Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers are pushing back against Defense Secretary Pete Hegth's crackdown on how the Pentagon communicates with Congress. A new policy uh instructs all Pentagon personnel except for the Inspector General's office to seek approval before they communicate with any lawmakers or congressional staff on Capitol Hill. Some Republicans yesterday voiced concerns about that decision.We have Senate confirmed uh nominees that u I dare say uh would we be reluctant to confirm if uh our access ...

Presidential Power & Legal Justification - The report highlights concerns over a potential expansion of presidential power, specifically regarding the authorization to order killings of individuals involved in drug smuggling, without congressional consultation [2][3][10] - The legality of strikes targeting Venezuelan drug cartels is questioned, with the argument that they do not constitute an imminent violent threat to the U S, thus not justifying self-defense [9][10][11] - The Trump administration's justification of self-defense for strikes against drug cartels is challenged, as it deviates from the legal standard of an imminent violent threat [9] - The report contrasts the Trump administration's actions with those of previous administrations, noting that prior actions had legal rationales, such as the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) [6][7][8] Geopolitical Conflicts & U S Response - The U S is urged to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza, which has been ongoing for almost two years, with military leaders suggesting that further military action may not achieve additional objectives [13][14] - The report suggests that weakening Hamas requires supporting Palestinian alternatives, as military action alone may not resolve the conflict [16] - The U S should consider humanitarian concerns in Gaza when leveraging arms sales to Israel [12]

Immigration Policy & Oversight - A dozen House Democrats are suing the Trump administration over restricted access to immigration detention facilities, arguing a new DHS policy requiring one week's notice infringes on congressional oversight [1] - The lawsuit challenges ICE guidance on congressional visits, asserting it hinders lawmakers' ability to oversee the executive branch [2][3] - Reports indicate nonviolent, noncriminal immigrants are being detained in inadequate ICE facilities lacking basic necessities [3] - ICE received $45 billion for detention, raising concerns about the treatment of immigrants compared to criminals [4] - There are concerns about masked, unidentified agents detaining immigrants, including those with legal visas and green cards, contradicting promises to target convicted criminals [6][7] - A bill called the No Secrets Police Act has been introduced to unmask ICE [12] Legal & Ethical Concerns - The administration is accused of abusing power and disregarding the law regarding immigration and Homeland Security [12] - Concerns are raised about the lack of due process for detained immigrants, including limited access to legal counsel [6][8] - The Department of Justice is perceived as acting in Donald Trump's personal interests rather than for the American people or the rule of law [13]

There's another lawsuit against the Trump administration. This time it is from sitting members of Congress. A dozen House Democrats are suing the Trump administration alleging a new DHS policy is illegally infringing on their ability to conduct congressional oversight of ICE facilities.The policy requires a minimum of 7 days notice to get into detention facilities and it limits access to certain field offices also, which they say violates a federal law that allows for unannounced inspection by sitting membe ...

Oversight and Spending Concerns - The Federal Reserve's spending, particularly on building projects, lacks sufficient congressional oversight [2][4] - The cost overrun on a Federal Reserve building renovation is $700 million [3] - The cost overrun alone is comparable to the entire cost of constructing the FBI building [3][4] - Questions arise regarding the Fed's ability to spend $25 billion (two and a half billion dollars) on a building without proper oversight, especially considering its origins under a gold standard [2] Independence vs Accountability - There is a strong desire to maintain the Federal Reserve's independent monetary policy [4] - However, increased congressional oversight is needed regarding the Fed's spending and building projects [4] Leadership and Response - The possibility of removing the Federal Reserve Chair (Chair Pal) is being considered in response to the cost overrun [1] - The Federal Reserve's response to the "incredible cost overrun" will be closely monitored [1]