The U.S. military executed a fresh wave of daytime airstrikes against Iranian positions on Wednesday, targeting Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation follows the reimposition of a naval blockade on the critical waterway, a move that has escalated tensions in the region.
President Trump convened a strategy session in the White House Situation Room on Tuesday to discuss a broader, more aggressive campaign against Iran, according to Axios. Experts quoted by The Hill warned that the cycle of strikes and retaliation is likely to continue with little prospect for de-escalation, calling it a “vicious cycle.”
Trump is scheduled to appear at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit in Carlisle on Wednesday, where he is expected to highlight his administration's military posture.
On Capitol Hill, the Senate is holding confirmation hearings for two key nominees: Todd Blanche for attorney general and Jay Clayton for director of national intelligence. Blanche faced sharp questioning over his role in the Epstein investigation and a controversial IRS settlement involving Trump. The hearing also delved into the so-called anti-weaponization fund, which critics argue was mismanaged. For more details, see our coverage of Blanche's Senate grilling.
House Republicans unveiled a budget blueprint for a $95 billion reconciliation package that includes funding for defense, farm aid, and state-level voter ID requirements. The proposal is expected to face stiff opposition from Democrats.
Trump's renewed push for the SAVE America Act and filibuster reform has lawmakers on edge, with some fearing a government shutdown ahead of the election. The president's threats to force a funding lapse have raised the stakes, particularly as the political calendar tightens.
Two fatal shootings involving immigration agents within a week have put Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin under scrutiny. Despite calls for a pause in enforcement operations, Trump defended the agency's traffic stops on Wednesday morning, rejecting any reform. Read more in our report on the controversy.
The second annual Hill Nation Summit is underway, a bipartisan event featuring lawmakers such as Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), as well as Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.). The summit aims to foster cross-party dialogue on pressing national issues.
Follow live updates throughout the day as these stories develop.
