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 that President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan for a state visit beginning September 24, 2026. The White House also stated that it removed CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from its grounds, asserting that “access has always been a privilege” and describing media coverage as a “hostile operation.” Additionally, the White House reported that the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial concluded on September 16, 2026, with outcomes including the repeal of Biden-era power plant greenhouse gas requirements, which the White House described as “the largest power sector deregulatory action in American history.”
President Trump used Truth Social to characterize CNN, Politico, and MS NOW as “Third Rate Clowns” and stated he is instituting an “assault on the FAKE NEWS,” which he labeled a national security threat. He urged Senate Republicans to end the filibuster to prevent Democrats from controlling voting mechanisms. President Trump also expressed support for expanding artificial intelligence, requested public input on naming the technology, and announced a deal to import potash from Belarus. Additionally, he endorsed three congressional candidates and praised the completion of a new White House heliport.
The Department of State announced that First Lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future Together” initiative secured private-sector partnerships with companies including Adobe, Google, and Starlink to support youth education and digital skills. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to discuss dismantling terrorist militias and with Kenyan President William Ruto regarding commercial diplomacy. Separately, the Department of State imposed visa restrictions on 32 individuals linked to the Prince Group, a transnational criminal organization. The Department of War announced multiple contract awards, including $697,686,693 to GM Defense LLC for Infantry Squad Vehicle engineering. The Department of Health and Human Services announced over 20 initiatives to transition toward human-based research, with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stating the goal is to “modernize outdated regulations.”
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to streamline electric vehicle charger deployment and seven bills regulating data centers, asserting that the state does not “have to sell out Californians or sacrifice our well-being to innovate.” Governor Newsom also announced that California reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.9% in 2024 and proclaimed a state of emergency for El Niño preparedness. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three business expansions expected to create 243 jobs and signed bipartisan bills concerning rental fees and higher education capital projects. Governor JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Dustin Ramage to the Capital Development Board. Senator Jon Ossoff stated he is cosponsoring the Streamline Transit Projects Act to reduce transit project delays.
OpenAI published guidelines regarding third-party assessments, asserting that external experts are necessary to “challenge our assumptions.” The organization also advocated for international standards to address risks associated with artificial general intelligence. NVIDIA introduced “NVIDIA Halos” as a full-stack safety system for robotics and autonomous vehicles. The company also described AI security as an engineering challenge, recommending that organizations implement human approval for consequential actions and use open-source tools like OpenShell to sandbox agent activities.
No Congressional Record was found for 2026-09-20.
The White House states that President Donald J. Trump removed CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from its grounds, asserting that “access has always been a privilege.” The White House argues that such changes are not new, citing instances between 2008 and 2023 where the Obama and Biden administrations allegedly restricted specific news outlets and journalists. The White House claims that media coverage is “more like a political operation with cameras than a free press,” maintaining that the President is not required to host a “hostile operation.”
Reference: Original White House release
On September 16, 2026, G20 Energy Ministers concluded the Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, reaching consensus on energy access, infrastructure, water resilience, and supply chain security. The White House reports these outcomes support “common sense solutions” championed by President Trump. Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized diversifying supply to avoid overreliance, while Secretary Chris Wright noted the goal of expanding affordable energy. Additionally, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of Biden-era power plant greenhouse gas requirements, described by the White House as “the largest power sector deregulatory action in American history.”
Reference: Original White House release
The White House announced that President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan for an official state visit starting September 24, 2026. Events include a State Arrival Ceremony featuring 479 military personnel and a flyover, a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, a State Dinner, tea in the Red Room, and a tour of the National Archives. The White House describes this event as “a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries.”
Reference: Original White House release
Trump criticized CNN, Politico, and MSNOW, asserting they are “Third Rate Clowns” who “distort, twist, and degrade” coverage of his administration, and stated that he is instituting an “assault on the FAKE NEWS,” which he labeled a threat to national security. In response to a lawsuit brought by these organizations for White House access, Trump noted the case is presided over by Judge Tim Kelly, whom he previously appointed, and indicated he would appeal should the ruling be unfavorable. Additionally, he shared a report regarding the banning of these outlets from the White House. Regarding domestic policy, Trump urged Senate Republicans to terminate the filibuster, warning that Democrats would otherwise gain control of voting mechanisms and prevent future Republican electoral victories. He also highlighted potential cost savings from EPA rollbacks and shared concerns regarding disrepair at the Kennedy Center.
