USA TODAY is reporting that House Democratic leadership is vowing consequences for two members who defied the party. Representatives Jared Golden of Maine and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington crossed the aisle to support a procedural measure, aiding Speaker Mike Johnson in controlling the floor agenda. The defiance was primarily to advance a Golden-introduced bill delaying new federal whale-protection regulations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, in a joint statement with other top Democrats, accused the duo of a "significant breach of trust" requiring a "serious response."
The outlet also reports on a growing "AI litmus test" on the left, where grassroots backlash to data centers is becoming a central political issue. During a Senate campaign event in Montana, independent candidate Seth Bodnar faced questions about his stance on AI infrastructure, with voters like Jennifer Yoder advocating for a broad data center moratorium, similar to a temporary ban implemented by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Bodnar argued for guardrails over outright construction prohibitions.
In other House news, the chamber issued a rare bipartisan rebuke of Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-North Carolina, formally condemning him after a GOP-led ethics panel accused him of a yearslong pattern of inappropriate behavior toward two young female staffers. Lawmakers voted 413-2 to censure Edwards, with only Edwards and Rep. Ralph Norman, R-South Carolina, opposing the resolution.
USA TODAY also noted that U.S. officials are urging allies to stay vigilant amid reports of Russia preparing to attack NATO, and Tehran has struck back at U.S. bases in the biggest exchange since July. A new poll shows Americans overwhelmingly oppose President Donald J Trump renaming Lake Ontario. Additionally, Karoline Leavitt’s exit highlights the demanding nature of the White House press secretary role on working parents, and Sen. Ed Markey defeated Rep. Seth Moulton in the Massachusetts Senate primary.