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Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi from the Problem Solvers Caucus appeared on the CBS News show Face the Nation. The program also featured an interview with former Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Key Facts
The show Face the Nation aired with guests including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Rep. Tom Suozzi.
Both Fitzpatrick and Suozzi are members of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group in Congress.
Robert Gates, who previously served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense, was interviewed on the show.
The episode covered topics relevant to U.S. domestic politics and government.
The show is available to watch on the CBS News app and online.
The content is part of CBS News’ political coverage.
No specific policy details or statements from the interview are included in the article excerpt.
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The Senate parliamentarian ruled that funding for President Trump’s proposed White House ballroom cannot be included in the upcoming budget reconciliation bill. This decision means lawmakers must pursue a more difficult process to approve the project, which is intended to improve security for White House events.
Key Facts
The Senate parliamentarian said the ballroom funding violates the Byrd Rule, which limits what can be included in reconciliation bills.
The ballroom project is considered too large and involves multiple government agencies, so it doesn’t fit under the Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction.
The funding was included in a budget bill related to federal immigration enforcement.
Reconciliation bills require only a simple majority to pass, but this ruling forces the administration to seek approval through harder paths needing 60 votes.
The project gained momentum after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in April.
President Trump secured private donors, but congressional funding is requested for security improvements.
Democrats oppose the project, calling it a misuse of taxpayer money and raising concerns about historic preservation.
Supporters argue the ballroom would reduce risks and logistical problems of hosting presidential events offsite.
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President Donald Trump returned from a diplomatic trip to China during a time of rising inflation and economic challenges in the U.S. His comments about not focusing on Americans' financial situations while negotiating with Iran have caused concern. Polls show many Americans are unhappy with his handling of the economy, especially inflation, ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump recently completed a trip to China, the world’s two biggest economic powers.
Inflation in the U.S. is rising at the fastest rate in three years.
President Trump said he does not think about Americans' financial issues during Iran deal negotiations, focusing instead on preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Republicans are worried about their chances in the midterm elections due to economic concerns and inflation.
A CBS News poll shows 70% of Americans feel frustrated or angry with the administration’s economy policies.
Only 27% of people approve of President Trump’s handling of inflation, a new low in CBS poll numbers.
Gas prices average $4.51 per gallon, causing Americans to spend $45 billion more on fuel than a year ago.
Lower-income Americans are reducing their spending, including fueling their cars less often.
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The Pentagon said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is not breaking the Hatch Act by campaigning for a Republican candidate in Kentucky. Hegseth will attend the event as a private citizen and will not use government money for his visit, which has been legally approved.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth plans to campaign for Ed Gallrein, a Republican candidate in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District primary.
Ed Gallrein is endorsed by President Donald Trump and opposes incumbent Representative Thomas Massie.
Massie has criticized President Trump within the Republican Party.
The Pentagon said Hegseth’s visit is in his personal role, not an official government action.
No taxpayer money will be used to support Hegseth’s campaign appearance.
The visit was reviewed and approved by legal experts, including the Pentagon’s lawyers.
The Hatch Act limits government employees from using their roles for political campaigns, except for the president and vice president.
Some critics say Hegseth is violating the Hatch Act by supporting a candidate while serving as Defense Secretary, while others argue he is acting privately.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers to resume contract talks and end their strike, which began after months of stalled negotiations. The strike has shut down North America’s largest commuter rail system, disrupting travel for hundreds of thousands of commuters.
Key Facts
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) went on strike starting early Friday, the first strike since 1994.
About half of the LIRR’s workforce, from five unions, walked off the job.
The strike has halted the rail system, affecting approximately 250,000 daily riders.
Unions want higher wages and better healthcare premiums to keep up with rising living costs.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which runs LIRR, said it offered pay increases the unions requested.
Governor Hochul invited the unions to return to the bargaining table to avoid further disruption.
The strike is causing problems for people planning to attend sports events in New York City.
