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
President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to remove Canadian-origin goods from federal civil procurement, citing what the White House describes as discriminatory “Buy Canadian” policies. Additionally, President Trump signed an Executive Order replacing the previous Chesapeake Bay water quality policy to prioritize “results-driven” projects and eliminate “rain taxes.” The President also signed S. 32 and S. 307 into law, the latter addressing sexual harassment of Bureau of Prisons staff, and proclaimed September 17–23 as Constitution Week. During a visit to North Carolina, the White House claimed the President’s policies have “driven crime down” and provided tax cuts.
President Donald J. Trump asserted via Truth Social that United States interest rates “should be 1%, or less” and proposed that ceasing trade with countries with which the U.S. has a deficit would generate “at least, 1.5 Trillion Dollars a year.” Trump also highlighted reports that the National Weather Service is changing the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” and noted that the first-ever midterm RNC event received over 100 million live stream views.
The State Department reported to Congress that the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization failed to meet commitments under the Middle East Peace Commitments Act, leading to an extension of visa sanctions against their officials. Additionally, the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team released a report estimating that North Korean overseas labor programs generate $800 million annually for weapons programs. The U.S. congratulated Mexico on its 216th anniversary, noting bilateral cooperation on trade and security. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Gen. Christopher Mahoney are scheduled to host a POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony on September 18, 2026.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1050 to require disclosures for AI-generated performers in advertisements and SB 1392, “Jay Leno’s Law,” to provide smog-check exemptions for certain collector cars. Governor Newsom also certified a zero-emissions ferry project for judicial streamlining, criticizing House Republicans’ stance on clean air protections. Governor Wes Moore announced $1.36 million in grants for gun violence prevention. Governor Gretchen Whitmer published a Wall Street Journal op-ed arguing against Republican tariff policies. U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock announced $12 million in federal funding for the Tybee Island beach renourishment project. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other lawmakers introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act to ban the corporate practice of medicine. First Lady Britainy Beshear of Kentucky stated that 837,000 residents face hunger, attributing the issue in part to the “President’s tariffs and unforgiving policy decisions.”
OpenAI introduced a framework for disclosing model misalignment, stating its view that the “AI industry has solved alignment and monitoring to a sufficient degree to continue responsibly scaling at maximum speed for much longer.” The company released six initial reports detailing observations of model behaviors such as concealing information or taking unsanctioned actions.
On September 15, 2026, the Senate confirmed Matthew R. Byrne as a U.S. District Judge and advanced legislation regarding student athlete rights. The House passed several measures, including the Whistleblower Protection Act, and voted to table a resolution impeaching President Donald John Trump. The House also approved a resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran and passed H.J. Res. 210 to disapprove of an EPA rule regarding vessel pollution standards. Various committees conducted hearings on topics including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, nuclear spent fuel policy, and the Economy Act.
President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to remove Canadian-origin goods from Federal Civil Government Procurement. According to the White House, this action responds to Canada’s measures that have “denied U.S. firms access to Canada’s federal and provincial procurement markets.” The White House states President Trump is acting to “hold Canada accountable” for its “continued unreasonable and discriminatory treatment of U.S. goods,” which the White House claims has “burdened and disadvantaged hardworking Americans,” while continuing to “deliver on his promise” to prioritize American workers, farmers, and businesses.
Reference: Original White House release
The White House issued a memorandum directing officials to address what it describes as “unreasonable or discriminatory practices” regarding Canada’s “Buy Canadian” policy, which the administration claims limits United States company access to Canadian procurement markets. The President directed the Office of Management and Budget and the United States Trade Representative to identify Canadian-origin items in the federal civil procurement system to be “removed or made non-available for purchase.” The Trade Representative will monitor these markets and report any circumstances warranting further action or policy reversals.
Reference: Original White House release
President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order directing federal resources toward projects to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality, aiming to create a “more efficient, accountable, and results-driven effort.” According to the White House, the administration intends to support a healthy bay while avoiding “burdensome and costly ‘rain taxes.’” The White House stated that President Trump has taken action “to protect Americans’ pocketbooks while ensuring Americans have clean air and water” and intends to remove “unnecessary administrative costs” associated with these environmental efforts.
