U.S. Senate News
This section focuses on the upper chamber of Congress, from major policy debates to confirmation hearings. The Daily Signal provides a conservative look at Senate priorities.
-
news
‘Legislative Terrorists’: Schmitt Warns Democrats Are Driving Toward Another Government Shutdown
Americans are no stranger to government shutdowns after facing the longest in history last year, but now the GOP is warning another one is on the way. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is already predicting a 2026 Democrat-caused shutdown unless the majority enforces deadlines, pushes for reform, and holds members accountable who are “hell-bent” on forcing… -
news
Crackdown Bills Stall After Seattle Company Shut Down for Running Fake Chinese Drugs
Legislation aimed at cracking down on foreign‑origin pharmaceutical drugs and the employment of illegal alien workers has stalled, even as scrutiny intensifies over Mochi Health and its previous distribution of potentially dangerous weight‑loss drugs tied to China. State records obtained last year by KING 5 showed that components of drugs, including illegal Chinese drugs, sold… -
news
Fetterman: ‘The Democratic Party Must Confront Its Own Rising Antisemitism Problem’
Sen. John Fetterman is once again sounding the alarm about “rising antisemitism” in the Democratic Party, insisting the party must confront the growing problem. The Pennsylvania Democrat was responding to the announcement by state Supreme Court Justice David Wecht that he was leaving the party over the “disturbingly common” acceptance of “Jew-hatred” even by elected… -
news
Senate in a $1 Billion Ballroom Budget Battle
Senate Republicans are advancing party-line legislation that would inject billions of dollars into immigration enforcement and border security. But complicating the debate is a disagreement over funding for “security adjustments and upgrades” that Democrat critics claim, despite the White House’s and Republicans’ denial, would fund President Donald Trump’s East Wing ballroom project. The House and… -
news
Kelly Blasted by Hegseth for Talking About ‘Shocking’ Stockpile Depletion
Democrat Sen. Mark Kelly is being blasted by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth after speaking publicly on depleted munitions stockpiles, with the lawmaker accused of revealing classified information. However, Kelly argues the Pentagon has already publicly acknowledged depleted munitions. In an interview aired Sunday, Kelly told CBS News that he had received “shocking” information on… -
exclusive
AFP Action Continues Support for Husted
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—With U.S. Sen. Jon Husted officially the Republican nominee against former Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown, Americans for Prosperity Action is ramping up efforts for this special election in Ohio. After endorsing him in March, the group is doing an ad campaign for Husted. With the new $750,000 ad buy, AFPA has… -
analysis
Inside the Nebraska Senate Race Full of Alleged Plants and Double Agents
The critical 2026 Nebraska Senate race, which could help tip the balance of power in Washington, has become consumed by accusations that candidates are misrepresenting their party affiliations to rig the odds in their favor. In November, Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., who is finishing the term of retired Republican Sen. Ben Sasse, will seek a… -
news
Ed Markey, Dem Politician of 50 Years, Narrowly Leads Primary Foe in Poll
Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Ed Markey is narrowly leading his primary challenger, Rep. Seth Moulton, in a Bay State brawl over the future of the party, new polling suggests. A May poll from Emerson College shows Markey leading Moulton 37% to 32% among likely Democrat primary voters. The survey, which sampled 451 voters on May 3-4,… -
opinion
The Maine Election Scam: Noncitizens, Radical Elites, and the Death of Democracy
Editor’s note: This is a lightly edited transcript of a segment from today’s edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words” from Daily Signal Senior Contributor Victor Davis Hanson. Subscribe to Victor Davis Hanson’s own YouTube channel to watch past episodes. Jack Fowler: So, let’s start off with corruption in Maine. And here’s this—Steve Robinson posted this on X the other… -
news
Immigration Funding Bill Is Finally Here
Late Monday night, Senate Republicans announced a funding package to earmark more than $70 billion to protect the American homeland. The package would fund immigration services, training for officers, efforts to combat human and drug trafficking, and security provisions related to President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom. This is Reconciliation 2.0. Republicans plan to… -
news
Rick Scott Urges Trump Admin to Cut off University of Michigan’s Federal Funds
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., on Sunday urged the Trump administration to cut off federal funding to the University of Michigan after a professor appeared to praise anti‑Israel student activists who illegally set up a campus encampment following Oct. 7, 2023. “It’s unacceptable for any university professor to praise chaos that glorified America’s enemies, justified violence,… -
opinion
Nazi Tattoo? Hamas Defender? No Problem, Says Chuck Schumer
Maine Gov. Janet Mills has suspended her Senate campaign after failing to raise enough money to compete with socialist Graham Platner, who will now almost certainly face the perpetual centrist Republican Susan Collins in the general. Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairwoman Kirsten Gillibrand immediately backed Platner, proving that there’s virtually nothing a… -
news
Sen. Jim Banks: Pro‑Family Policy Is Now Central to Conservatism
The new guard of conservatives is putting family policy first and has an understanding that pro-family policy has a direct correlation to strengthening the economy. “We have a ripe moment in this new era to advance causes that are really good for families,” Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., said at an event celebrating The Heritage Foundation’s… -
analysis
Is Sherrod Brown Trying to Change His Tune on Immigration?
In one of the most closely watched U.S. Senate races, Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown is seeking a comeback after his 2024 loss, this time against Republican Sen. Jon Husted. After being voted out by Ohioans once before, Brown is hoping for a second chance, giving a recent interview on key topics, including immigration. During an… -
opinion
Republicans Risk Losing Their Strongest Issue: Immigration
Brand new battleground polling shows that immigration topics remain the clearest and strongest issue set for all candidates heading into November’s midterm elections. Despite persistent opposition from legacy media and business interests, voters continue to rally to the “America First” vision of sovereignty, restrained immigration, and robust enforcement of our nation’s laws. But predictably, the… -
opinion
President Trump: Convene Congress and Secure DHS Funding
In the wake of the latest alarming incident concerning the safety of our chief executive that has shaken the nation, President Donald Trump has a key opportunity to exercise a clear constitutional authority that has gone too long ignored. Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution grants the president the power to convene both… -
exclusive
SCOOP: Hawley’s AI Chatbot Bill Expected to Pass Committee
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley’s GUARD Act is expected to have the votes to pass the Judiciary Committee on Thursday, a source familiar with the matter told The Daily Signal. The Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue Act, or GUARD Act, bans artificial intelligence chatbot companions for minors. The bill has bipartisan support; three Democrat… -
opinion
Dick Durbin’s Defining Flip-Flop
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, who has served as the Senate’s Democrat whip for more than 20 years, went down to the Senate floor on Jan. 21, 2025, to speak about a bill aimed at protecting the lives of certain newborn babies. He was against it. The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, as described in… -
opinion
Republican House Should Fatten Senate GOP’s Boney Reconciliation Bill
Picture a packed airport gate. Passengers languish as a delayed flight goes nowhere. The typically cheerful airline personnel are as bored and dejected as the travelers. Suddenly, the pilot announces departure in five minutes. The huddled masses jump for joy. After the flight crew boards, the gate agents direct two passengers onto the plane and then shut the… -
news
Targeting COVID-19 Scams, Welfare Fraud: Ernst’s Package Aims to Save Taxpayers $240B
Morphing numerous bills into one giant legislative package is often a recipe for wasteful spending, but an anti-fraud measure from Senate DOGE Caucus Chairwoman Joni Ernst aims to save taxpayers $240 billion. In January, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., requested that Ernst, an Iowa Republican, draft a legislative package to prevent fraud cases similar…