Friday, July 27, 2026

WHITE HOUSE

• On Monday, President Trump urged Senate Republicans to cancel the August recess until the SAVE America Act is passed. In a Truth Social post, he called on Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to keep the Senate in session or, if necessary, eliminate the legislative filibuster to allow passage of bills by a simple majority. This post followed his earlier request for supporters to lobby Thune directly and his endorsement of a $95 billion party-line spending plan that includes election-related funding. The measure currently lacks sufficient support to pass, and Senate Republicans do not have enough votes to change the filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to advance most legislation.

• U.S. forces refrained from striking Iran on Friday and Saturday. The military has increased its presence in the Middle East in anticipation of a possible multiweek expansion of air and naval operations. President Trump decided against further strikes after being advised that sustained operations could dangerously deplete U.S. air defense munitions and increase the risk of American casualties. He denied reports of munitions shortages. Both countries reportedly responded Sunday to a proposal from Pakistan and Qatar to restart diplomatic talks. An Omani delegation arrived in Iran on Friday to discuss shipping management through the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran’s claim that U.S.-backed efforts to open a safe route on the Omani side violated the ceasefire.
• President Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday to discuss Iran and regional security. This will be Netanyahu’s seventh meeting with the President during the current term and coincides with his visit for Senator Lindsey Graham’s memorial services. The leaders differ on Iran, with Netanyahu advocating for renewed military action and President Trump favoring continued negotiations after declining further strikes over the weekend. The agenda also includes a possible Gaza ceasefire and developments in Lebanon.
• President Trump will also meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Tuesday as Russia intensifies its air campaign. The Oval Office meeting coincides with Zelensky’s visit to Washington for Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral. Zelensky aims to reinforce support in Congress following Graham’s death. The senator was a key advocate for Ukraine who met with Zelensky in Kyiv days before his death, where they discussed Ukraine’s air defenses and efforts to end the war. Russia struck Kyiv again on Sunday, while Ukraine has increased long-range drone attacks against Russian targets. The meeting takes place as the Senate prepares for an initial procedural vote on a revised Russia sanctions bill, shortly after Zelensky is scheduled to meet with a bipartisan group of senators.
• The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Wednesday. The Federal Open Market Committee will announce its decision at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, followed by a press conference with Chair Kevin Warsh. Economists anticipate rates will remain within the current target range of 3.5% to 3.75%, marking the fifth consecutive meeting without a change. Inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target, and oil prices above $100 per barrel, linked to the conflict with Iran, have increased the likelihood of a rate hike later in 2026.

SENATE

• The Senate will hold an initial procedural vote Tuesday on the revised Russia sanctions bill. Leaders have scheduled the cloture vote, which requires 60 votes to advance, for Tuesday evening after memorial services for Senator Lindsey Graham. They hope a strong bipartisan margin will facilitate negotiations, shorten debate, and enable final passage this week. The vote will follow a bipartisan meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is in Washington for Graham’s services. While a strong procedural vote would indicate momentum, disagreements over tariff authority among Democrats remain the main obstacle to a final agreement.

• The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote Thursday on Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general. The acting attorney general cannot afford to lose any Republican votes, as Democrats are expected to oppose him unanimously, giving individual GOP members significant influence. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), both departing the Senate, are urging the administration to eliminate a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and strengthen audit-immunity provisions related to the President’s tax records. Cornyn stated the administration is reluctant but acknowledges the need to negotiate to advance the nomination. Other Republicans, including Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Curtis (R-UT), and Susan Collins (R-ME), have expressed concerns and are looking to Cornyn and Tillis for resolution. The Justice Department is considering options to address these demands, though Cornyn has indicated that legislating changes before the House returns in late August is unlikely.
• The Senate is expected to confirm Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence this week. A procedural vote on his nomination is scheduled for Monday evening, with a confirmation vote set for Tuesday night after Graham’s memorial services. Clayton, the former Securities and Exchange Commission chair, would oversee the office coordinating the nation’s intelligence agencies. The Senate is also processing a separate nominations package.
• Senate appropriators aim to finalize a continuing resolution this week. If it becomes law, it will fund the government until December 4. It is expected to include most of the White House’s requested anomalies, which are provisions that are in addition to the funding extension. The House-passed continuing resolution did not include them. If talks stall, Majority Leader John Thune may bring a funding bill to the floor, allow Democrats to block it, and revisit the issue in September.

• The House is out for its August recess. Members departed for the district work period ahead of the Senate after passing their version of a continuing resolution to fund the government. The chamber is not scheduled to return until August 31.