In the realm of technology and foreign policy, Trump maintained that he intends to encourage the growth of artificial intelligence, which he described as potentially larger than the Industrial Revolution, and asked for public preference on naming the phenomenon “SUPER INTELLIGENCE VS. SUPERIOR INTELLIGENCE.” He announced that the United States is working on a deal to purchase potash from Belarus at lower prices than those currently paid to Canada. Furthermore, he remarked that Russia has lost control of its diesel industry due to the war with Ukraine and expressed the view that the conflict “must be ended.” Trump also shared an article concerning prosecutors’ focus on John Brennan regarding the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.
Trump offered his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to Michael Baumgartner for re-election in Washington’s 5th Congressional District, Joe Mitchell for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, and Mike Bouchard for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District. He thanked the CEO of Lockheed Martin, construction workers, and stone masons for their work on a new White House heliport, describing it as a “valuable contribution” that he successfully completed after 25 years of government planning. Finally, he noted he was en route to Gracie Mansion in New York City, where he was invited by Mayor Mamdani.
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
First Lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future Together” initiative secured partnerships with Adobe, Amazon, Google, Intel, N50, Starlink, and Zoom to support children globally. Announced during the 81st UN General Assembly, the initiative aims to empower youth through four pillars: AI in Education, EdTech Tools, Online Protection, and Digital Skills. The program, which has unified fifty-seven member nations, seeks to equip the next generation for the digital age through private-public partnerships coordinated by the Department of State and the White House.
This fact sheet details specific commitments from tech partners: Adobe is expanding AI-powered tools globally; Amazon is increasing student access to AI engineering agents and launching infrastructure training programs; Google is dedicating $4 million to an AI Educator Series; Intel is scaling AI and digital literacy programs across ten countries; N50 is piloting an AI education device project in Uganda; Starlink is improving connectivity in Papua New Guinea; and Zoom is granting $2.75 million for education and workforce development.
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Zaidi
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to discuss the future of the U.S.-Iraq partnership. The officials reached an agreement regarding the necessity for Iraq to dismantle terrorist militias, prevent attacks originating from its territory, and fully exercise its sovereignty.
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Kenyan President Ruto
Secretary Rubio met with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss commercial diplomacy, regional peace, and security. The discussion included opportunities for U.S. firms to engage in Kenya’s critical minerals sector. The Secretary noted Kenya’s role as a major non-NATO ally, expressed appreciation for its implementation of the America First Global Health Strategy, and highlighted the country’s importance in regional conflict resolution. Spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that Kenya remains a “vital United States partner for shared priorities in the region.”
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Arctic Allies
Secretary Rubio met with Foreign Ministers from Canada, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The group discussed the “strategic imperative” of investing in Arctic security to deter strategic competitors. Discussions centered on developing sovereign military and economic capabilities and funding resilient infrastructure. The Secretary promoted the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact as a model for industrial cooperation and noted President Trump’s commitment to expanding the U.S. icebreaker fleet.
The Department of State is imposing visa restrictions on 32 individuals linked to cyber-enabled scams, specifically targeting members of the Prince Group, a transnational criminal organization. All valid visas for these individuals have been revoked under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Department stated that in 2025, such groups defrauded Americans out of $18.2 billion. The administration announced it will continue using available tools to “dismantle criminal scam networks” and deny entry to those complicit in such activities.
The Department of War announced multiple contract awards. GM Defense LLC received a $697,686,693 modification for Infantry Squad Vehicle engineering. Kesser International Inc. was awarded $15,533,425 for Deer Island restoration, and K & K Industries Inc. received $13,649,923 for a B-21 program storage facility. Affolter Contracting Co. Inc. secured $11,756,279 for Corpus Christi Ship Channel improvements. Dayton T. Brown Inc. was awarded a $55,838,189 modification for P-8 system materials, while Poplicus Inc. received a $41,550,000 contract for Ark SaaS operational capability. Raytheon Co. received a $34,364,909 order.