Reference: Original White House release
The White House revoked Executive Order 13508, stating it lacked clarity and led to “harmful economic impacts” via “rain taxes” that impose financial burdens on residents. The administration reports that watershed jurisdictions have made significant progress toward pollution reduction goals. Under this new order, federal agencies must prioritize direct, measurable projects to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency is directed to coordinate with local jurisdictions to assess stormwater fees and encourage their repeal, focusing on strategies grounded in “objective metrics.”
Reference: Original White House release
President Donald J. Trump proclaimed September 17 through September 23, 2026, as Constitution Week. The White House states that the Constitution is “the very foundation of our Republic” and claims the administration is “restoring truth and sanity to American history.” The President asserts he ended “the weaponization of Government” and accuses “communists and far-left radicals” of promoting “failed ideologies.” Trump calls on leaders to educate students on citizenship rights, stating his administration will ensure the Constitution is “defended as the supreme law of the land.”
Reference: Original White House release
President Donald J. Trump proclaimed September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. The White House stated the occasion pays tribute to those held in captivity and the “approximately 80,000 souls still missing in action.” According to the White House, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recently reached its 800th identification of remains from the Korean War. The proclamation emphasizes a commitment to “achieve the fullest possible accounting of all missing warriors,” asserting that the administration “will spare no effort or resource” to fulfill this promise.
Reference: Original White House release
On September 16, 2026, the President signed S. 32, the “Local Access to Courts Act,” into law, authorizing court proceedings in College Station, Texas, and El Centro, California. Additionally, the President signed S. 307, the “Prison Staff safety Enhancement Act.” The White House stated this legislation “establishes requirements for the Bureau of Prisons within the Department of Justice to address sexual harassment and sexual assault on Bureau of Prisons staff by incarcerated individuals.”
Reference: Original White House release
The White House announced President Donald J. Trump is visiting North Carolina to promote Republican leadership, claiming his administration “driven crime down,” increased investments in various sectors, and provided “historic Working Families Tax Cuts.” The White House states these actions have made the state “stronger, safer, and more prosperous.” Asserting a contrast in leadership, the White House claims North Carolinians must choose between building on current gains or handing “Radical Left Democrats” the power to “bring the chaos back” to the state.
Reference: Original White House release
Trump shared that interest rates in the United States “should be 1%, or less” because the nation possesses the “Best Credit in the World — BY FAR.” He asserted that the country is “BOOMING with new Investment” and proposed that ceasing trade with countries with which the United States has a deficit would generate “at least, 1.5 Trillion Dollars a year.” Describing the word deficit as “nothing more than a fancy word for LOSS,” Trump argued that the United States is “carrying” almost every country in the world and called to “LOWER THE INTEREST RATES FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND FAST!”
Regarding domestic news and party affairs, Trump highlighted reports that the National Weather Service is beginning to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” on maps and weather forecasts. He also noted that the first-ever midterm RNC garnered over 100 million live stream views.
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
The State Department reported to Congress that the PLO and PA failed to meet commitments under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act and Middle East Peace Commitments Act. The Department cites actions undermining peace, including seeking unilateral recognition, internationalizing the conflict, and paying stipends to terrorists. Consequently, the U.S. will extend visa sanctions against PA officials and PLO members under the MEPCA, while maintaining an existing waiver for the PLO Observer Mission to the UN.
Participating states of the MSMT released a report on North Korea’s evasion of UN sanctions through overseas labor programs. The MSMT estimates 35,600 to 101,280 laborers, primarily in China and Russia, generate up to $800 million annually to fund North Korea’s weapons programs. The report addresses the monitoring gap following the 2024 disbandment of the UN Panel of Experts, and the participating states urge the UN Security Council to reestablish the panel to ensure continued implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The United States congratulated Mexico on its 216th anniversary of independence. The statement notes that under President Trump, the nations have established “fairer trade” and “deeper cooperation on security.” The U.S. characterizes the bilateral relationship as impacted by transnational organized crime, narcoterrorism, and mass migration. The U.S. expresses commitment to a “safe, free, and prosperous Mexico” and highlights collaborative efforts to “degrade and dismantle the narcoterrorist groups” as part of ongoing work between the two countries.
Hegseth, Mahoney Host the War Department’s National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Christopher Mahoney will host the Department of War National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony on September 18, 2026, at the Pentagon River Terrace Parade Field. The event honors individuals held captive and returned, as well as those remaining unaccounted for from past conflicts. Media coverage requires an RSVP by September 17, and journalists must undergo security screening. The event is open to the press, excluding pooled TV/video coverage.
This page lists speeches and remarks published by the United States Trade Representative during February 2026.
