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
The White House announced President Trump signed S. 2398, the “Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act,” into law on September 30, 2026. The White House also reported President Trump announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel complex in Iowa and First Lady Melania Trump announced six private-sector partnerships, including Adobe and Google, for her Fostering the Future Together initiative. Additionally, the White House claimed Senate Democrats blocked the Stop Insider Trading Act and asserted Republicans are united behind measures requiring photo ID for voting.
President Trump met with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea to launch $200 billion in new investments, according to Truth Social. Trump also reported the finalization of new fuel economy standards, the reinstatement of sexual misconduct rules for schools, and a “pocket rescission” to cancel nearly $1 billion in funding for illegal immigrants and race-focused programs. Additionally, Trump highlighted directives from Defense Secretary Hegseth regarding election interference and shared reports criticizing the actions of Jack Smith.
The State Department announced the United States congratulated Tuvalu and Palau on their National Days and the People’s Republic of China on its 77th anniversary. The State Department also reported that the United States convened a G20 Foreign Ministerial, resulting in $470 million in new Ebola-related pledges, and implemented new Cuba sanctions and penalties against individuals linked to Tren de Aragua. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth unveiled six strategic initiatives at Quantico, while Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced the conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. launched the SURPASS program for clinical trials, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the launch of a new Defaulted Loans Support Center with the Department of Education.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 895 to place a $7.5 billion research bond before voters, as well as legislation to regulate artificial intelligence and ban child marriage in California. Governor Wes Moore announced $32 million in ENOUGH Initiative grants to fight child poverty in Maryland and a $17.6 million investment in affordable housing. Governor Andy Beshear highlighted mental health resources and FEMA reimbursements for Kentucky, while Governor JB Pritzker announced that $240 million in energy bill assistance for Illinois households opens for applications on October 1, 2026.
OpenAI reported it disrupted a coordinated “adversarial distillation” campaign that extracted protected model reasoning to improve other models. The company stated it attributed a core cluster of the activity to individuals associated with Moonshot AI and mitigated the campaign through account enforcement and technical controls.
Congressional Watch records for September 29, 2026, indicate the Senate passed several measures, including H.R. 1945 regarding the America’s National Churchill Museum and S. 5045 concerning air quality monitoring. The Senate also failed to pass S.J. Res. 197, which would have disapproved of an HHS rule, and failed to discharge S. Res. 852 concerning Israel’s human rights practices. The House of Representatives was not in session.
The White House states President Trump has called for the passage of the Stop Insider Trading Act to ensure lawmakers cannot “corruptly profit using inside information.” According to the White House, Senate Democrats blocked this legislation, which would prohibit Members of Congress and their families from purchasing individual stocks. The White House claims the bill includes a provision requiring photo ID for voting to “ensure that only American citizens vote in American elections,” while asserting that “Republicans and President Trump are UNITED” behind these measures.
Reference: Original White House release
President Donald J. Trump announced a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel complex in Iowa, described by the White House as the “largest steel plant ever built in the United States.” The project expects to create 1,750 permanent jobs, support 6,000 construction roles, and generate $95 billion in economic output. Supporters, including Gov. Kim Reynolds and various legislators, lauded the investment as “transformational” and “historic.” Mesabi Metallics CEO Joe Broking stated the facility will provide “high-quality, all-American steel” for critical infrastructure and national defense.
Reference: Original White House release
On September 30, 2026, the President signed S. 2398, the “Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act,” into law. According to the White House, the measure “reauthorizes through Fiscal Year 2030, activities to address vector-borne diseases.”
Reference: Original White House release
First Lady Melania Trump announced six new private-sector partnerships for Fostering the Future Together, including Adobe, Amazon, Intel, Starlink, Google, and Zoom, which committed over $23 million to provide global education, tools, and expertise. The First Lady stated, “Delivering on that mission demands alliances between best-in-class innovators and global leaders.” These initiatives aim to empower children through technology and education. Additionally, the First Lady unveiled 2026 regional events across the G20, ASEAN, Europe, and the Caribbean following the initiative’s Washington DC meeting and UN General Assembly announcements.
Reference: Original White House release
Trump met with President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea in New York to launch $200 billion in new investments, building upon a $350 billion strategic trade and investment deal established last year. This initiative includes a $120 billion nuclear program to construct eight large-scale reactors, a $50 billion Alaska LNG project, and a $22 billion natural gas project in Texas, which Trump stated will create tens of thousands of jobs and provide “transformational change.” Elsewhere, Trump noted that his envoys reported “real progress” and “hope and promise” following meetings at the UN General Assembly. Regarding foreign affairs, Scott Bessent warned that Iran’s economy will have “nothing” left within two weeks, and Trump highlighted that Defense Secretary Hegseth has directed the department to fight foreigners who “meddle” in U.S. elections.
