President Donald Trump is set to meet with oil and gas executives at the White House on Tuesday, where he is expected to push for expanded U.S. refining capacity as a way to bring down gasoline prices, according to a White House official.
The meeting comes as the administration explores ways to ease energy costs for American consumers, a key political issue. The president has previously called for increased domestic production and has criticized environmental regulations that he says hinder refinery expansion.
In a related move, Energy Secretary Chris Wright will travel to Venezuela later Tuesday, just days after the nation agreed to a 25-year deal that grants the U.S. majority control over more than 65 million barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. The agreement, which has been scrutinized for its infrastructure and legal challenges, is part of the administration's broader strategy to secure energy resources abroad.
Meanwhile, the House is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a stopgap spending measure that would keep the government funded through December, avoiding a shutdown. The chamber is also set to consider a censure resolution against Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), which was referred from the Ethics Committee.
The threat of a shutdown has prompted calls from lawmakers and industry groups to protect essential services, including the Federal Aviation Administration, from potential disruptions.
In Massachusetts, voters head to the polls for a Democratic primary that pits incumbent Sen. Ed Markey, who has served since 2013, against Rep. Seth Moulton. Moulton, 47, is mounting a long-shot challenge to the 80-year-old progressive, but polls have consistently shown Markey with a comfortable lead. The winner is expected to win the general election in November. Polls close at 8 p.m. EDT.
On the international economic front, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is wrapping up the Group of 20 (G20) finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Asheville, N.C. On Sunday, Bessent said he would encourage leaders to reconsider their economic relationships with China. His decision to invite and meet with Russia's finance minister has drawn criticism from European counterparts, adding tension to the gathering.
In technology policy, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has scheduled separate meetings with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in Chapel Hill, N.C., to discuss global innovation in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
These developments come as Trump's approval rating remains at a record low, with cost concerns dominating public sentiment. The administration is eager to demonstrate progress on economic issues, particularly energy prices, ahead of the midterm elections.
The House vote and the Massachusetts primary will be closely watched as indicators of political momentum, with both parties looking ahead to the fall campaign season.