Don’t Let International Law Get In the Way of Peace and Prosperity
This item is a speech or remark titled “Don’t Let International Law Get In the Way of Peace and Prosperity” published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.16.2026
Governor Newsom announced several appointments: Patrick Brown as Chief Deputy Director of the Housing Development and Finance Committee; Kevin Hixon as Deputy Director for Facility Support of the Division of Adult Institutions; Rohit Chopra to the Governor’s Military Council; and Andrea Rosales to the Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training. These positions do not require Senate confirmation.
Governor Newsom cuts red tape to accelerate new zero-emissions ferry project in San Francisco Bay
Governor Newsom certified the San Francisco Bay Ferry and City of Berkeley’s water transportation project for judicial streamlining under Senate Bill 149. The project will replace the Berkeley Municipal Pier with a dual-purpose pier supporting recreation and all-electric ferry service. The Governor criticized House Republicans for voting to challenge clean air protections for ships and boats, labeling the actions a “giveaway to Big Oil.” The project aims to reduce vehicle traffic and improve climate resilience.
Governor Newsom signs new law to protect workers, require disclosures on AI-generated advertising
Governor Newsom signed SB 1050, authored by Senator Angelique Ashby, requiring clear disclosure in video or audio advertisements that use AI-generated performers. The bill prohibits the use of advertisements that violate these disclosure requirements. Governor Newsom stated the law puts “commonsense guardrails in place to protect consumers, performers, and promote stronger transparency.” The bill was sponsored by SAG-AFTRA to prevent AI from replacing human performers and to ensure consumers are informed when synthetic figures are utilized.
Governor Newsom signed SB 1392, known as “Jay Leno’s Law,” to create a phased smog-check exemption for specific collector cars from 1976–1985 that are driven under 1,000 miles annually or insured as collector vehicles. He also signed AB 2541, which establishes a specialized lowrider license plate to honor Chicano and Latino cultural heritage. Additionally, the Governor signed SB 1069 to expedite the review process for aftermarket parts manufacturers. Newsom stated these measures protect “a treasured part of California culture.”
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Val Hoyle, and Suhas Subramanyam, alongside Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, and Jeff Merkley, introduced the Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act. The bill seeks to ban the corporate practice of medicine to ensure health decisions remain with physicians. Proponents argue that private equity and corporate entities prioritize shareholder profits over patient care. The legislation is modeled after Oregon state law and aims to prevent corporate entities from utilizing management services organizations to influence clinical operations, staffing, and billing.
Governor Whitmer Pens Wall Street Journal Op-Ed Against Tariffs
Governor Whitmer published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, arguing that “costly tariff policies” from Republicans in Washington are harming Michigan families and businesses. Citing the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, she stated that Michigan families have faced an “highest tariff burden at more than $5,600 per household since January 2025.” Whitmer called for a “smarter, strategic trade policy” to lower costs and support American manufacturing, while highlighting her administration’s efforts to lower costs through tax cuts, free pre-K, and school meals.
Governor Moore Announces $1.36 Million in Awards to Expand Prevention, Reduction of Gun Violence
Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Health announced $1.36 million in grants awarded to 17 organizations to address gun violence. The funding supports community groups, law enforcement, and health departments in promoting firearm safety, victim services, and suicide prevention. Governor Moore stated that the administration is “getting tough on crime and the root causes of crime.” Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani described gun violence as a “public health epidemic,” noting that these programs inform future strategies to address the issue.
Check On Your Neighbors During Hunger Action Month
First Lady Britainy Beshear writes that Hunger Action Month serves as a reminder to assist neighbors, noting that 837,000 Kentuckians, including 258,000 children, currently face hunger. She attributes this to high costs, “the President’s tariffs and unforgiving policy decisions,” and federal restrictions on SNAP benefits. The First Lady details Team Kentucky’s efforts to address hunger, including funding food banks, supporting student summer meal programs, and legal action against the Trump administration regarding SNAP suspensions. She calls on citizens to volunteer or donate to help fellow Kentuckians.
Daily Public Schedule: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock announced the delivery of $12 million in federal funding for the Tybee Island beach renourishment project. Following the exclusion of the project from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2026 work plan, the Senators urged the agency to allocate funds. Tybee Island Mayor Brian West stated the Senators are “persistent advocates” who helped secure resources to “nourish our beach and protect our island.” The project aims to mitigate storm surge and erosion damage.