Domestically, the Trump administration finalized new fuel economy standards to support gas-powered vehicles, with the administration asserting that these changes will make new cars cost $1,300 less. Trump also reported the reinstatement of sexual misconduct rules for schools and announced a “pocket rescission” to cancel nearly $1 billion in funding for illegal immigrants and race-focused programs. Additionally, Trump shared his reception at a college football game and noted that the Team USA captain credited him for a Presidents Cup comeback. He also dismissed a “leftist race narrative” regarding a Mississippi hanging case.
Trump critiqued media coverage of his CNN ouster and allegations of spying by Jack Smith, characterizing these actions as a “double standard.” He further highlighted a report claiming Smith’s team ignored attorney-client and speech or debate privileges to pursue him, and shared that a U.S. Senator who sued Smith believes he should be criminally prosecuted.
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
On September 30, 2026, the United States congratulated the people of Tuvalu on their 48th National Day. The Department of State noted that the bilateral relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for a stable, prosperous Pacific region. The United States expressed its commitment to increasing cooperation regarding regional security, trade, and investment.
The United States extended congratulations to Palau for its national day on September 30, 2026. Describing Palau as one of its “most trusted partners in the Pacific,” the United States stated that their partnership has strengthened over the past year. The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the Compact of Free Association, pledging to support Palau’s economic growth, regional security efforts, and its leadership in promoting peace and prosperity.
People’s Republic of China National Day
On September 30, 2026, the United States congratulated the people of China regarding the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which occurs on October 1. The United States extended wishes for “peace, health and happiness in the coming year.”
G20 Chair’s Statement: Ebola Ministerial on Accelerating Collective Action to Defeat Ebola
The United States convened a G20 Foreign Ministerial to address the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Donors announced over $470 million in new pledges, surpassing $2 billion total since May 2026. The U.S. government announced $267 million in new assistance, totaling $887 million in direct aid. Participants discussed challenges such as the virus strain and conflict-affected outbreak areas. Various nations and the World Bank pledged additional funding to support surveillance, treatment units, vaccine development, and health worker training.
U.S. Tightens Cuba Sanctions to Counter Regime Repression
The Department of the Treasury implemented President Trump’s Executive Order 14404 by publishing new Cuba Sanctions Regulations. According to the State Department, these measures aim to increase economic pressure on the Cuban government, its intelligence and military apparatus, and its financial enablers. The administration amended the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to “close loopholes” regarding sanctions evasion and funding for activities it describes as threatening to U.S. national security.
Sanctioning Money Launderers Linked to Tren de Aragua’s Multi-Million-Dollar Theft Scheme
The United States sanctioned 11 targets linked to the organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), including 10 individuals involved in an alleged ATM theft scheme and one alleged leader tied to illicit gold mining. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control implemented the sanctions. The State Department stated the action targets those who exploit U.S. financial institutions and noted that the U.S. is “coming for you and your assets” under the leadership of President Trump.
Secretary Hegseth Announces Six Major Initiatives at Quantico Speech
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth unveiled six strategic initiatives, including the formation of the Autonomous Warfare Command, a new Corps of Cadets, and the “FORTRESS” readiness program. Other efforts include the Next Great American Base project, the Office of Religious Affairs, and Project Meridian. The Secretary stated these reforms aim to prioritize “lethality, the warfighters, and rapid modernization.” The Autonomous Warfare Command is scheduled to stand up by October 1, 2027, as a 4-star functional combatant command to scale autonomous capabilities across the Joint Force.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of War Michael P. DiMino IV co-chaired military consultative meetings in Qatar and Bahrain from September 20-25. Discussions focused on regional security, interoperability, and defensive capabilities. Qatar agreed to examine the expansion of maintenance facilities for common platforms and cooperation on critical minerals. Bahrain committed to participating in Task Force Falcon Strike and discussed investing in counter-air capabilities, including the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced the formal conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. According to Parnell, the mission successfully defeated ISIS as an organized military threat over a 12-year campaign. The transition shifts security responsibilities to an Iraqi-led effort, though the Department of War will maintain “targeted training and intelligence support.” Parnell stated the Department expects Iraqi security forces to lead ongoing efforts to suppress ISIS remnants and address regional security challenges.
