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Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican senator to vote against a procedural test vote related to the SAVE America Act. The measure marked an early step in the legislative process as lawmakers considered the bill.

The vote highlighted divisions within the Senate, particularly within the Republican Party, where most members supported moving the legislation forward. Murkowski’s vote stood out as a break from the majority of her party on this issue.

Test votes such as this are often used to gauge support for a bill before it advances to further debate or a final vote. They can also signal areas of disagreement that may shape revisions or negotiations as the process continues.

The SAVE America Act remains under consideration, and additional votes and discussions are expected as lawmakers evaluate its provisions and potential impact.

Markwayne Mullin has advanced one step closer to potentially leading the Department of Homeland Security after the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved his nomination in a narrow 8–7 vote. The decision sends his nomination to the full Senate for further consideration.

The vote reflected divisions within the committee, as Rand Paul was the only Republican to oppose the nomination. Meanwhile, John Fetterman supported the measure, joining Republican members to help advance it. The outcome followed a contentious confirmation hearing that included disagreements over past remarks and conduct.

During the hearing, lawmakers raised questions about Mullin’s qualifications, experience, and approach to leadership. Some senators expressed concerns about transparency and temperament, while others voiced support, pointing to his background in public service and business. Mullin stated that his past disagreements with colleagues would not affect his ability to carry out the responsibilities of the role.

The nomination comes after Donald Trump selected Mullin to replace former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. A full Senate vote is expected in the coming days, where lawmakers will determine whether he will assume leadership of the department.

Authorities in Barcelona confirmed on Thursday that a body recovered near the city’s coastline has been identified as 20-year-old James Gracey, a student at the University of Alabama who had previously been reported missing. The discovery followed a search effort after he was last seen earlier in the week.

According to officials, the body was located in the Somorrostro area near the Port Olímpic waterfront. Emergency response teams recovered the body from the water, and authorities later confirmed the identification. Reports indicate that the family has been notified, and investigators have stated that foul play is not suspected at this time.

Gracey had traveled to Barcelona during a spring break trip and was last seen in the early morning hours outside the Shôko nightclub. After failing to return to his accommodations or contact friends, he was reported missing, prompting search efforts by local authorities.

In a public statement, the Gracey family expressed gratitude for the support they received and asked for privacy as they mourn. Friends and classmates have also shared tributes, remembering him as an engaged student and active member of campus life.

Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement on Thursday expressing concern over recent developments involving Iran. The statement addressed reported incidents affecting commercial vessels and energy infrastructure in the region.

The countries emphasized that such actions raise serious concerns about international stability and the security of global trade routes. They called for a halt to activities that could disrupt maritime traffic, including reported use of mines, drones, and missile systems in key shipping areas.

In their statement, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation as a principle of international law. They noted that disruptions in major transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, could have wider economic implications, particularly for global energy markets and supply chains.

The group also indicated support for coordinated international efforts to maintain safe maritime passage and stabilize energy markets. This includes potential collaboration through organizations such as the International Energy Agency and engagement with energy producers to help manage supply and pricing concerns as the situation evolves.

Rick Hogaboam, the mayor of Nampa, passed away Wednesday evening after experiencing a medical emergency during a town hall event, according to the Treasure Valley Partnership. He was 47. The incident occurred while he was speaking alongside other local leaders.

Officials said Hogaboam collapsed during the meeting, prompting immediate assistance from those nearby. Brad Pike, who was seated next to him, began CPR while emergency services were contacted. First responders arrived quickly, but he could not be revived. The exact cause of the medical emergency has not yet been confirmed.

During the same event, Eric Philips also required medical attention and was transported from the scene. In public remarks afterward, Philips described the moment as sudden and distressing, noting that he experienced symptoms that required evaluation by medics.

Hogaboam had recently taken office in January after winning the mayoral election and had a long history of public service in the region, including roles in county government and city leadership. He is survived by his wife and children. Local officials and community members have expressed condolences, remembering him as a dedicated public servant and community leader.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill known as the “Deporting Fraudsters Act,” which proposes stricter consequences for non-citizens who are found guilty of committing welfare fraud. The legislation would require automatic deportation in such cases, aiming to address concerns about misuse of public assistance programs.

The bill passed with a vote of 231 to 186, reflecting a divide among lawmakers. While many representatives supported the measure as a way to strengthen accountability, a significant number of Democrats voted against it, raising questions about its scope and potential implications.

Opponents of the bill have expressed concerns about due process, fairness, and the broader impact on immigrant communities. Some lawmakers argue that existing laws already address fraud and that additional measures should be carefully evaluated to avoid unintended consequences.

The bill now faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where further debate is expected. As discussions continue, policymakers from both parties are likely to weigh enforcement priorities, legal considerations, and the broader effects on public policy.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is considering a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, including the possibility of withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed frustration with the alliance, arguing that the United States has carried a disproportionate share of defense spending over the years compared to other member countries.

During his remarks, Trump suggested that a decision to leave NATO could be made by the executive branch. He stated that while he would typically work with Congress, he believes the authority to make such a decision may not require congressional approval. The question of whether a president can unilaterally withdraw from a treaty alliance like NATO remains a subject of ongoing legal and constitutional debate.

Trump also linked his concerns about NATO to broader geopolitical issues, including ongoing tensions involving Iran and the conflict in Ukraine. In public statements, he criticized some allied nations for what he described as limited support for recent U.S. military actions and reiterated his view that the United States has often taken on a leading role in global security efforts.

While no formal steps toward withdrawal have been announced, the comments have renewed discussion in Washington about the future of U.S. participation in international alliances. Policymakers and analysts continue to debate the strategic, legal, and diplomatic implications of any potential changes to America’s role in NATO.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) could face challenges if member nations do not contribute more support to efforts aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz during ongoing tensions involving Iran. In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said countries that rely heavily on oil transported through the strait should help ensure the waterway remains open and safe for global trade.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important shipping routes for global energy supplies, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passing through the narrow waterway. Trump suggested that nations such as those in Europe and Asia, which depend more heavily on Gulf oil than the United States, should participate in international efforts to protect the route. He added that broader cooperation would help maintain stability in global energy markets.

Trump also indicated that additional diplomatic discussions could depend on how other countries respond to calls for assistance. He mentioned the possibility of adjusting the timing of a planned meeting with Xi Jinping, the president of China, as the U.S. seeks international cooperation on maintaining open shipping lanes in the region.

During the interview, Trump said the United States would continue monitoring developments in the area and could consider further actions related to security around key oil infrastructure, including facilities near Kharg Island. The remarks come as rising tensions in the region have contributed to fluctuations in global oil prices and renewed debate about international cooperation to safeguard major energy transit routes.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging John Cornyn in a Republican primary runoff, recently criticized the longtime senator’s record in Washington during an interview with Breitbart News. Paxton argued that election security should be a top legislative priority and said he believes stronger action is needed in Congress to advance policies supported by many Republican voters. The Texas attorney general has centered much of his campaign on election integrity and support for the policy agenda of former President Donald Trump.

During the interview, Paxton emphasized his support for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a proposal focused on voter eligibility verification. He stated that the bill is one of the most important measures currently being considered by Congress and said he is committed to helping move it forward. Paxton previously posted on the social platform X that he would even consider leaving the Senate race if Senate leadership agreed to take steps that would allow the legislation to pass.

Paxton also argued that procedural rules in the Senate, including the filibuster, have made it difficult for certain legislation to advance. He suggested that some Republican lawmakers have not strongly supported efforts to change those procedures to move the SAVE Act forward. In his comments, Paxton said he believes the legislation would play a major role in strengthening confidence in the U.S. election system.

Senator Cornyn, who has represented Texas in the Senate since 2002, has said he supports election security measures but has not endorsed eliminating the filibuster to pass the bill. The debate highlights broader divisions within the Republican Party about legislative strategy and priorities. As the primary race continues, both candidates are presenting their positions to Texas voters ahead of the upcoming election.

House Republicans have renewed their oversight efforts related to policies in Washington, D.C., following the reopening of the federal government. On Wednesday, the House passed two pieces of legislation addressing criminal justice policies in the District. Both measures received some bipartisan support, with several Democrats joining Republicans in backing the bills.

One of the bills would require cash bail for certain offenses in Washington, D.C., which supporters say would make it easier to detain individuals accused of specific crimes before trial. The measure passed the House with a vote of 237–179, including support from 28 Democratic lawmakers. Supporters argue the proposal is intended to strengthen public safety, while critics say it could increase pretrial detention for defendants who have not yet been convicted.

The second bill seeks to repeal parts of a 2022 policing law that introduced several reforms, including a ban on chokeholds, the creation of a police complaints board, and expanded public access to body camera footage. That legislation passed the House by a vote of 233–190, with 20 Democrats joining Republicans in support. Both bills will now move to the Senate, where additional bipartisan support would be required to advance the measures to the president’s desk.

Debate over the legislation reflects a broader discussion about governance in the nation’s capital. Under the 1973 Home Rule Act, Congress maintains authority to review and overturn laws passed by the D.C. Council. Local officials and many Democratic lawmakers argue that such actions interfere with the District’s right to self-governance, while some Republicans say congressional oversight is necessary to address concerns about crime and city management. The issue continues to draw attention as lawmakers weigh the balance between federal oversight and local autonomy.