Reflecting Pool Party

Good afternoon. This is the Final NOTUS newsletter for June 16, 2026. You can get it in your inbox every day by signing up here — it’s free!

THE LATEST

The Senate once again blocked an Iran war powers resolution in a 47-48 vote. Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul voted in favor, while Democratic Sen. John Fetterman voted against the measure.

Congress still hasn’t seen Donald Trump’s Iran deal — but the president said he would consider getting its approval, even if Democrats always “want to do the opposite” of what he says, he added jokingly.

• “I never thought about sending — never even thought about it, but I will. I will send it to Congress,” Trump told a reporter who asked about Congress’ sign-off. “I like the idea.”

Congressional approval is, however, required for any final agreement relating to Iran’s nuclear program. (The stipulation dates back to Barack Obama’s second term.)

• Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) told Semafor that Republicans “are absolutely going to try to circumvent it. … They don’t want this thing to be on the floor of the Senate.”

THE ADMINISTRATION

JD Vance clashed with the hosts of “The View” during an interview today when what was supposed to be a light chat to promote the vice president’s new book turned into a sparring session over the Epstein files and other administration matters.

In a further dismantling of the Department of Education, the DOJ now will oversee the enforcement of civil rights in education, while the HHS will manage special education.

Trump’s ballroom project costs an estimated $600 million, The Washington Post reports, with more than half coming from taxpayers — despite Trump’s insistence that private donors would pay for all of it.

Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem joined the advisory board for NovaRed Mining, a Canadian mineral exploration firm.

THE HILL

Hakeem Jeffries says he asked Marco Rubio to help get Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother to the U.S. by the country’s next match on Sunday after she could not obtain a visa in time.

THE COURTS

Fifteen people in Minnesota were charged with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers following January’s immigration crackdown. Prosecutors allege the defendants were part of two Minneapolis-based “antifa” groups.

Idaho cannot immediately enforce a law criminalizing an individual’s usage of restrooms that do not match their sex at birth, a federal judge ruled today.

A federal judge upheld the conviction of former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, who was found guilty of impeding an official proceeding after she helped a man avoid immigration agents in the courthouse.

GET OFF MY POOL

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