The Department of War awarded a $9 billion multiple-award construction contract to 15 companies for work within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest, scheduled for completion by September 2034. Raytheon Missiles and Defense received a $511,533,484 modification for AN/SPY-6(V) radar hardware and spares, expected by November 2031. Additionally, Fortress Government Solutions LLC was awarded a $318,811,963 modification for Navy Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management services, with work expected to be completed in September 2030.
Secretary Kennedy and Lori Taylor Share Pantry Staples on The Real Food Show
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and The Produce Moms founder Lori Taylor released a new episode of The Real Food Show focusing on affordable pantry staples. The segment demonstrates how ingredients like rice, pasta, oils, and canned goods can be used for budget-friendly meals. Secretary Kennedy stated, “Healthy eating should be simple, affordable, and practical for every American family,” and noted that the show aims to help families “take greater control over what they eat” while restoring the “sacred ritual” of shared meals.
HHS Launches SURPASS and New Efforts to Accelerate Faster, Smarter Clinical Trials
The Department of Health and Human Services, through ARPA-H, launched the Simulation-augmented, Real-time Platform Adaptive Seamless Trials (SURPASS) program. This initiative aims to modernize clinical development by using computational models and real-time analysis to reduce trial timelines, costs, and participant burdens. Secretary Kennedy stated the program addresses “delays, duplication, and unnecessary costs” to help treatments reach patients faster. Along with SURPASS, ARPA-H introduced three projects—STACK, COMMONS, and CINCH—to improve clinical trial infrastructure, patient data contribution, and operational efficiency across the U.S. ecosystem.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated 10 targets involved in a fraud scheme run by Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The scheme uses malware to force U.S.-based ATMs to dispense cash. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated the administration will not allow such organizations to “exploit the U.S. financial system.” The action targets leadership, including Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, to disrupt TdA’s financial infrastructure as part of a broader, government-wide effort to address transnational criminal activities.
Treasury and the Department of Education launched the Defaulted Loans Support Center, an online portal designed to help borrowers address defaulted federal student loans. Secretary Scott Bessent described the center as an effort to restore “fiscal responsibility” to the student loan portfolio. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated the partnership aims to “break up the federal education bureaucracy.” The portal replaces paper-based processes, allowing users to apply for loan rehabilitation or consolidation online, an initiative framed by the administration as correcting past management failures.
Ambassador Greer Delivers Opening Remarks at the 2026 G20 Trade Ministerial
Ambassador Jamieson Greer opened the G20 Trade Ministerial in Milwaukee, marking the United States’ first time hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit since 2009. Ambassador Greer stated that the U.S. has utilized tariffs and bilateral deals to reduce trade deficits and bolster supply chains. He identified four U.S. Presidency workstreams for the ministerial: the weaponization of food, structural excess capacity, the Most-Favored-Nation principle, and forced labor. He expressed his intent to foster a “clearer sense of urgency and a recognition of the need for action.”
Ambassador Greer’s Opening Remarks at the G20 Trade Ministerial
In his remarks, Ambassador Greer criticized “slavish fidelity to multilateral rules” for causing years of economic drift. He stated that the global trading system faces significant challenges including macroeconomic imbalances, economic coercion, and excess industrial capacity. He argued that the Most-Favored-Nation principle constrains countries’ abilities to respond to distortive policies. Additionally, he asserted that goods produced with forced labor create “unfair competitive conditions” and erode trust in the global trading system, calling for candid discussions to address these systemic issues.
This page serves as an archive for USTR speeches and remarks published during September 2026.
Ambassador Jamieson Greer chaired a Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC) meeting in Milwaukee, where members reached consensus on the “Milwaukee Framework” for joint action. Ambassador Greer credited President Trump’s policies, including tariffs and trade deals, for a “renaissance” in the U.S. steel industry. He encouraged like-minded partners to adopt similar policies to hold nations accountable for global overcapacity. The United States intends to collaborate with GFSEC members to implement the framework and work toward “restoring a global level playing field.”
Governor Newsom Signs Final Legislative Session Bill to Invest in Research
Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 895, which places a $7.5 billion science and health research bond before voters in March 2028. The measure aims to fund research in fields including medicine, climate change, and wildfire prevention, and includes $1 billion for infrastructure at the University of California and California State University systems. Senator Scott Wiener stated the bill is a “bold step to protect science,” while UAW International President Shawn Fain described the action as a way to “keep discovery moving.”