HHS Accelerates Shift to Human-Based Research, Reduces Reliance on Animal Testing
On September 21, 2026, HHS announced over 20 initiatives to transition toward human-based research methods, such as organoids and AI, to reduce animal testing. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated the goal is to “modernize outdated regulations” and “end unnecessary animal testing.” FDA issued a final rule removing animal testing references, while NIH closed its last intramural beagle lab. CDC is reducing its animal colony, and ARPA-H is utilizing AI through its CATALYST program to enhance drug safety predictions.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) scheduled a public hearing for September 22, 2026, to examine Germany’s acts, policies, and practices concerning the underpayment for innovative pharmaceutical products. The hearing is set for 10:00 am ET at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington, DC. According to the USTR, the proceeding will be on the record, though livestreaming and external video recording are prohibited. A transcript will be published on ustr.gov following the hearing.
Strong Support for New Laws Expanding EV Access
Governor Newsom signed a legislative package—including SB 969, SB 1283, AB 1820, SB 1213, SB 1267, and SB 615—to accelerate the transition to clean transportation. These laws aim to streamline electric vehicle charger deployment, expand consumer choice, and increase transparency for zero-emission truck incentives. Supporters, including clean-air organizations and industry stakeholders, stated the measures cut “unnecessary costs” and “red tape,” helping Californians access reliable charging infrastructure. The legislation specifically addresses charger permits for apartment buildings and supports renewable energy storage components for charging stations.
California Reduces Climate Pollution Amid Economic Growth
Governor Newsom announced that California reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.9% in 2024 while the state economy grew by 3.2%. According to data from the California Air Resources Board, emissions are now 28% below 2004 peak levels. The Governor stated, “California refuses to choose between building a strong economy and cutting pollution,” adding that the state will continue building a “clean energy economy.” Transportation, electricity, and industrial sectors contributed to the decline, while renewable energy sources and battery storage expansion supported grid reliability.
State of Emergency Proclaimed for El Niño Preparedness
Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to prepare for a potentially historic El Niño season. The action streamlines state resource mobilization and procurement to protect infrastructure and communities from severe weather, including floods and landslides. The Governor stated the measure is intended to give “first responders the tools to do their jobs” and provide families confidence in state readiness. State agencies are directed to pre-position emergency supplies, fast-track permitting for flood protection, and expand multilingual public communications regarding storm risks and emergency alerts.
New Laws Enacted to Regulate Data Centers
Governor Newsom signed seven bills (AB 1577, AB 2383, AB 2469, AB 2619, SB 886, SB 887, and SB 1168) increasing reporting requirements for data centers regarding water, electricity, and land use. The laws require data centers to pay for grid upgrades and prevent cost shifting to ratepayers. The Governor asserted that “we don’t have to sell out Californians or sacrifice our well-being to innovate and succeed.” These measures remove blanket environmental exemptions and mandate that projects meet state standards for energy and water consumption.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three small business expansions expected to create at least 243 jobs and $64.8 million in capital investment. The projects involve U.S. Farathane, Wausau Supply, and Cooper Standard. Governor Whitmer stated, “Michigan is on the move and open for business, competing for and winning big projects up and down the auto manufacturing supply chain.” U.S. Farathane will receive a $747,500 Michigan Business Development Program grant for a new facility in Port Huron, creating 115 jobs.
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills Protecting Renters from Excessive Fees on Rent
Governor Whitmer signed four bipartisan bills intended to protect consumers. Senate Bill 373 requires landlords to provide at least one fee-free payment method, while Senate Bill 22 simplifies security deposit returns via electronic transfer. Senate Bill 1013 prohibits insurance companies from setting rates based on a customer’s willingness to pay more. Senate Bill 1052 clarifies that federally approved patient incentives are not kickbacks. Governor Whitmer stated, “Michiganders deserve affordable systems that work for them.”
