Although nature was abuzz with activity this month, Congress was a little lackluster. Still, there were a few signs of life. The war in Iran continues to take center stage, and Democrats and Republicans are still struggling over war powers. Funding fights broke out, and some Republicans balked at the president’s proposed anti-weaponization fund. Perhaps the biggest congressional news happened outside the beltway with shocking upsets in Republican primaries.
Deal or No Deal: The American public is increasingly weary of the war in Iran, and Congress has yet to hash out a clear way forward for war powers resolution. A Democrat-led bill to compel withdrawal was scheduled to be voted on in the House, but the Republicans pulled it at the last minute. Representative Meeks (D-NY), one of the bill’s sponsors, claimed that the GOP was simply avoiding the inevitable: “We had the votes without question and they knew it, and as a result they’re playing a political game.” Rep. Meeks may have had a point. Republicans are feeling the strain of a frustrated base. Despite this, any resolution on limiting Trump’s power has been punted to June.
Meanwhile, President Trump has been hard at work to fashion a deal with Iran. It was announced on May 28th that a 60-day memorandum of understanding had been drafted between the warring nations. This MOU would extend the ceasefire, resume shipping through Hormuz without tolls or harassment, along with a commitment from Iran to cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons. The U.S. would agree to release some sanctions and allow for humanitarian aid to flow into the beleaguered country. Critics have pointed out that this agreement doesn’t seem to benefit the United States, which only adds fuel to the claim that the Trump Administration has been unclear in its objectives for this war. As of late May, neither country has given the MOU a green light.
Draw Your Weapons: Earlier this month, the Justice Department announced a $1.776 billion dollar anti-weaponization fund. This fund was part of the settlement agreement between President Trump and the Internal Revenue Service and is meant to compensate those Americans who were victims of lawfare by the federal government, particularly during the Biden administration. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the DOJ’s intention: “The machinery of government should never be weaponized against any American, and it is this Department’s intention to make right the wrongs that were previously done while ensuring this never happens again.”
However, not everyone is pleased with this new venture. While judges are haggling over legal aspects, some Republicans have joined a revolt against the proposed fund. Senator Tillis (R-FL), who will not run for reelection, found the whole proposal absurd, especially considering that it could be used to help J6 participants: “(The fund) could potentially compensate someone who assaulted a police officer, admitted their guilt, got convicted, got pardoned and now we’re going to pay them for that?” A bipartisan bill to kill the fund will be unveiled soon.
Let’s Dance!: Unlikely as it seems, immigration enforcement and the additions to the White House became entangled in a messy situation on the Hill. Earlier this month, Republicans added $1 billion for the ballroom to an ICE and Customs funding bill for “above-ground and below-ground security features.” However, it was determined that this fell outside of the procedural requirements for extraneous spending. Democrats were jubilant, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared “Americans don’t want a ballroom. They don’t need a ballroom. And they sure as hell should not be forced to pay for one.” It is unlikely that the ballroom saga will end anytime soon.
The Ultimate Trump Card: President Trump proved this month that he’s still got a winning hand. With midterms approaching, primaries are underway. It’s not a good time to be on Trump’s bad side, and several members of the GOP felt that keenly. Rep. Thomas Massie–who voted against the Big Beautiful Bill–was defeated by Trump-backed, former Navy Seal, Ed Gallrein. While Trump called Massie a “terrible congressman,” Massie declared that “if the legislative branch always votes with the president, we do have a king.” The Kentuckian has filed to run for the House again in 2028.
Meanwhile, out in Texas, MAGA-approved Ken Paxton ousted John Cornyn, who has been in office since 2002. This was a historic run in a few ways. Cornyn is the first Republican senator in Texas history to lose the party’s nomination for reelection. It also was one of the most expensive primaries in American history, costing nearly $130 million. Paxton expressed his gratitude to the president: “When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn’t listen. President Trump is the leader of our party, and his endorsement is the most powerful force in politics.”
Trump has unseated other Republicans this primary season, but the real test of his influence will come in November, when the fate of Congress will be decided.
Applying Phyllis’s Philosophy Today
This month, the primaries shook the political landscape, and Republicans nationwide are gearing up to cast their votes. In our current climate, it can be difficult to tell friend from foe, but Phyllis knew a thing or two about the importance of engaging with the local communities so that voters can stay informed and prospective leaders can prove their mettle: “It is important to educate the voters about the issues, and it’s even more important to educate all those who are vying to become our leaders. That can best be done by having them criss-cross the country, speak to small groups, and open themselves up to questioning about real issues. Only then can they demonstrate that they are authentic rather than pseudo-conservatives.”
Veronica Lademan is the congressional policy analyst for Eagle Forum Education & Legal.
