Congress

De aankondiging van de taskforce volgt op het aftreden van twee congresleden te midden van beschuldigingen van seksueel wangedrag US politics live – laatste updates Voorzitter van het Huis Mike Johnson en minderheidsleider Hakeem Jeffries kondigden woensdag een bipartisane inspanning aan om seksueel wangedrag op Capitol Hill te bestrijden. Het "partnerschap", geleid door de voorzitters van de Republikeinse en Democratische vrouwencaucussen – congresleden Kat Cammack uit Florida en Teresa Leger Fernández uit New Mexico – heeft tot doel "hervormingen en oplossingen te identificeren om het Congres tot een veiligere werkomgeving te maken voor vrouwen en alle overlevers", aldus de leiders in een gezamenlijke verklaring. Lees verder...

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of betraying DMK, stating their pre-2014 government 'survived largely because of the DMK' during a speech on Tamil Nadu's political situation. • Modi highlighted that Congress shared a 'close relationship' with DMK for 25-30 years, relying on the alliance to escape crises, but stabbed them 'in the back' for power when winds shifted. • The remarks underscore ongoing BJP-Congress rivalry ahead of elections, with Modi criticizing Congress's 'lust for power' and need for new allies to stay relevant.

• Virginia's Supreme Court invalidated a voter-approved congressional redistricting map on Friday that would have given Democrats significant gains in the 2026 midterm elections. • The map would have provided Democrats an advantage in 10 House districts while leaving only one safe Republican seat, potentially delivering Democrats as many as four additional congressional seats. • The ruling represents a major setback for House Democrats and a significant victory for Republicans as the midterm elections approach, with implications for control of Congress.

• Congressional Democrats have initiated a formal investigation into whether President Trump's pardons were driven by so-called "pay-to-play" schemes involving financial contributions or other considerations. • Democratic Representative Dave Min of California is one of three lawmakers leading the probe into the suspicious circumstances surrounding select presidential pardons. • The investigation reflects Democratic concerns about potential corruption or quid pro quo arrangements influencing the Trump administration's use of presidential clemency powers.

• Virginia's Supreme Court ruled on Friday to invalidate a new congressional map passed by voters in April that favored Democrats, handing a major win to Republicans ahead of midterm elections. • The rejected map would have created 10 House districts advantageous to Democrats, leaving only one safe Republican seat, according to CBS News analysis. • The decision reverses a voter initiative and bolsters Republican chances in Virginia's congressional races, as noted by Fox News legal correspondent Shannon Bream and CBS election law expert David Becker.

• The Trump administration requires congressional approval to prolong a 30-day federal takeover, announced May 8, 2026. • The measure targets unspecified federal operations, highlighting inter-branch power dynamics. • Extension could impact national policy enforcement, drawing bipartisan scrutiny on executive overreach.

• Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Vijay, secured 107 seats and gained 5 from Congress, totaling 112, but remains 6 short of the 118 needed for majority. • Governor Rajendra Arlekar is not convinced of TVK's numbers, delaying Vijay's swearing-in as Chief Minister despite his request for time to prove majority. • VCK remains undecided on support, while Left parties and IUML have declined, heightening political uncertainty in the state.

• Congress MP Karti Chidambaram announced conditional support to TVK for government formation, emphasizing respect for the public's mandate for change. • Support is offered provided the administration remains secular and excludes communal elements or BJP-aligned parties like AIADMK. • Chidambaram defended the shift from DMK ally, noting no pre-poll alliance had majority and aiming to block BJP influence via proxies.