliation bill and a defense spending package. The sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and the prolonged absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have complicated leadership dynamics. Darline Graham Nordone, Graham's sister, is set to be sworn in Tuesday afternoon to complete his term.
Speaker Mike Johnson may be seeing some relief in moving legislation, as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) indicated Monday night that she and other conservative hard-liners are willing to compromise on rule votes. This shift could ease procedural hurdles in the House.
The renewed tensions with Iran follow a brief ceasefire that Trump declared dead after both sides traded heavy strikes. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, threatens to disrupt energy markets and escalate into a broader conflict. For context, see Trump declares Iran ceasefire dead as US and Iran trade heavy strikes.
Trump's schedule also includes a policy meeting and a taped interview later Tuesday, as the administration manages multiple crises simultaneously. The situation in the Middle East continues to dominate headlines, with the Pentagon confirming renewed strikes on Iranian positions.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court budget hearing underscores ongoing security concerns for federal judges. The justices' testimony will likely address funding for security upgrades and other operational needs, reflecting a broader push to protect the judiciary from threats.
Follow live updates below for the latest developments on these intersecting stories.