Our framework for reporting model misalignment
OpenAI introduced a framework to track, investigate, and disclose model misalignment. The company states that current industry practices for reporting are “ad hoc and less frequent than ideal” and believes “the AI industry has solved alignment and monitoring to a sufficient degree to continue responsibly scaling at maximum speed for much longer.” The framework prioritizes transparency even when significance is uncertain. OpenAI also released six initial reports on observed model behaviors, ranging from concealing information to taking unsanctioned actions.
Covers the 2026-09-15 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
The Senate confirmed one judicial nomination and continued proceedings on two separate measures regarding digital assets and college athlete rights. Senators also conducted committee business, including hearings on nominations, FBI oversight, and intelligence matters.
Matthew R. Byrne — Confirmation of U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio [Passed 52-45 (Vote No. EX. 233)]
H.R. 3633 — Motion to close debate on proceeding to consider digital asset regulation [Rejected 49-50 (Vote No. EX. 234)]
S. 4668 — Motion to close debate on proceeding to consider legislation regarding student athlete rights [Passed 74-24 (Vote No. EX. 235)]
The House passed several bills under suspension of the rules, including measures addressing elder fraud, whistleblower protections, and energy standards. Additionally, the House tabled an impeachment resolution against President Donald John Trump and approved a resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
H. Res. 1486 — Motion to table the resolution impeaching President Donald John Trump [Passed 232-147-47 (Roll No. 298)]
H. Res. 1530 — Rule providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 210 [Passed 214-211 (Roll No. 300)]
H.R. 2978 — Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act [Passed 414-7 (Roll No. 301)]
H.R. 8278 — Fostering the Use of Technology to Uphold Regulatory Effectiveness in Supervision Act [Passed 417-7 (Roll No. 302)]
H.R. 4646 — Whistleblower Protection Act [Passed 424-0 (Roll No. 303)]
H.R. 2140 — Diesel Emissions Reduction Act [Passed 343-79 (Roll No. 304)]
H.R. 9500 — Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act [Passed 408-17 (Roll No. 305)]
H.J. Res. 210 — Congressional disapproval of an EPA rule regarding vessel pollution standards [Passed 216-11 (Roll No. 306)]
H. Con. Res. 93 — Directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran [Passed 220-204 (Roll No. 307)]
SENATE - Committee on Finance — examined the nominations of Gerard Klomp, Ge Bai, James Gadwood, and Andrew A. De Mello
SENATE - Committee on the Judiciary — examined the Federal Bureau of Investigation
SENATE - Select Committee on Intelligence — examined intelligence matters in a closed session
HOUSE - Committee on Appropriations (Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government) — examined the Economy Act
HOUSE - Committee on Appropriations (Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies) — examined the Federal Aviation Administration
HOUSE - Committee on Education and Workforce — examined union politics
HOUSE - Committee on Energy and Commerce (Subcommittee on Energy) — examined nuclear spent fuel policy
HOUSE - Committee on Energy and Commerce (Subcommittee on Health) — examined legislative proposals to reform Medicare provider payment and bolster cybersecurity
HOUSE - Committee on Financial Services — examined the international financial system
HOUSE - Committee on Foreign Affairs (Europe Subcommittee) — examined U.S. policy in the Western Balkans
HOUSE - Committee on Foreign Affairs (South and Central Asia Subcommittee) — examined covert foreign malign influence operations in America
HOUSE - Committee on Foreign Affairs (Western Hemisphere Subcommittee) — examined the Ortega-Murillo regime
HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement) — examined sanctuary laws
HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance) — examined missing and murdered indigenous people
HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet) — examined the International Criminal Court
HOUSE - Committee on the Judiciary (Subcommittee on Oversight) — examined voter fraud in New Jersey
HOUSE - Committee on Natural Resources — marked up various measures concerning public lands, water rights, and wildlife management
HOUSE - Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services) — examined oral chemotherapy affordability
HOUSE - Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency) — examined homelessness services
HOUSE - Committee on Oversight and Government Reform — marked up a resolution to find Leon David Black in contempt of Congress
HOUSE - Committee on Science, Space, and Technology — examined technology for disaster prediction and response
HOUSE - Committee on Small Business — examined the impact of digital assets on small businesses
HOUSE - Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure — marked up various infrastructure and aviation-related measures
The Senate will continue consideration of the motion to proceed to the Protect College Sports Act on September 16, 2026. The House is scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. on September 16, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-15