Governor Whitmer signed eight bipartisan bills to support higher education capital projects and balance the Fiscal Year 2027 budget without raising taxes. The measures include $1.3 billion in total capital outlay authorizations for 27 institutions. Senate Bill 729 allows for additional capital outlay investments to modernize campus facilities. State Budget Director Jen Flood stated, “This budget funds new labs, renovated classrooms, and modern facilities so students and faculty across the state have what they need to succeed.”
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Governor Whitmer announced several appointments to state boards and commissions, including the State Police Retirement Board, Commission on Services to the Aging, and the MI-STEM Council. Notable appointments include reappointing Mitchell Stevens to the State Police Retirement Board and Heidi Maltby-Skodack and Adam Zemke to the MI-STEM Council. Ayana King was appointed to the Commission on Services to the Aging. These bodies provide oversight and advisory functions for various state programs and regulatory areas.
Gov. Pritzker Announces One Appointment to Boards and Commissions
Governor JB Pritzker announced the appointment of Dustin Ramage as a Member of the Capital Development Board on September 21, 2026. Ramage is currently the Business Manager with Downstate Illinois Laborers’ District Council and a Special International Representative with the Laborers’ International Union of North America. His previous professional experience includes serving as President of LIUNA Local 100. This appointment is pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
Daily Public Schedule: Monday, September 21, 2026
Governor JB Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026.
Sen. Ossoff Working to Improve Public Transportation Across Georgia
Sen. Ossoff is cosponsoring the bipartisan Streamline Transit Projects Act, introduced by Sens. Mike Lee and Reverend Raphael Warnock, to reduce transit project delays by streamlining environmental reviews. Sen. Ossoff stated the legislation will “help expand transit programs across Georgia by cutting back on unnecessary and costly administrative delays.” The release notes Sen. Ossoff’s efforts to upgrade infrastructure via the bipartisan infrastructure law, including previous announcements of $122,457,266 in transit funding, Railroad Crossing Elimination grants, and federal funding for The Stitch and regional trail connections.
Priorities and principles for effective third party assessments
OpenAI states that third-party assessments are essential for accountability and safety, allowing external experts to “challenge our assumptions, identify risks we may have missed, and reach their own conclusions.” The organization proposes focusing on four priority areas for independent assessment, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and security. OpenAI defines a “safety claim” as an assertion about a model that can be tested, and a “safety case” as a structured argument supported by evidence to explain how risks are managed.
Building standards for the next phase of AI
OpenAI states its mission is to ensure artificial general intelligence “benefits all of humanity,” aiming to navigate AI progress, deliver economic and scientific benefits, and empower individuals. The company notes that automated AI research could accelerate progress and improve safety, but warns that “recursive self-improvement” must not be pursued unless it can be done safely to maintain human control. OpenAI advocates for international standards to address potential risks, citing concerns regarding global fragmentation, the need for collective action, and uneven technical capacity.
Why Deploying Physical AI at Scale Demands Safety at Every Layer
NVIDIA states that Physical AI requires safety measures across hardware, software, and deployment lifecycles. NVIDIA Halos is introduced as a full-stack safety system for autonomous vehicles and robotics. The company highlights that its Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab, accredited as an ISO/IEC 17020 inspection body, supports system-level certification. Various industry partners are using NVIDIA platforms for development, and the company notes that achieving functional safety is essential for transitioning from prototypes to scalable, trusted systems in real-world environments.
AI Security Is an Engineering Problem — How to Solve It at Every Layer of the Agent Stack
NVIDIA characterizes AI security as an engineering challenge requiring defined controls and verified protections. The company suggests that because AI agents can reason and use tools, security boundaries must remain independent of agent decisions. NVIDIA describes its open-source OpenShell runtime as a tool for enforcing policies and sandboxing agent activities. The article emphasizes that organizations should verify tool integrity, implement human approval for consequential actions, and maintain traceable logs to ensure systems remain secure as models and workflows evolve.
Covers the 2026-09-20 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
No Congressional Record found for 2026-09-20.
