1. Overview
2. White House News
3. Truth Social Posts
4. Government Department News
5. Selected Democratic Officials
6. AI & Tech Company News
7. Congressional Watch
Trump hosted President Xi Jinping and Madam Peng at the White House for military honors and discussions. Trump described the President of China as “strong, vibrant, and fit” and claimed he would leave Super Intelligence “exactly where it is,” characterizing the DOJ as a “guardrail.” Additionally, Trump criticized news outlets for their coverage of the event, touted S&P Flash Survey economic data, and promoted commentary regarding Canada.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Guinea-Bissau on its 53rd National Day, stating the United States “values its growing economic partnership” with the nation. The Department of War announced multiple contract awards, including $123.78 million to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for radar components and $114 million to Stark Aerospace Inc. for launching system canisters; most awards were non-competitively procured or sole-source.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a report on wildfire mitigation efforts and stated that a court ruling against Sheriff Chad Bianco “affirms that in California we will defend democracy.” Additionally, Newsom announced that the Sites Reservoir project is nearing construction. Representative Ocasio-Cortez and colleagues reintroduced the Affordability is Access Act, which they described as a response to “senseless attacks” on reproductive care. Governor Andy Beshear urged Congress to support the Support Our Miners Act to adjust black lung disease disability benefits, while Governor JB Pritzker celebrated the opening of a $51.4 million Voortman Steel Machinery facility expansion.
No relevant updates were provided for AI and tech companies.
The Senate conducted proceedings on September 23, 2026, passing legislation including H.R. 1721 and H.R. 2481, and confirming the nomination of Angela Veronica Colmenero as a United States District Judge. Senate committees examined topics including national nuclear waste management policy, AI surveillance, and United States Central Command operations. The House of Representatives was not in session.
No White House news found.
Trump hosted the President of China, Xi Jinping, and Madam Peng at the White House, sharing video coverage of their arrival, a military review, a silent drill platoon review, and the delivery of remarks. Trump remarked that President Xi appeared “strong, vibrant, and fit” and described Madam Xi as “BEAUTIFUL.” Regarding their discussions, Trump stated that Super Intelligence would be a topic, noting his intention to “leave it exactly where it is,” a stance he attributed also to China, while identifying the DOJ as a “guardrail.”
Trump criticized CNN and MSDNC for their “poor Ratings” and “NO CREDIBILITY,” alleging they refused to cover the arrival of the Chinese President to avoid giving him credit for what he called a “magnificent” and “beautiful” event. Trump asserted that these outlets and “Dumocrats” conspired to create a “Ford’s Theatre Lie,” claiming he wanted the theater named after him, which he dismissed as an “example of how the Fake News Media and the Dumocrats conspire together to make up false stories.”
Trump touted the current state of the economy, citing an S&P Flash Survey as evidence of the “HOTTEST” economy in the world, and shared a video segment advising viewers not to “believe the economic doomers.” He argued that media outlets are attempting to conceal economic progress to assist Democrats before the midterms. Additionally, Trump promoted a video commentary by Victor Davis Hanson regarding Canada.
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Guinea-Bissau on their 53rd National Day on September 24, 2026. Rubio stated that the United States “values its growing economic partnership” with the nation, specifically citing the energy sector. He expressed that the two countries are “deepening our cooperation and expanding opportunities for trade and investment.” Rubio noted that the United States looks forward to strengthening the bilateral relationship in the future.
The Department of War announced multiple contract awards. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. received $123.78 million for F-35 radar components and a $97 million modification for FMU-139D/B Fuze System production. Stark Aerospace Inc. was awarded $114 million for MK 41 Vertical Launching System canister requirements. Raytheon Company received $50.07 million for EA-18G jammer repairs, and Electric Boat Corp. was awarded $40 million for hydraulic actuators for Virginia-class submarines. GE Aviation Systems LLC received $16.87 million. Most awards were non-competitively procured or sole-source.
Report Highlights Progress in California Wildfire Resilience
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new report detailing California’s wildfire mitigation efforts over the last five years. The state trained firefighting personnel, performed fuel reduction on thousands of acres, and prevented millions of metric tons of carbon emissions. Officials highlighted the success of SB 901 funding in treating lands to reduce fire intensity and protect communities. Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot stated, “We’re seeing what sustained investment in wildfire resilience can deliver: safer communities, healthier forests, cleaner air and more jobs.”
Governor Newsom on the California Supreme Court ruling Sheriff Bianco illegally seized ballots
The California Supreme Court ruled that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco acted unlawfully when he seized hundreds of thousands of ballots following the 2025 special election for Proposition 50. In response, Governor Newsom stated the ruling “affirms that in California we will defend democracy — using every branch of government.” The Governor noted that he recently signed a 13-bill election protection package intended to prevent similar occurrences and ensure that citizens can trust that their ballots remain secure and counted.
California’s largest new water storage project takes a major step forward
Governor Newsom announced that the Sites Reservoir project is nearing construction after the Sites Project Authority confirmed a revised water right permit is viable. The project, designed to capture Sacramento River flood flows to improve drought resilience, will next face a State Water Board review on November 4. The reservoir is expected to store 1.5 million acre-feet of water. Governor Newsom stated the project is “moving with urgency to build the water infrastructure our changing climate demands” to address anticipated future water supply losses.