Governor Newsom Announces Appointments
Governor Newsom announced four state appointments. Jason Kenney was appointed Director of the Department of General Services. Patricia Barahona and Jose Cisneros were reappointed to the Board of Trustees of the State Bar of California. Ajay Bhutoria was appointed to the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists. The appointments of Kenney, Barahona, and Cisneros require Senate confirmation.
Governor Newsom Issues Legislative Update 9.30.2026
Governor Newsom announced the signing of numerous bills, including AB 40 regarding environmental impact reports for coal handling and storage, AB 635 concerning the Mobilehome Residency Law Protection Program, and AB 706, which relates to the FOREST and Wildfire Prevention Fund Act. The signed legislation also addresses topics such as school athletics, child abuse reporting, and nondiscrimination policies.
Governor Newsom Expands AI Framework with New Worker and Consumer Protections
Governor Newsom signed legislation to regulate artificial intelligence in the workplace, healthcare, and consumer sectors. New laws require human review for automated employment decisions, mandate digital watermarking transparency, and protect likeness rights against AI-generated deepfakes. The Governor also issued an executive order regarding the terminology of artificial intelligence. California Federation of Labor Unions President Lorena Gonzalez stated the bills help “put guardrails on AI at work” to ensure human oversight.
Governor Newsom Proclaims a Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools
Governor Newsom proclaimed September 30, 2026, as “A Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools.” The proclamation acknowledges the legacy of federally funded, church-run institutions that sought to assimilate Native American children and caused lasting trauma. It notes that 13 such schools were established in California and encourages citizens to reflect on the victims and survivors of this era, characterized by the Governor as a policy to “kill the Indian, save the man.”
Governor Newsom Signs Bill to Ban Child Marriage
Governor Newsom signed AB 1267, which sets the minimum marriage and domestic partnership age in California at 18 and eliminates provisions allowing for parental consent. Sponsored by Unchained at Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, the law aims to protect minors from potentially coercive relationships. Advocate Courtney Stodden, who joined the signing, stated, “Governor Newsom’s action today made clear to me and to survivors of child marriage everywhere that we should never have been expected to carry this burden.”
Governor Moore Announces Historic Funding to Fight Child Poverty Through the ENOUGH Initiative
Governor Wes Moore announced $32 million in ENOUGH Initiative grants to support community-led anti-poverty projects in 30 communities. The administration also awarded $10 million in Produce Rx grants to improve nutrition in these areas. According to the Governor, the initiative represents “a new way of governing that empowers communities.” The program has reportedly leveraged $360 million total through state and private partnerships. Special Secretary Carmel Martin stated the all-of-government approach helps “support a positive trajectory for all of Maryland’s children.”
Governor Moore and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced $17.6 million in funding and tax credits to support seven affordable housing projects. These awards aim to create or preserve 555 rental units across seven counties and Baltimore City. The projects must meet 2026 Qualified Allocation Plan requirements and close financing within 12 months. Secretary Jake Day noted the awards support the administration’s goal to “make Maryland a more affordable place to live” by addressing housing affordability and availability crises.
Gov. Beshear Highlights Continued Support for Kentuckians’ Mental Health
On the final day of Suicide Prevention Month, Gov. Beshear emphasized mental health resources for Kentuckians, noting that the number of licensed mental health professionals has nearly doubled during his administration. He cited the state’s three-digit crisis hotline, which has fielded 305,000 interactions since 2022. The Governor also noted that he recently signed legislation to cover eating disorder treatments and establish a psychiatric collaborative care model, while Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman highlighted successful initiatives aimed at supporting student mental health.
Gov. Beshear announced that his administration secured over $21.9 million in federal FEMA disaster funds to reimburse various Kentucky cities, counties, and utilities for costs related to severe weather events between 2019 and 2026. Additionally, the Bowling Green-Warren County Community Hospital Corporation will receive more than $4.7 million for COVID-19 protective measures. The Governor stated that this federal support is essential and that he remains committed to ensuring the delivery of all funds promised to the commonwealth.
Speed Kentucky LLC plans to invest $1.47 million in a new Owsley County facility for the assembly and distribution of utility task vehicles, creating 60 full-time jobs. Gov. Beshear described the project as a “major win” and the largest investment announcement on record for the county. Cofounders Jimmy Lewis and Robby Gordon intend for the site to serve as an operational footprint for the Eastern United States, supporting both current models and a new utility vehicle expected in late summer 2027.
