Washington Today

Senate Homeland Security Committee chair Rand Paul (R-KY) accuses Homeland Security Secretary, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), of having  'anger issues' and says he will oppose the nomination. Sen. Mullin also testifies about immigration enforcement, striking, as several news outlets put it, a 'milder tone' than his predecessor Kristi Noem on issues such as immigration enforcement. The hearing comes as the Homeland Security Department is still shut down over party disagreements over how to reform Immigration & Customs Enforcement or ICE. We will talk about the latest negotiations with USA Today Congressional Reporter Zach Shermele (17); Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is asked about President Donald Trump's assessment that Iran posed an imminent threat to the U.S., justifying the war, as she testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee; Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announces the Fed will leave interest rates unchanged for a second straight meeting, and says the Iran war's effects on energy prices and inflation is currently uncertain; House votes on a proposed Constitutional Amendment to require a balanced federal budget; Lt. Gov. Julia Stratton (D-IL) wins a contested Democratic primary for U.S. Senator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senate begins what is expected to be a long, full week of debate on a bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote; Senate Democrats send to the White House their latest offer to reopen the Homeland Security Department; National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigns over the war against Iran, telling President Donald Trump Iran did not pose an immediate threat and he was tricked into supporting the war by Israel; U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan testifies before a House subcommittee about a budget increase request in part to handle an increase in threats of violence against Members of Congress; Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts says personal criticism of federal judges is dangerous and “it’s got to stop"; Postmaster General David Steiner tells a House subcommittee the Postal Service will run out of cash in one year without Congress loosening its operating regulations; Ireland's Prime Minister, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, visits Washington, DC on this St. Patrick's Day, meeting President Trump in the White House Oval Office and attending a Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus luncheon in the U.S. Capitol building. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump criticizes U.S. allies who won't help keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Senate prepares to take up the SAVE Act requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. Homeland Security Department shutdown enters its second month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First: Retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt joins us with a deep dive into U-S and Israeli military operations in Iran – and some of the risks he sees has the conflict continues. Then: Documentary director James Jacoby discusses his PBS Frontline film "Remaking the Middle East" – updated with new information on the Iran war. And Finally: a conversation Charlie Cook – founder of the famed Cook Political Report – with his take on how the midterm elections are shaping up – and how issues like affordability and now the war in Iran – might play in November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vice President JD Vance responds to reports he was 'skeptical' and 'opposed' to the U.S. and Israeli combat operation against Iran; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a Pentagon news conference touts what he says has been great success in the war thus far, taunts the Iran leadership for hiding underground, says of the closed Strait of Hormuz to oil shipments by Iran, “We have been dealing with it, and don’t need to worry about it", and mourns the deaths of six U.S. servicemembers in an airplane accident over Iraq, which  the military says was an accident and not from hostile or friendly fire; Germany's Chancellor opposes the U.S. suspending of sanctions against Russia so more Russian oil can enter the world market and lower energy prices; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) calls Thursday's attack on a synagogue in her state an act of "antisemitism" and "hate, plain and simple"; Federal judge blocks Justice Department subpoenas in the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell criminal investigation, writing there is a mountain of evidence the subpoenas were designed to get Powell to vote to lower interest rates or resign; British House of Lords abolishes the 700-year-old practice of some members getting their seats based upon their parents, known as hereditary peers. We will talk about it with C-SPAN's Westminster Correspondent Peter Knowles. (49) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Cowan, Reuters congressional reporter who covers Capitol Hill and legislation, breaks down the Senate housing bill and what comes next. He explains the bill’s key provisions and contrasts with the House version. He also walks through Senate maneuvering on Homeland Security funding and upcoming high-profile votes.

Philip Swagel, Congressional Budget Office director, explains economic forecasting and war cost uncertainty. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts lawmaker, presses on fiscal trade-offs. They discuss military strikes on Iran, a record 400 million-barrel oil release, budget impacts, and DHS funding standoffs in short, focused segments.

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, briefly introduced as the official outlining military strategy. He discusses intensifying strikes and operational timelines in the conflict with Iran. The conversation touches on rising gas prices, risks of U.S. troop deployment, and congressional debates over oversight and intelligence.

Donald J. Trump, former U.S. president and leading political figure, weighs in on military action, Iran’s leadership transition, and U.S. approval of foreign succession. The conversation covers G7 deliberations about strategic oil reserves and soaring prices. It also highlights growing airport security delays as DHS funding remains stalled.

Tense developments in the Iran conflict and U.S. military posture raise concerns about wider regional escalation. A major shake-up at Homeland Security draws scrutiny over leadership and contentious immigration ad contracts. The first 2026 primary contests in Texas, North Carolina, and California provide an early test of shifting political dynamics.