Live updates: Senate gets DHS funding rolling; Trump orders Navy to sink mine-laying vessels in Strait
The Hill·60-word summary·1 min read
The Senate Republicans approved a budget resolution on April 18, 2026, to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which has been shut down since mid-February. This move paves the way for a congressional vote next month on a budget reconciliation package focused on immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, President Trump ordered the Navy to sink mine-laying vessels in the Strait, escalating tensions.
Former US President Donald Trump stated in a BBC interview that King Charles’s upcoming visit could "absolutely" help repair relations between the US and UK. The comments came ahead of the visit scheduled for next week, during which Trump also discussed his relationship with the UK Prime Minister. The statement highlights the potential diplomatic impact of the royal visit.
A new draft proposal to expand U.S. spy powers omits the warrant requirement demanded by privacy advocates. The outline, obtained by The Hill, is part of ongoing negotiations among House Republicans, with no final version released as of April 2026. The proposal includes reforms but stops short of implementing the warrant requirement critics have called for.
Warner Bros. Discovery's board approved the sale to Paramount on April 18, 2026, in a move that will create one of the world's largest entertainment, sports, and news providers. The deal, finalized two months after initial discussions, aims to reshape the media landscape by combining the assets of both companies into a new, major industry player.
A federal judge dismissed Laura Loomer’s $10 million defamation lawsuit against HBO and Bill Maher on April 19, 2026. Judge James Moody Jr. ruled that the joke made two years ago about her relationship with President Trump was protected speech, and that Loomer’s claims lacked sufficient evidence to proceed. The case highlights ongoing legal battles over free speech and defamation.
GOP and Democratic super PACs have reserved over $400 million for midterm ads, with House Majority PAC, linked to Democratic leadership, committing $272 million for TV and digital campaigns. Both parties are heavily investing as they compete for control of the House in the upcoming November elections. The ad reservations highlight the intense political spending ahead of the midterms.
Congress saw a chaotic week with surprise resolutions and petitions from minority groups, disrupting the legislative schedule. Key votes focused on war powers, immigration, and surveillance laws. The efforts highlighted minority influence but yielded mixed results, reflecting ongoing political tensions and the challenges of advancing minority-led initiatives in a turbulent legislative environment.