The White House sent Yom Kippur wishes; Donald Trump compared past and current gas prices; Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple legislative bills.
The White House issued a message for Yom Kippur, characterizing the day as the “Sabbath of Sabbaths” and stating it allows those of the Jewish faith to renew an “unwavering relationship with the Creator.” The White House announced that its “Administration is resolved to defend every American’s sacred right to freedom of religion” as the High Holy Days conclude.
Donald Trump asserted that gas and other prices were much higher under the Biden administration than under his own presidency. He also noted on Truth Social that he is “Hitting balls with Bryson D.”
Governor Gavin Newsom announced he signed a wide range of legislation covering public utility regulations, criminal procedures, and environmental policies. Additionally, he signed SB 931 to establish Dolly Parton Day on September 25; Governor Newsom stated the day serves as a reminder to live “joyfully, graciously, and with a whole lot of heart,” while supporters Senator Shannon Grove and Senator John Laird highlighted the singer’s philanthropy.
Governor Newsom also signed measures to prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including AB 2411, AB 2436, and AB 191. LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover stated these actions show an ambition to benefit host communities, and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor remarked on the importance of coordinating public safety. Furthermore, Governor Newsom signed a package of bills to streamline electric vehicle charger deployment. He described the package as a way to “free families and businesses from dependence on oil,” asserting that California is building a future powered by local innovation. Governor JB Pritzker reported he has no public events scheduled for September 20, 2026.
The White House sent best wishes to the Jewish community for Yom Kippur, described as the “Sabbath of Sabbaths.” The White House stated that this day empowers those of the Jewish faith to renew their “unwavering relationship with the Creator through fasting, prayer, and charity.” As the High Holy Days conclude, the White House announced that its “Administration is resolved to defend every American’s sacred right to freedom of religion.” The statement concluded with a wish for the Almighty to bless the United States of America.
Reference: Original White House release
Trump compared gas and other prices under the Biden administration to those under “TRUMP,” asserting that prices were much higher during the Biden presidency.
Trump noted that he is “Hitting balls with Bryson D.”
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
No relevant government department updates found for this date.
Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.20.2026
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he signed a series of legislative bills, including measures regarding solid waste landfills, the California Endangered Species Act, short-lived climate pollutants, criminal procedure, elder abuse reporting, academic exchange programs, state university workforce requirements, a pilot program for Mexican-licensed dentists, teacher credentialing, sideshow accountability, student mental health leaves, water utility sales, sexual battery, CalWORKS, and various public utility and safety regulations.
California establishes Dolly Parton Day
Governor Newsom signed SB 931, which designates September 25 as Dolly Parton Day. The date 9-25 was chosen to honor Parton’s song “9 to 5.” Governor Newsom stated the day serves as an annual reminder to live “joyfully, graciously, and with a whole lot of heart.” Supporters Senator Shannon Grove and Senator John Laird highlighted Parton’s philanthropy, particularly her Imagination Library program. The legislation commemorates her career in music, film, and her humanitarian efforts in support of marginalized communities and early literacy.
Governor Newsom signs bills as Los Angeles readies for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Governor Newsom signed legislation to support Los Angeles’ preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including $7 million in new investments. AB 2411 establishes a public safety command for the event, AB 2436 permits resident tuition for Team USA student-athletes, and AB 191 implements statutory amendments to support event delivery. LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover stated these actions demonstrate a shared ambition to benefit host communities, while Assemblymember Tina McKinnor emphasized the importance of coordinating public safety agencies to protect visitors and workers.
Governor Newsom signed a package of bills—including SB 969, SB 1283, AB 1820, SB 1213, SB 1267, and SB 615—to streamline electric vehicle charger deployment and increase clean transportation accessibility. The laws aim to simplify permitting for chargers, particularly in multifamily housing, and improve transparency for zero-emission truck incentives. Governor Newsom described the package as a means to “free families and businesses from dependence on oil,” asserting that California is building a future powered by local innovation rather than global oil markets.
Daily Public Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026.
No relevant AI & tech company updates found for this date.
Covers the 2026-09-19 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
No Congressional Record found for 2026-09-19.