The Senate is conducting a vote-a-rama on a GOP budget resolution aimed at funding immigration enforcement through reconciliation, bypassing the Democratic filibuster. Meanwhile, California gubernatorial candidates are participating in a debate. The vote is part of a two-step GOP plan to advance immigration policies, with significant implications for upcoming legislation.
Senate Republicans on April 19 defeated an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ben Ray Luján to reverse $187 billion in SNAP cuts from last year's legislation. Notably, Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sullivan broke with GOP leaders to support the measure, which aimed to create a reserve fund to lower grocery costs. The vote highlights divisions within the Senate GOP on social safety net policies.
New York City Council member Chi Ossé was arrested on April 19 during a protest to prevent a resident's eviction. Ossé was later released and reported being "manhandled" by three men outside the 79th Precinct. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over eviction policies and tenant rights in New York City.
On April 24, 2026, two Senate Republicans broke ranks as the GOP defeated a Democratic-led amendment aimed at lowering out-of-pocket health care costs. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer proposed the amendment, which sought to create a point of order against future budget reconciliation bills that do not reduce healthcare expenses for Americans. The vote highlighted divisions within the party on healthcare policy.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a positive discussion with President Trump at the White House regarding FEMA aid for wildfire recovery efforts. The conversation focused on support for areas affected by last year's Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The meeting highlights ongoing federal assistance efforts, though specific funding amounts or agreements were not disclosed.
Democrat Rep. David Scott, aged 80, died on April 22, after over 20 years in Congress, reducing the party’s House majority. His death highlights concerns over the aging Democratic leadership, with some colleagues citing it as a "liability problem" amid ongoing debates about age and health in Congress. Scott was the eighth House member to die in office in the past two years, mostly Democrats over 70.
The Senate plans a vote-a-rama on Wednesday night to approve a budget resolution, serving as a blueprint for a GOP-only bill aimed at funding immigration enforcement. The bill, part of a two-step process, seeks to pass through budget reconciliation, bypassing the Democratic filibuster. This move highlights ongoing partisan efforts on immigration policy.