President Donald Trump’s administration tried to help negotiate a deal before the strike began.
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Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said it would be a mistake for the United States to change its current way of talking about Taiwan. This comment came after President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan a lot.
Key Facts
Robert Gates is a former U.S. Defense Secretary.
President Donald Trump said he had many talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping about Taiwan.
Gates thinks the U.S. should keep its current carefully chosen words about Taiwan.
Changing how the U.S. talks about Taiwan could cause problems, according to Gates.
The conversation was featured on the show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Taiwan is a sensitive topic in U.S.-China relations.
The U.S. has a specific, careful policy on Taiwan to balance relations with China.
Gates spoke to help explain the importance of maintaining this policy.
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President Donald Trump criticized Congressman Thomas Massie, a fellow Republican, ahead of a key primary election in Kentucky. Massie has opposed Trump on several issues and is fighting a challenging race against Trump’s endorsed candidate, Ed Gallrein.
Key Facts
President Trump called Rep. Thomas Massie "the worst and most unreliable Republican Congressman" on Truth Social.
Massie has opposed Trump’s policies, including voting against tax and spending cuts and pushing for investigation into Jeffrey Epstein files.
Massie faces a tough Republican primary against Ed Gallrein, a farmer and retired Navy Seal endorsed by Trump.
Recent polls show Gallrein leading Massie by 48% to 43%, with 8% undecided.
Massie claims support from anti-abortion and gun rights groups and accuses wealthy donors and the “Israeli lobby” of trying to unseat him.
Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in the 2021 impeachment, lost his primary, signaling Trump’s strong influence in the Republican Party.
Only a few Republicans who voted to impeach Trump remain in the Senate and House.
Republican leaders like Lindsey Graham and House Speaker Mike Johnson warn party members that opposing Trump will have political consequences.
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Senate Republicans are revising part of their plan to fund immigration agencies after a Senate official blocked security funds for President Trump’s East Wing renovation, including a large ballroom. The official said the funds did not meet Senate rules, and Republicans must change the plan or face a higher vote requirement they cannot meet.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans want to fund immigration enforcement agencies using budget reconciliation, which avoids needing Democratic support.
The plan includes $72 billion to fund immigration enforcement through 2029.
It also includes $1 billion for Secret Service security upgrades related to President Trump’s East Wing Modernization Project.
About 20% of the Secret Service funds are for security linked to the new ballroom in the East Wing.
The Senate parliamentarian ruled that the ballroom security funds violate Senate rules (Byrd rule) because they go beyond Judiciary Committee jurisdiction.
If the ballroom provision stays, it needs 60 votes, but Republicans have only 53, so it likely won’t pass.
Senate Republicans are revising the bill and say making changes during this process is normal.
Democrats oppose the ballroom funding and plan to fight it, viewing it as wasteful spending.
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President Donald Trump told Axios that time is running out for Iran to make a better deal. He warned that if Iran does not agree to new terms, the U.S. could respond with a stronger military attack. Trump plans to discuss possible military actions with his top security advisors soon.
Key Facts
President Trump said "the clock is ticking" for Iran to improve its deal offer.
He warned the U.S. might launch a bigger military strike if Iran refuses better terms.
U.S. officials say Trump wants a deal to end the conflict with Iran.
Iran has rejected many of Trump's demands, especially about its nuclear program.
Because of Iran's refusal to compromise, military options are being reconsidered.
Trump is scheduled to meet with his national security team to talk about possible actions.
The situation is ongoing and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans can still win the midterm elections despite a small House majority. He links high gas prices and economic concerns to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and is confident the party’s policies will help improve the economy before voters go to the polls.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Tehran following U.S.-Israel strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and other officials.
Closing the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to higher gas prices in the U.S.
High gas prices have negatively affected Americans' cost of living and public approval of President Trump.