Gov. Beshear: RISING Documentary Now Streaming on Tubi
The documentary *RISING*, which chronicles the rebuilding process in Eastern Kentucky following the 2022 floods, is now available for free streaming on Tubi. The film documents the effort to relocate survivors to high-ground communities, eight of which are currently in progress or complete. Gov. Beshear stated that the film highlights the resilience of Eastern Kentuckians and offers hope to others affected by natural disasters. Proceeds from prior film screenings have raised over $48,000 for disaster relief efforts.
Gov. Beshear Celebrates Grand Opening of Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center
Gov. Beshear opened the $53 million, 80,000-square-foot Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center, a skilled nursing facility featuring 60 private suites that is expected to create 152 jobs. The center, named for the late Col. Robert E. Spiller, is the state’s fifth such facility for veterans. Additionally, the Governor announced an executive order to fast-track Commercial Driver’s Licenses for current and former service members by waiving the written exam, which he described as an action to remove employment barriers for veterans.
Gov. Pritzker Reminds Illinoisans to Apply for Energy Bill Assistance
Governor JB Pritzker announced that $240 million is available for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help families with utility costs. Applications open October 1, 2026, for seniors, individuals with disabilities, families with children five or younger, and households facing utility disconnection. All other eligible households may apply starting November 1, 2026. Governor Pritzker stated, “No working family should have to decide between heating their home and putting food on the table.” Last year, the program supported 360,500 households.
Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Governor JB Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Disrupting a coordinated model-distillation campaign
OpenAI identified a campaign involving “adversarial distillation,” where operators extracted protected model reasoning to train or improve other models. This activity, observed from early July until its disruption on July 28, involved manipulating interactions to bypass safety boundaries. OpenAI attributes a core cluster of this activity to individuals associated with Moonshot AI. The company mitigated the campaign through account enforcement and technical controls, and shared findings via the Frontier Model Forum to help industry partners strengthen defenses against this evolving security challenge.
Covers the 2026-09-29 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
The Senate conducted routine proceedings and passed numerous bills and resolutions, including legislation concerning public lands and health awareness. Senators also held votes on motions to proceed to the consideration of specific measures regarding health regulations and international human rights.
S. Res. 917 — Expresses support for designating September as Dystonia Awareness Month [Agreed to]
H.R. 1945 — Designates the America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark [Passed]
H.R. 1550 — Redesignates Saratoga National Historical Park as Saratoga National Battlefield Park [Passed]
H.R. 3620 — Conveys property to the Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage, Alaska [Passed]
S. 3383 — Makes improvements to the Act of August 9, 1955 [Passed]
S. 3219 — Transfers federal land into trust for Indian Pueblos in New Mexico [Passed]
S. 5045 — Modifies air quality monitoring for prescribed fires under the Clean Air Act [Passed]
S. 528 — Reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative [Passed]
S. 1574 — Includes Tribal courts as courts of competent jurisdiction under the Stored Communications Act [Passed]
H.R. 5284 — Updates Social Security Administration terminology in rules and regulations [Passed]
H.R. 1190 — Expands access to capital for rural-area small businesses [Passed]
S. 5600 — Reauthorizes the Traumatic Brain Injury program [Passed]
S. Res. 922 — Designates October 26, 2026, as the Day of the Deployed [Agreed to]
S. Res. 923 — Expresses support for designating October 4–10, 2026, as National 4–H Week [Agreed to]
S. Res. 924 — Designates October 7, 2026, as Energy Efficiency Day [Agreed to]
S. Res. 925 — Designates September 2026 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month [Agreed to]
S. Res. 926 — Designates September 2026 as National Literacy Month [Agreed to]
S. Res. 662 — Honors the life of Nicholas Douglas Quets and condemns cartel violence [Agreed to]
H.R. 1744 — Extends appropriations for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom [Passed]
H.R. 10159 — Authorizes land conveyance at Fort Bragg for a veterans’ State home [Passed]
S.J. Res. 197 — Disapproves of the HHS rule regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [Failed (48 yeas to 51 nays)]
S. Res. 852 — Requests information on Israel’s human rights practices [Failed to discharge committee (47 yeas to 51 nays)]
The House of Representatives was not in session on September 29, 2026.
None — No legislative activity occurred [N/A]
Senate - Committee on Armed Services — Examined an update on Golden Dome
Senate - Committee on the Judiciary — Examined Jack Smith’s authority
Senate - Committee on the Judiciary — Examined the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Senate - Select Committee on Intelligence — Received a closed briefing on intelligence matters
The Senate will meet on September 30, 2026, to vote on cloture motions for the Stop Insider Trading Act, the Ratepayer Protection Act, and the nomination of Keith Sonderling. The House of Representatives will meet in pro forma session on October 1, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-29