Washington Today

White House Budget Director Russell Vought testifies before a House subcommittee on the President's FY2026 budget request and the budget reconciliation bill, the one called the One Big Beautiful Bill on taxes & spending; He disputes a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) prediction that the House-passed version will add $2.4 trillion in budget deficits over 10 years; Senate is on path to confirm the second highest spot in the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, vice chair for supervision; Tariffs on imported steel & aluminum double from 25% to 50%. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick goes before a Senate subcommittee defending President Trump's tariff policies; FAA Acting Administrator Christopher Rocheleau tells a House panel about the administration's plans to completely rebuild the nation's air traffic control operation; President Trump says he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine and nuclear talks with Iran; U.S. vetoes United Nations Security Council Gaza war ceasefire resolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk calls the budget reconciliation bill that contains a lot of the President and Congressional Republicans' tax & spending agenda – the one known as the One Big Beautiful Bill -- "massive, outrageous, pork-filled" and a "disgusting abomination"; Some Senate Republicans see it that way, as well, and it could jeopardize passage. Meetings are reportedly scheduled this week to try to work it out; Education Secretary Linda McMahon testifies about proposed budget cuts at her department, including zeroing out programs designed to help those from disadvantaged communities access higher education; White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is asked about a report that the FEMA Acting Administrator said at a staff meeting that he did not know there was a 'hurricane season'; Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) calls for an investigation after one of his staff members was put in handcuffs by Homeland Security Department officers who entered the congressman's office in NYC, they said to look for rioters. The Congressman says they had invited immigration rights advocates who had witnessed federal agents detaining migrants outside courtroom in the same building; more reports of Palestinians shot and killed near humanitarian aid stations in Gaza. House passes a bill to honor the late Congressman Gerald Connolly (D-VA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Senate is back in town today and ready to take up the Republicans' budget reconciliation bill. It's the same bill the House passed before Memorial Day weekend, but it faces a possibly rocky path in the Senate. The suspect in Sunday's attack in Boulder, Colorado appeared in court today, charged with 16 counts of attempted murder, plus a federal hate crime. According to an affidavit, Mohammed Soliman told investigators he “wanted to kill all Zionist people” and said, “he would do it again." Russian and Ukrainian delegates met in Istanbul today for a second set of direct peace talks. Their meeting comes after Ukraine's drone attack on Russian bombers. Media reports say the talks between the two sides lasted barely over an hour and that outside of an agreement to work on a new prisoner exchange little progress was made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion with former Republican Congressman Chris Gibson on his new book "The Spirit of Philadelphia" – about reviving bipartisanship and civic engagement in American politics. Then, Dr. Richard Besser from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation joins us– to talk about HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior's "Make American Healthy Again" agenda - and changes to public health policy. Finally, NAACP president & CEO Derrick Johnson discusses the 5th anniversary of the killing of George Floyd – and reaction to Trump administration policies so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk, Former head of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) joins the President Trump in the White House Oval Office on his final day as a government employee; President Trump accuses China of violating a trade agreement from a few weeks ago that led to the lowering of high tariffs on both sides while negotiations continued on a longer-term deal; Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to take away temporary legal protections from over half a million immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela; former President Joe Biden talks to reporters about prostate cancer diagnosis after speaking at a Memorial Day service in Delaware. Today is also the 10th anniversary of the death of his son, Beau Biden; Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzia tells the Security Council that any ceasefire with Ukraine must include the West pausing sending weapons to Ukraine; Bernard Kerik, former NYC Police Commissioner who rose to national prominence after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, has died. He served time in prison and wrote a book about it. We hear what he learned from that experience, at a 2015 CSPAN2 BookTV appearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

White House is calling on the Supreme Court to intervene after a federal trade court struck down many of President Donald Trump's tariffs because the president exceeded his legal authority when he put them in place. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt say, "America cannot function if President Trump, or any other president for that matter, has their sensitive diplomatic or trade negotiations railroaded by activist judges"; State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce is asked about Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement that the U.S. will start “aggressively” revoking the visas of Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields; Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC reopens a week after the two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed by a suspect who says he did it in support of Palestinians. The ceremony includes Jewish, Muslim & Christian clergy mourning the victims and condemning the attack; from the Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas, an SEC Commissioner on the role of the government in regulating cryptocurrency, and a son of President Trump on why the Trump family is investing in crypto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump responds to a nickname some on Wall Street have given him to describe his tariff policy that includes the word 'chicken'; President is asked about Elon Musk saying he disappointed with the amount of spending in the budget reconciliation 'one big beautiful bill' passed by the House; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy calls for more spending on upgrading air traffic control systems, as he gives an update from Newark Airport; Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) hold town hall meetings; Vice President JD Vance promotes cryptocurrency at a Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas; latest on the Trump Administration pause on international student visas; interim U.S. Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro is sworn in; United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on the troubled new attempt to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Britain's King Charles III opens the Canadian parliament in Ottawa by declaring, "As the anthem reminds us, the True North is indeed strong and free." Associated Press calls it "a speech widely viewed as a show of support in the face of annexation threats by U.S. President Donald Trump"; on Wall Streets, stocks climb after President Trump says he will delay 50 percent tariffs on the European Union; Special Presidential Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg talks about the president's frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine; State Department is asked about reported food aid riots in Gaza at a distribution center run by a new organization supported by Israel and the U.S.; Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) announces a run for governor instead of reelection as senator; Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) returns from El Salvador where he was not able to visit in prison with deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia; Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) outlines how the District will cut its spending by hundreds of millions of dollars this year to meet a congressional mandate; Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) speaks at the funeral of the late Congressman Gerald Connolly (D-VA); remembering former Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), who has died at age 94. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a conversation with Dr. Georges Benjamin of the American Public Health Association. We'll talk about changes the Trump administration is making to public health, under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Then, Congressional Republicans and President Trump are taking aim at Biden administration energy initiatives and tax credits in their so-called "big, beautiful bill." We'll talk about what's on the chopping block with Sara Chieffo from the League of Conservation Voters. Alsoin that Republican tax cuts and spending package are BILLIONS in new spending for immigration enforcement. We'll chat with Julie Kirchner from the Federation for American Immigration Reform about the specifics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A federal judge puts on hold the Trump Administration order to Harvard not to accept any international students after the school refused to turn over information about those students' political activities; President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 50% tariff on the European Union and a 25% tariff on smartphones from Apple and Samsung not made in the U.S.; President signs Executive Orders to promote nuclear energy; Vice President JD Vance tells the graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy the administration has "reversed course" in U.S. foreign policy and there will be "no more undefined missions" and "no more open-ended conflicts"; UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres speaks about humanitarian situation in Gaza saying Israel is allowing only a "teaspoon of aid" to enter "when a flood of assistance is required"; DNC considers ousting Vice Chair David Hogg, but not for his stated goal of challenging some Democratic incumbents in primaries; two more commencement addresses in Maryland: Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) at Bowie State University and Kermit the Frog at the University of Maryland, College Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Republicans pass the budget reconciliation 'one big beautiful' tax cut and spending cut bill by one vote after an all-night debate and daybreak vote; FBI is investigating as an 'act of terror' the shooting death of two Israeli Embassy aides outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC by a man who shouted "free, free Palestine"; Make America Health Again (MAHA) Commission releases a report on what is causing chronic disease, especially in children; Democrats criticize President Trump's dinner tonight with the top investors in his meme coin; NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-average hurricane season, which starts June 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Rules Committee meets all night and then all day on the Republican tax cut and spending cut package called Budget Reconciliation or "One Big Beautiful Bill", but negotiations continue among Republicans to reach the near-unanimity that will be need to pass it through the House without any Democratic votes; Education Secretary Linda McMahon testifies before a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Trump Administration efforts to close the department and shift Education money and programs to states; President Donald Trump confronts South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the White House Oval Office over what President Trump claims is a "genocide" against white South African farmers; Federal judge rules the Trump Administration “unquestionably” violated a court order when it deported seven immigrants from Asian nations to South Sudan; Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA) has died at age 75. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump meets with House Republicans on the Budget Reconciliation bill, urging those opposed to accept what is being offered and not to push for additional spending cuts or more state & local tax deduction, but it is uncertain whether he convinced enough for the bill to pass this week; Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) says felony charges she is facing for allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement officer outside an immigration detention facility are "purely political"; Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends the President's foreign policy before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as Sen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) says he regrets voting to confirm him; President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announce plans for a U.S. missile defense shield the president calls the Golden Dome; IRS Commissioner nominee Billy Long is asked at Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing about allegations he was paid to refer friends to a company that sold tax credits that the IRS says do not exist; White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in celebration for "Take Our Sons & Daughters to Work Day", fields questions from the children of reporters and White House staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-House Speaker Mike Johnson says the Republicans federal budget resolution still has QUOTE a lot of hurdles left following its passage out of the House Budget Committee late last night…Fox News Digital reporter Liz Elkind reported that Speaker Johnson said on a conference call this morning…. That members are facing the “most important 48 hours ahead of us that we will ever have in our lives… Meanwhile, CNN is reporting that President Trump will make a personal pitch to House Republicans to pass the bill at a meeting at the Capitol tomorrow… -President Trump also announced that “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and an END to the War…The statement followed what the president said was a 2 hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin…He added that the tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent.”