Speaker Johnson believes resolving the Strait of Hormuz issue will allow the country to focus on economic issues again.
Johnson highlighted pro-growth policies like tax cuts aimed at increasing paychecks and economic growth.
The Republican Party has a very narrow majority in the House, causing challenges in managing different viewpoints within the party.
Johnson is optimistic Republicans can win the midterms, despite historical trends that often challenge the party controlling the White House in midterm elections.
Recent War Powers votes have been closely split, showing division in Congress.
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Representative Brian Fitzpatrick called gerrymandering very harmful to democracy. He spoke about this alongside Representative Tom Suozzi, both leading the House Problem Solvers Caucus.
Key Facts
Brian Fitzpatrick is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tom Suozzi is a Democratic member of the House and co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
Both represent a group in Congress aiming for bipartisan solutions.
Fitzpatrick described gerrymandering as extremely damaging to democracy.
Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing voting district boundaries to favor one party.
The statement was made during an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
The House Problem Solvers Caucus focuses on bridging political divides.
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Thousands gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a prayer rally called "Rededicate 250," which focused on celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary with a Christian theme. President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders participated, while some groups voiced concerns about the event favoring one religion over others.
Key Facts
The event was held on the National Mall and featured Christian worship music and imagery.
President Donald Trump gave a video message to the crowd.
Several top Republicans, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson, attended.
The rally emphasized the idea that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation, a viewpoint debated by historians.
Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner highlighted America's religious diversity and inclusion of other faiths.
The event was organized by Freedom 250, a group supported by the White House.
Some religious leaders and progressive groups protested, supporting separation of church and state.
Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik was the only non-Christian religious leader on the program.
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Parts of the Plains and Midwest are facing severe weather with possible tornadoes, strong winds, and large hail through Monday and Tuesday, especially from north-central Oklahoma to Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Recent storms have caused damage like wind gusts over 80 mph, flash floods, and wildfires, leading to emergency declarations in some areas.
Key Facts
Severe weather is expected from north-central Oklahoma to Minnesota and western Wisconsin through May 18-19, 2026.
The National Weather Service has issued a level 3 out of 5 "enhanced risk" for severe weather in parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
Possible dangers include tornadoes, large hail (potentially bigger than baseballs), and damaging winds.
On Saturday, storms caused wind gusts up to 90 mph in Kansas and knocked down trees and power lines.
Heavy rain led to flash flood emergencies in parts of Missouri with 6 to 8 inches of rainfall in a few hours.
Wildfires are burning in Minnesota, with one fire covering over 1,100 acres and causing evacuations.
Minnesota’s governor declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard due to wildfires.
Fire weather conditions are worsening in the Plains and Southeast due to warm, dry, and windy weather.
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Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky says wealthy donors from outside the state are spending a lot of money to try to defeat him in the upcoming primary election. President Donald Trump supports Massie's challenger, Ed Gallrein, and has criticized Massie on social media. Massie claims the funding is connected to pro-Israel groups and donors.
Key Facts
Rep. Thomas Massie faces a primary challenge from Ed Gallrein, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Massie says three billionaires from outside Kentucky have contributed millions of dollars to his race.
Massie links these funds to major GOP donors Miriam Adelson and Paul Singer and lobbying groups like the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) and AIPAC.
Massie claims the funding is an attempt to influence U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Israel.
President Trump has criticized Massie on social media, calling him a "bad Congressman" and urging voters to replace him.
Massie has been in Congress for seven terms and has conflicted with President Trump during Trump's second term.
Massie says he has support from pro-life and gun rights groups and several members of Congress campaigning for him.
Media outlets have requested comments from the groups and individuals Massie named but have not yet received replies.
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Thousands gathered at the National Mall in Washington for a daylong Christian prayer event called Rededicate 250, marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. President Donald Trump and other top Republicans took part through speeches or video messages, focusing on a theme of the nation being united under God.
