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.
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- 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…Virginia Grace McKinnon -
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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,…Pedro Rodriguez -
- 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…David Harsanyi -
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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…Virginia Grace McKinnon -
- 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…Rebecca Downs -
- 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…Steve Cortes -
- 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…Jeff Clark -
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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…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- 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…Terence Jeffrey -
- 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…Deroy Murdock -
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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…Fred Lucas -
Georgia Politicos Accuse Ossoff of Hiding His ‘Socialism’ on the Campaign Trail
Republican leaders in Georgia told The Daily Signal that Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is campaigning for reelection, is presenting himself as a moderate by emphasizing broadly popular issues rather than embracing what they describe as a sharply partisan voting record. “He’s a great politician,” Rep. Rich McCormick, R‑Ga., said. “When he sees me at…Pedro Rodriguez -
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Will the House Do as the Senate Tells It on Reconciliation?
In the wee hours of Thursday morning, the Senate adopted a budget framework to provide funds for immigration enforcement that Democrats have denied since February. But getting that framework through the House in order to ultimately send a bill to the president’s desk may be a challenge. Senate Republicans are pursuing a two-track approach—a party-line…George Caldwell -
- Exclusive
Thune Wants Senators to Stop Talking About This Trump Priority
Senate Majority Leader John Thune encouraged senators to stop talking about President Donald Trump’s stated priority of nuking the filibuster, according to two sources familiar with the matter. After a few moderates at the Senate’s Wednesday steering lunch urged the Republican conference not to talk about nuking the filibuster, Thune agreed that the move lacks…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
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Senate Advances Massive Border Funding Plan. Will It Survive?
The Senate is rapidly pursuing a plan to inject funds into Department of Homeland Security immigration agencies that Democrats have denied funding. Congressional leaders will have the potentially difficult task of uniting their slim majorities around the plan and settling disagreements on how ambitious it should be ahead of midterms that could strip Republicans of…George Caldwell -
- Opinion
SCORE Act Offers Permanent Fix to College Sports Disorder
College sports generate excitement and bring communities together in a unique way. They inspire pride in our schools, create lifelong memories, and enable young Americans to pursue education while excelling in sports. But the future of this prized institution is far from guaranteed and requires legislative action to permanently fix long-standing issues. New uncertainties took…Chrissy Clark -
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Dem Senator Clarifies ‘Sarcastic’ Post About Iran Breaking US Blockade
Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut faced backlash for his reaction to news of Iranian shadow fleet vessels bypassing a U.S. blockade before clarifying on Tuesday that his original social media post was “sarcasm.” On Monday, Murphy reposted a report on X of at least 26 Iranian shadow fleet vessels breaking through a U.S. blockade…Pedro Rodriguez -
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Tillis ‘Loved’ Kevin Warsh’s Fed Philosophy, But Maintains ‘No’ Vote
Sen. Thom Tillis praised President Donald Trump’s nominee for Federal Reserve chair, Kevin Warsh, but he maintained that he will not support Warsh as long as Trump is investigating current chair Jerome Powell. “I look forward to supporting your nomination, and I look forward to this investigation being taken down,” the North Carolina Republican told…Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell -
- Opinion
Opportunities for Improvement in the Senate’s Housing Act
The Senate’s 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a compendium of smaller housing acts, contains much that could help working Americans. Most notably, it contains provisions that would make receiving permits easier, update rules for building modular and manufactured houses, and reduce duplicative government reviews. The bill has its weaknesses, though—primarily a tendency to lapse into the…Miles Pollard -
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4 Senate Race Predictions Shift in Political Forecast
As midterm elections loom, a major political forecaster is shifting its predictions in four Senate races to be more favorable for Democrats. While it is an uphill climb for Democrats to take back the upper chamber, changing Cook Political Report race ratings suggest there might be a chance. “With an increasingly sour national environment for…George Caldwell