USA TODAY is reporting that Senate Republicans are facing a looming "vote-a-rama" this week, following a period of contention over what critics have called a "slush fund" for President Donald Trump's political allies. The outlet said that after Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche promised lawmakers the Justice Department would fully halt the fund, Senate Majority Leader John Thune initiated voting on a long-planned bill to increase funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This vote was previously delayed due to Republican anger over a potential nearly $2 billion payout that could benefit Jan. 6 rioters. Democrats are expected to use the "vote-a-rama" to force amendments, including one to codify an end to the DOJ fund, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer challenging Republicans to vote on the issue.
The newspaper also reported on Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, who deleted a tweet stating "homosexuality has no place in America." Ogles attributed the post to a staff member, calling it "stupid, hurtful and a complete distraction" and stating the employee had been reprimanded. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the tweet as "untoward," saying "some errant staffer did that."
Additionally, Johnson provided an update on Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-New Jersey, who recently secured the GOP nomination for his district but has been absent from Washington since early March due to a mysterious health issue. Kean stated he would return to work in the coming weeks without offering specifics. Johnson told reporters he knows Kean's health issue but was asked not to disclose it, adding that "what he's dealing with is very common and not a big thing" and "when he explains it, it'll all make sense."
Separately, USA TODAY noted that "60 Minutes" veteran Scott Pelley has been fired from the CBS show after more than two decades.