USA TODAY is reporting that the House of Representatives is working to pass several key bills before its August recess, including the annual defense policy bill, legislation aimed at banning congressional stock trading, and a version of the SAVE America Act. It said Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing these measures, though their ultimate fate in the Senate remains uncertain. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, a frequent critic of GOP leadership, characterized the stock trading ban effort as "political theater."
The outlet also reported on escalating international tensions, noting that Speaker Johnson is advocating for an end to the Iran war. It said the House passed a short-term funding bill, but a government shutdown fight is still looming. Pete Hegseth stated that the Iran war costs have reached $37.5 billion. President Donald J Trump joined a dignified transfer for soldiers killed in the Iran war. Trump also threatened to escalate retaliatory strikes on Iran, including bombing bridges and power plants, in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, USA TODAY said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, lifted his hold on Trump ambassador nominees Kari Lake and Doug Mastriano. Cornyn had used his leverage to pressure the White House to release appropriated funds for PEPFAR, a George W. Bush-era program designed to combat the global spread of HIV. Cornyn described the program as "one of the best ways to make friends and create allies in Africa."
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on federal officials to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he referred to as a "war criminal." USA TODAY reported that Mamdani stated the city itself would be unable to detain Netanyahu after directing city officials to explore legal pathways for such an action if Netanyahu visited.
The publication also highlighted India's "cockroach" youth protests, with supporters camping in New Delhi, and provided context on what sparked these demonstrations.