Stories

Browse major news stories and see what officials have said.

May 22, 2026

House Republicans Cancel Iran War Powers Vote, Shielding Trump from Rebuke

House Republican leaders abruptly canceled a scheduled May 22 vote on a war powers resolution that would have compelled President Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran, after it became clear they lacked the votes to defeat it. A previous House vote on a similar measure ended 212-212 with three Republicans crossing over in favor. Democrats erupted on the floor — Rep. Jim McGovern delivered a fiery speech calling Republicans cowardly — and the vote is now expected to be rescheduled for June after recess.

DOJ Indicts Raúl Castro; Trump Threatens Military Action Against Cuba

On May 20, 2026, the Justice Department unsealed a superseding indictment charging former Cuban President Raúl Castro and five Cuban regime co-defendants with murder and conspiracy for ordering the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft over international waters, killing four people including three U.S. citizens. The announcement came as the USS Nimitz carrier strike group arrived in the Caribbean, and President Trump threatened he would be "the one" to intervene in Cuba. Democrats Kaine, Schiff, and Gallego responded by reintroducing a war powers resolution to block unauthorized military action.

Senate Advances Iran War Powers Resolution 50-47 in Historic First

The Senate voted 50-47 on May 19, 2026 to advance a war powers resolution directing the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran — the first time such a measure succeeded after seven prior failed attempts. Four Republicans crossed party lines: Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Bill Cassidy (who flipped after losing his Louisiana GOP primary). Sen. John Fetterman was the lone Democrat to oppose. The resolution must still pass a final vote and clear the House before reaching President Trump, who is expected to veto.