Key Facts
The event was held on May 17, 2026, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
It featured mostly conservative Christian leaders and supporters of President Trump.
The rally emphasized a Christian vision of America, including displays of stained-glass windows with the nation’s founders and a cross.
President Trump was expected to speak via video message; other Republicans like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson were also scheduled speakers.
Only one non-Christian faith leader, Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, was included in the program.
Some religious leaders criticized the event for focusing narrowly on one Christian viewpoint, arguing it ignored the nation’s religious diversity and commitment to freedom of religion.
The event promoted the idea that America's rights come from God, a view highlighted by participants like Pete Hegseth.
Historians and some religious groups dispute the claim that the U.S. was founded as a solely Christian nation, noting early religious diversity including Jews, Muslims, and Indigenous beliefs.
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Workers on New York’s Long Island Rail Road went on strike, shutting down North America’s largest commuter rail system for the first time in 30 years. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged the unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to resume contract talks to end the strike quickly.
Key Facts
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the busiest commuter rail system in North America.
About half of the LIRR’s workers, represented by five unions, went on strike early Saturday.
The strike stopped all train service on the LIRR starting just after midnight Friday.
The unions say they want better pay to keep up with New York’s rising cost of living.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul invited the unions back to the bargaining table to avoid longer disruption.
The strike could affect hundreds of thousands of commuters who rely on the LIRR to travel to and from New York City.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority runs the LIRR and is negotiating with the unions.
This is the first LIRR strike in 30 years.
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Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi discussed the impact of redistricting on U.S. elections on "Face the Nation." They agreed that gerrymandering, or drawing political district lines to favor one party, harms American democracy and makes it harder for politicians to work together.
Key Facts
Republicans are expected to be nine seats closer to keeping control of the House due to recent redistricting.
Both Fitzpatrick (Republican) and Suozzi (Democrat) say gerrymandering is harmful to the country and democracy.
Gerrymandering creates "safe seats," meaning politicians only need to appeal to their party's base in primary elections, not the general public.
This situation encourages politicians to avoid reaching across party lines and increases political polarization.
The House Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group co-chaired by Fitzpatrick and Suozzi, supports fighting gerrymandering.
One possible way to reduce gerrymandering is using independent citizen commissions with computer help to draw fair district lines.
Federal funding related to elections may be tied to states adopting such reforms.
Recent primary election results, such as Senator Bill Cassidy’s loss in Louisiana, show the effects of party dynamics influenced by redistricting and party leadership involvement.
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Voters in Louisiana voted against all five proposed changes to the state constitution in the May election. None of the amendments were approved by the voters.
Key Facts
Louisiana held a May election with five constitutional amendments on the ballot.
All five proposed amendments were rejected by voters.
The amendments were meant to change parts of the state constitution.
The vote shows that Louisiana residents did not want these changes at this time.
The election results reflect the current views of Louisiana voters on constitutional changes.
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James Comey, the former FBI director, commented on the Justice Department’s handling of his federal case. He advised Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to better understand the rules that govern court discussions.
Key Facts
James Comey is the former FBI director facing a federal prosecution.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is currently leading the Justice Department.
Comey said he does not comment on the case due to federal court rules.
He told Blanche to "bone up on the rules," meaning to study the legal guidelines carefully.
The discussion took place during a public event on a Sunday.
The federal court rules limit what people involved can say about ongoing cases.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed worry about rising gas prices as the 2024 midterm elections get closer. He linked the increase in prices to the war in Iran and the closure of an important shipping route called the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the House Speaker and a Republican from Louisiana.
Gas prices have gone up sharply since the war in Iran began in late February 2024.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
The GOP wants to keep its slim majority in the House of Representatives in the November midterm elections.
High gas prices are a political concern for Republicans heading into the elections.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that carries a large share of the world’s oil shipments.
The war in Iran is affecting global energy markets.
The article suggests the situation could impact voter decisions in the U.S. midterms.
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