On September 24, 2026, Representatives Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley, Bera, and Senators Murray, Hirono, and Cortez Masto reintroduced the Affordability is Access Act. The legislation aims to require insurance companies to fully cover over-the-counter birth control without fees or out-of-pocket costs once FDA-approved. It further mandates coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives without cost sharing. Proponents described the bill as a necessary response to what they termed “senseless attacks” and a “far-right dystopia” from the Trump administration regarding reproductive care and contraception access.
Gov. Beshear Stands Up for Coal Miners; Urges Congress To Expand Benefits for Black Lung Disease
On September 24, 2026, Gov. Andy Beshear urged Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation to support the Support Our Miners Act to address a resurgence of black lung disease. Gov. Beshear stated the legislation would adjust disability benefits to account for inflation, noting benefits have decreased 30% since 1969. The Governor said, “Kentucky miners powered homes, communities and our economy for generations,” and argued the current system is inadequate. He cited resolutions from various city and county governments supporting an increase in these benefits.
Gov. Pritzker Cuts Ribbon at Voortman’s Grand Opening Facility
Governor JB Pritzker joined Voortman Steel Machinery and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to celebrate the opening of the company’s $51.4 million expansion in Monee. The 100,000-square-foot facility is expected to create 51 new jobs and retain 40 existing positions. Governor Pritzker stated the expansion reinforces Illinois’ status as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The project received support through the state’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program to bolster the regional supply chain and local workforce.
Daily Public Schedule: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Governor JB Pritzker’s schedule for September 24, 2026, included two public appearances. At 12:00 PM, the Governor delivered remarks at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Luncheon held at the Hilton Chicago. At 2:00 PM, the Governor attended the grand opening of the Voortman USA facility in Monee, where additional press availability was scheduled.
No relevant AI & tech company updates found for this date.
Covers the 2026-09-23 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
The Senate conducted routine proceedings and passed multiple bills and resolutions, including legislation concerning satellite cybersecurity and fraud prevention in online dating. Senators also continued consideration of the Protect College Sports Act and confirmed the nomination of Angela Veronica Colmenero as a United States District Judge.
H.R. 1721 — Requires a feasibility study on manufacturing critical infrastructure products in the United States [Passed]
S. 1363 — Facilitates cooperation between the federal government and New Mexico land grant communities [Passed]
S. 2933 — Renames a West Virginia playground to honor children and families affected by childhood cancer [Passed]
H.R. 2481 — Mandates fraud ban notifications for online dating service members [Passed]
S. 1962 — Restricts telecommunications licenses for entities on the Covered List [Passed]
S. 3404 — Requires a report on federal support for commercial satellite cybersecurity [Passed]
S. Res. 863 — Designates September 13–19, 2026, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week [Agreed to]
S. Res. 888 — Honors the Paseo Verde Little League baseball team for their World Series championship [Agreed to]
S. Res. 892 — Supports designating September 18, 2026, as National Concussion Awareness Day [Agreed to]
S. Res. 893 — Designates October 2026 as National Country Music Month [Agreed to]
S. Res. 894 — Designates September 25, 2026, as National Ataxia Awareness Day [Agreed to]
S. Res. 895 — Designates October 4–10, 2026, as National Community Policing Week [Agreed to]
S. Res. 896 — Expresses the sense of the Senate regarding artificial intelligence transparency and religious freedom [Agreed to]
S. Res. 897 — Honors the life and legacy of former Senator Jon Llewellyn Kyl [Agreed to]
Angela Veronica Colmenero — Nomination for United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas [Confirmed 50–47]
The House of Representatives was not in session on September 23, 2026.
Not applicable — The House was not in session [No action taken]
Senate - Committee on Armed Services — Examined updates on United States Central Command operations
Senate - Committee on Armed Services — Reported 6,859 military nominations
Senate - Committee on Armed Services (Subcommittee on Cybersecurity) — Examined cyber operations, readiness, and election security
Senate - Committee on Environment and Public Works — Examined updates to national nuclear waste management policy
Senate - Committee on Foreign Relations — Examined efforts to combat and deter wrongful detentions
Senate - Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs — Examined a request to direct Senate Legal Counsel to file an immunity application
Senate - Committee on Indian Affairs — Reported S. 5354 concerning Native American housing assistance
Senate - Committee on Indian Affairs — Examined legislation regarding federal recognition and land trust status for various tribes
Senate - Committee on the Judiciary — Examined opportunities and safety for women in sports
Senate - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism) — Examined a nationwide artificial intelligence surveillance network
Senate - Committee on Veterans’ Affairs — Examined nominations for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Senate - Select Committee on Intelligence — Examined certain intelligence matters in a closed session
Senate - Special Committee on Aging — Examined generic drug manufacturing competitiveness
The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. on September 24, 2026, to continue consideration of the Protect College Sports Act. The House of Representatives will meet in a pro forma session at 2:30 p.m. on September 24, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-23