…And that he has talked about it to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders… -And early this morning, Former president Biden posted a picture on social media of himself along with former First Lady Jill Biden that read "Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support."…That after political allies and rivals sent well wishes and tributes to the former president.…President Trump said that he and First Lady Melania Trump extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery…Former vice president Kamala Harris said on social media that Joe Biden QUOTE will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, Wall Street Journal Supreme Court correspondent Jess Bravin breaks down the Supreme Court case heard this week on Trump administration's effort to end birthright citizenship. Then, a conversation with Maria Snegovaya of the Center for Strategic & International Studies about where Ukraine-Russia peace talks stand – after Russian President Putin was a no-show this week in Turkey. Plus, President Trump signs an executive order on prescription drug pricing. Daniel Payne of STAT news explains what the order does - and it means for consumers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Budget Committee votes down the Republican tax cut, spending cut, border and defense Budget Reconciliation, the one they call the One Big Beautiful Bill, after four Republicans join Democrats in voting no; President Donald Trump finishes up his Middle East trip at a business breakfast in the United Arab Emirates, saying UAE could buy advanced computer chips for AI development; Russian & Ukrainian officials hold peace talks in Turkey, with no ceasefire announced. President Trump is asked about his desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to settle the matter for good; Republican chair of the FCC and a Democratic Commissioner both speaking today at separate events in Washington about the agency's role in preserving freedom of speech, but with very different conclusions about the problems and solutions; C-SPAN's CEO Sam Feist previews a new program coming to C-SPAN this fall called CeaseFire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supreme Court hears a case on the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship clause, and President Trump Executive Order to redefine it to not include children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants, but much of the argument concerns whether nationwide court injunctions should be allowed; We hear some of the Justices' questioning and get analysis from Brett Samuels, The Hill's White House reporter (1); Senate Republicans block Democrats' attempt to bring up a bill to require a Trump Administration report on El Salvador’s human rights record and any steps to comply with court orders on U.S. residents deported to Salvadoran prisons; House Republicans' Budget Reconciliation bill may be trouble, a day before the Budget Committee plans to take it up, with some Republicans already saying they will vote no; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testifies before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee about air traffic control upgrades; EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin goes before a House Appropriations Subcommittee, asked about a just announced decision about so-called 'forever chemicals' in water; President Donald Trump speaks to U.S. troops at an air base in Qatar before flying to United Arab Emirates; President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting a Ukraine war peace agreement will only happen when President Trump can meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin; Vice President JD Vance speaks at the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service for National Police Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is questioned about vaccines at two congressional committee hearings. One Senator accuses him of lying to the committee during his confirmation about his plans for programs that promote vaccinations. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is confident that a deal can be reached with holdout House Republican who insist as a condition of their votes on an increase in the maximum State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT) in the comprehensive budget reconciliation bill; Vice President JD Vance holds a breakfast with law enforcement during this National Police Week, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) tries and fails to get House Republicans to put up a plaque honoring police who 'bravely protected and defended' the U.S. Capitol during the attack January 6th, 2021; President Donald Trump in Qatar announces a deal for Qatar's airline to buy nearly $100 billion worth of Boeing jets; federal judge orders the release of Badar Khan Suri, Georgetown University researcher detained by immigration officials for allegedly spreading Hamas propaganda; House no longer voting on resolution to impeach President Trump offered by a House Democrat but opposed by House Democratic leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biggest parts of the House Republicans' and President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" get marked up in committees, but some Republicans are not satisfied with the proposals on tax cuts and Medicaid cuts, and it could put the bill in jeopardy. We will hear from Members and talk with Washington Post Congressional reporter Jacob Bogage. (1) President Donald Trump is in Saudi Arabia, signing cooperation agreements with that country and talking about the quest for Middle East peace, announcing he will repeal sanctions on Syria. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) places a hold on the confirmation of Justice Department political nominees over the President's decision to accept a Boeing luxury airline to be used as a temporary Air Force One. Twenty states led by Democrats sue the Trump Administration over immigration enforcement requirements tied to federal grants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump defends his decision to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family that he plans to use as Air Force One, as he travels to the Middle East. President signs an Executive Order that aims to cut prescription drug costs. House Republicans release more of their tax plan that calls for extending the 2017 tax cuts and tightening Medicaid benefits. Hamas terrorists release Israeli-American Edan Alexander, the last American thought to be held alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices