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Tier 1 carried by a primary record
Corroborated 2+ independent news desks
Every result is verified and democracy-related.
Open an event to see its evidence. Attack and trait tags link to their definitions
Jul 21, 2026 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked the Senate for nearly $88 billion in supplemental Iran-war funding and defended a much larger military budget Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Large war and budget requests forced Congress to confront executive military expansion through appropriations and oversight.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Defense Secretary Requests Additional $88 Billion for War on Iran — During a Senate appropriations committee hearing, U.S.
- Pete Hegseth Testifies on Military Budget Increase — On July 21, 2026, U.S.
- Pentagon Requests Additional Funding Amid War Costs — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, requesting an urgent $67 billion to sustain Pentagon operations until
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 79 – 2026-07-18–2026-07-24
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Jun 29, 2026 The House of Representatives failed to advance the National Defense Authorization Act after a rules fight Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The breakdown showed how procedural hostage-taking can stall core legislative functions and weaken Congress's capacity to govern.
Independently corroborated by7 independent news desks
Reuters · PBS · The Hill · Politico · The Washington Times · The Dispatch · ProPublica
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- House Fails to Pass National Defense Authorization Act — The U.S.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 76 – 2026-06-27–2026-07-03
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Apr 16, 2026 The House of Representatives rejected a war powers resolution on Iran by one vote Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The failure left the executive with broader room to continue military action, underscoring weak legislative control over war powers.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US House Rejects War Powers Resolution on Iran — On Thursday, the US House of Representatives narrowly rejected a war powers resolution aimed at preventing further military action against Iran.
- War Powers Resolution to Block Iran War Fails in House — The War Powers Resolution intended to block President Trump's continuation of Operation Epic Fury in Iran failed in the House of Representatives by a narrow vote of 213-214.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 65 – 2026-04-11–2026-04-17
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Mar 5, 2026 The House of Representatives rejected a war powers resolution to end hostilities with Iran Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The failed vote left the executive with broad room to continue military action, showing legislative reluctance to enforce its own war powers.
Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US House rejects war powers resolution to end hostilities with Iran — The US House of Representatives voted against a war powers resolution that aimed to end hostilities with Iran, with a vote of 212-219.
- U.S. Administration Conflicted on War Status with Iran — There is confusion within the U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 59 – 2026-02-28–2026-03-06
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Jan 29, 2026 The Department of Justice released Epstein-related files and faced disputes over timing, completeness, and politically sensitive content Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The release tested institutional transparency and records handling in a case with major public trust implications.
Independently corroborated by6 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DOJ Releases Epstein Files with Allegations Against Trump — The Department of Justice released a large collection of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including allegations involving former President Donald Trump.
- Congressional criticism of DOJ's handling of Epstein files — On January 30, 2026, the US Department of Justice released documents revealing that Jeffrey Epstein's lawyers had met with Manhattan federal prosecutors on July 29, 2019, to discuss the possibility of Epstein's
- DOJ releases 3 million Epstein files, misses deadline — The Department of Justice released documents revealing that Howard Lutnick, the current US Secretary of Commerce, arranged to visit Jeffrey Epstein's island in 2012.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 54 – 2026-01-24–2026-01-30
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Jan 6, 2026 The Department of Justice revealed in court filings that it had released less than 1% of the Epstein files Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The disclosure showed continued noncompliance with a transparency law and deepened concerns about executive resistance to mandated disclosure.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- DOJ Releases Less Than 1% of Epstein Files — A court filing has revealed that the U.S.
- Trump Administration Fails to Release Epstein Files — The Trump administration did not comply with a congressional requirement to release the Epstein files, having released less than 1% of the documents by the deadline, which was more than two weeks past due.
- DOJ Delays Release of Epstein Files — The Department of Justice has disclosed that it is still reviewing millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, with less than 1% released so far.
Traits
Chaos is used as a strategy to fragment focus and disable accountabilityInvestigations into corruption are blocked, buried, or retaliated againstLaw is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its powerSurveillance of ordinary citizens increases; elite crimes remain opaqueTransparency laws are weakened or unenforced
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 51 – 2026-01-03–2026-01-09
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Dec 8, 2025 The Pentagon opened an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers over a video about illegal orders Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Using a military institution to scrutinize lawmakers over speech raised separation-of-powers concerns and risked chilling legislative dissent.
Independently corroborated by10 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Pentagon launches investigation into Senator Mark Kelly — The Pentagon announced an investigation into Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers after they released a video encouraging military personnel to disobey "illegal orders" from the Trump
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 47 – 2025-12-06–2025-12-12
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Nov 4, 2025 The Senate rejected a funding package again and prolonged the government shutdown Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The repeated failure to pass funding deepened institutional breakdown in routine budgeting and service continuity.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
BBC · CBS News · The Atlantic · SCOTUSblog · The Dispatch
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- US Senate rejects funding package for 14th time amid government shutdown — The US Senate has rejected a funding package for the 14th time, prolonging the federal government shutdown to its 35th day.
- Government Shutdown Becomes Longest in US History — The ongoing government shutdown reached its 36th day, becoming the longest in US history, surpassing the previous record set during Trump's first term.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 42 – 2025-11-01–2025-11-07
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Oct 18, 2025 The federal government remained shut down as Congress deadlocked over funding and health policy Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The prolonged shutdown disrupted basic governance, weakened legislative capacity, and put public services and benefits at risk through partisan stalemate.
Independently corroborated by3 independent news desks
BBC · CNN · The Atlantic
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Federal government shutdown continues amid Medicaid cuts dispute — The federal government shutdown persists as Democrats demand Republicans address recent Medicaid cuts under Donald Trump and extend health insurance subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.
- Senate Fails to Pass Funding Resolution Amid Government Shutdown — The U.S.
- Government shutdown continues, affecting legislative processes — As of October 21, 2025, the U.S.
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 40 – 2025-10-18–2025-10-24
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Oct 11, 2025 The Senate failed repeatedly to advance bills to end the government shutdown Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The repeated failures left core government functions stalled and showed Congress struggling to perform basic budgeting and governing duties.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Senate votes fail to resolve government shutdown — Seven Senate votes have taken place without any breakthroughs, as lawmakers from both parties block each other's proposals from reaching the 60-vote threshold needed to advance.
- US Senate Rejects Republican Plan to End Government Shutdown — On October 13, 2025, the US Senate voted against a Republican proposal to end the ongoing government shutdown, marking the eighth failed attempt to advance the bill.
- Ninth Senate Vote Fails to Restore Government Funding — The US Senate failed to advance legislation to restore government funding for the ninth time, prolonging the federal government shutdown into its third week.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 39 – 2025-10-11–2025-10-17
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Oct 11, 2025 Speaker Mike Johnson canceled House sessions during the shutdown Corroborated Institutions and Governance
Keeping the House out of session reduced legislative capacity, delayed representation, and weakened Congress as a functioning check on executive power.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- House Speaker cancels sessions, delaying legislative work — House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the cancellation of another week’s session, marking four weeks of inaction for House members.
- House Republicans Criticized for Lack of Action — House Republicans, under Speaker Mike Johnson, have faced criticism for their decision to keep the House out of session during the government shutdown.
- House adjourned for 74 of the last 86 days — Speaker Mike Johnson has had the House of Representatives adjourned for 74 of the last 86 days, raising concerns about legislative inaction during a government shutdown.
Attacks
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 39 – 2025-10-11–2025-10-17
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Oct 7, 2025 House Speaker Mike Johnson kept the House in recess during the shutdown Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The recess blocked legislative action, delayed representation, and turned chamber procedure into leverage during a funding crisis.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- House Speaker Keeps Chamber in Recess Amid Shutdown — House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the House of Representatives in recess for a second consecutive week during the government shutdown.
- Rep. Marge Greene expressed concerns about Epstein files — Rep.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 38 – 2025-10-04–2025-10-10
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Oct 7, 2025 The Senate failed again to pass competing bills to end the shutdown Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The repeated deadlock showed Congress unable to perform basic funding functions while public services and workers absorbed the costs.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Senate Rejects Rival Funding Bills Amid Government Shutdown — The U.S.
- US Senate Rejects Competing Bills to End Government Shutdown — On Wednesday, the US Senate failed to pass competing bills from Democrats and Republicans aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown.
- Senate deadlocked over government shutdown
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 38 – 2025-10-04–2025-10-10
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Oct 6, 2025 Pam Bondi refused to answer key questions at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The evasions weakened congressional oversight of the Justice Department and limited public accountability for executive actions.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Bondi's refusal to answer questions led to accusations of contempt — Throughout the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Pam Bondi repeatedly refused to answer questions from senators, leading to accusations of contempt and a lack of accountability.
- Senate Judiciary Committee held a contentious hearing with AG Pam Bondi — Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she faced intense questioning regarding her handling of various issues, including the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and the Trump
- Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Pam Bondi's Tenure — During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 38 – 2025-10-04–2025-10-10
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May 17, 2025 House Republicans failed to advance and then later revived a major budget package extending tax cuts and raising the debt ceiling Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The bill became the week's main vehicle for reshaping fiscal priorities, social programs, and institutional power through a single partisan package.
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Republicans attempt to pass significant budget bill — Republicans in Congress attempted to advance a budget measure dubbed “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” which aimed to extend Trump’s tax cuts at a projected cost of $4.6 trillion over ten years while raising the debt ceiling
- House Budget Committee passes bill in late-night session — The House Budget Committee passed a budget bill after a late-night session, with some members who previously voted 'No' changing their votes to 'Present.' The bill is set to face further scrutiny in the Rules Committee.
- Republicans criticized for scheduling votes at odd hours — Several Democratic representatives criticized Republicans for scheduling votes on significant legislation during late-night hours, suggesting a lack of transparency and public engagement in the legislative process.
Attacks
Traits
Chaos is used as a strategy to fragment focus and disable accountabilityCitizenship is stratified by wealth, ideology, and heritageCourts issue rulings aligned with donor or elite preferenceCrony capitalism becomes indistinguishable from governanceInequality is not a flaw—it is a function of the systemLaw is a weapon of the state, not a limit on its powerPolicy outcomes are driven by elite lobbying and financial contributionsTax codes are engineered to favor capital, not laborWealth buys not only speech, but law
Verified: Corroborated — 2+ independent news desks
Week 18 – 2025-05-17–2025-05-23
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Apr 29, 2025 House Republicans blocked an effort to investigate Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal by changing floor rules Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The maneuver reduced Congress’s ability to compel information from the executive branch and weakened oversight capacity.
Independently corroborated by5 independent news desks
Associated Press · NPR · PBS · NBC News · The Dispatch
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- House Republicans Block Investigation into Hegseth's Use of Signal — House Republicans blocked an effort by Democrats to investigate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal by adding a provision into a rule that prevents votes on "resolutions of inquiry." This move limits
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 15 – 2025-04-26–2025-05-02
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Jan 25, 2025 President Trump fired at least 17 inspectors general without the required notice to Congress Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The removals weakened internal oversight across agencies and tested legal limits on presidential control over watchdog offices.
Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone
Supporting reports
- Trump fires 17 Inspectors General without notice — Former President Trump fired 17 non-partisan, independent Inspectors General at various government agencies without providing the required 30-day notice to Congress.
- Trump fires multiple inspectors general — President Trump informed at least 15 inspectors general across various federal departments that they were fired, including those from Defense, State, and Health and Human Services.
- Trump Fires Federal Government Watchdogs — On Friday, Donald Trump dismissed more than a dozen independent federal government watchdogs, including inspectors general at the departments of state, defense, and transportation.
Attacks
Verified: Tier 1 primary record
Week 2 – 2025-01-25–2025-01-31
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