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 signed into law H.R. 5334, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” which expands sanctions and tariffs on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran. Additionally, President Trump signed an Executive Order and a Proclamation to address “abuses of the H-1B visa program,” and extended Proclamation 10973 for 12 months. The White House also announced that all 50 state Medicaid programs will transition to “most-favored-nation pricing” for prescription drugs, a move the Council of Economic Advisers estimates will save taxpayers $64.3 billion over the next decade.
On Truth Social, President Donald J. Trump stated that the United States entered an “Infinite Life” agreement with Denmark and Greenland for permanent security control. He also announced that he banned CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, claiming their coverage is “FICTION and LIES.” Additionally, Trump issued endorsements for various candidates, including Ashley Hinson and Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate, and claimed his approval rating within the Republican Party has reached 95%.
The State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to Nepal for Constitution Day and met with ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to discuss semiconductors and supply chains. The Department of War released the sixth batch of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena files and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced several flag and general officer nominations. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded $42.3 million in grants for the “Treatment First” homelessness and addiction model.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to accelerate independent AI oversight and develop a “kill switch” for frontier models, criticizing federal efforts. Governor Gretchen Whitmer concluded an investment mission to South Korea and Taiwan, while Governor Wes Moore announced outreach efforts to SNAP and Medicaid households following federal changes. Governor JB Pritzker launched the Illinois Reproductive Health Care Hub, and Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota earned platinum certification for evidence-based decision-making.
Anthropic and Accenture announced a partnership to conduct independent evaluation of frontier AI models, with both companies expecting to invest at least $1 billion over the next five years. Anthropic stated that the initiative fulfills a commitment in the CEO’s essay, “We Must Pace the Frontier,” to embed evaluators within the firm to ensure safety accountability.
Congressional Watch records for September 17, 2026, show the Senate confirmed Kasdin Miller Mitchell as a U.S. District Judge and passed H.R. 5345, a bill providing a point of contact for identity theft victims at the Social Security Administration. The Senate also agreed to S. Res. 862, honoring Dolly Parton, and S. Res. 816, regarding Central Asian independence. The House of Representatives met for a two-minute session and introduced legislation.
President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order and a Proclamation to “protect American national and economic security and American workers from abuses of the H-1B visa program.” According to the White House, the 2025 Proclamation deterred visa abuses, and the new measures aim to “ensure American workers are not replaced with lower-paid foreign labor.” The White House states that the President has “delivered on his promise to put American workers first” and rectify “years and years of failed policies that put foreigners above America’s own workers.”
Reference: Original White House release
The White House states that “large-scale, systematic abuse” of the H-1B visa program by outsourcing firms and employers has harmed American workers, caused wage suppression, and created a “national security threat.” President Trump ordered relevant agencies to implement measures protecting the American workforce by ensuring program compliance. Officials must now consider employer layoff history when processing H-1B petitions. The Secretary of Labor will initiate a review of labor condition applications within 30 days to determine if further action against sponsoring employers is warranted.
Reference: Original White House release
On Friday, September 18, 2026, the White House announced the President signed into law H.R. 5334, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.” According to the White House, this measure “authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia” and simultaneously “extends existing sanctions on Iran.”
Reference: Original White House release
President Donald J. Trump has extended Proclamation 10973 for 12 months, until September 21, 2027, to continue addressing “significant abuses of the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program.” The White House states that the program has been “exploited to replace, not supplement, American workers with lower-paid labor.” By requiring a $100,000 payment for certain H-1B petitions, the administration reports a “positive shift” toward higher-skilled and higher-paid workers. The White House asserts that this extension remains necessary to prevent “program abuse” and protect American economic interests.
Reference: Original White House release
President Donald J. Trump announced that all 50 states’ Medicaid programs will utilize most-favored-nation pricing, matching the lowest costs paid by other developed nations for prescription drugs. The White House states these “decisive and historic actions” aim to end the practice of charging American patients higher prices than those abroad. According to the Council of Economic Advisers, taxpayers are estimated to save $64.3 billion over the next decade. The White House claims this fulfills promises to put patients first, achieving wins the “political establishment did not believe were possible.”
Reference: Original White House release
The White House states that President Donald J. Trump delivered the “sharpest annual drop” in prescription drug prices in over 60 years. Through Most Favored Nation pricing, 26 drugmakers covering 90% of the branded U.S. market agreed to lower prices, a move projected to save Americans over $600 billion. The White House reports that 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will see nearly $65 billion in Medicaid savings. Additionally, these companies committed $170 billion to U.S. manufacturing and R&D to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Reference: Original White House release
President Donald J. Trump signed two executive orders aimed at expanding hunting and saltwater angling access while reducing regulations. The White House states these measures support an outdoor sector generating $1.2 trillion annually. Industry stakeholders, including the National Rifle Association and National Shooting Sports Foundation, praised the actions as “generational victories” that protect hunting heritage and “reinvigorate our outdoor economy.” Proponents contend the orders improve fisheries management, expand public land access, and eliminate “burdensome” restrictions, marking a commitment to American outdoorsmen and conservation.
Reference: Original White House release
Trump announced that the United States has entered an “Infinite Life” agreement with Denmark and Greenland, granting the U.S. permanent security control over the region at no cost. He stated this arrangement prohibits adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments without written approval and that the U.S. will move to develop a significant military presence there. Additionally, Trump banned CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, characterizing their coverage as “FICTION and LIES.” He also criticized CNN as “dishonest” and “unwatchable,” while sharing an article (no link) titled “A Rising Trump Lifts All Boats.”
Trump issued a series of endorsements for the upcoming election cycle. He supported Ashley Hinson for U.S. Senator from Iowa and endorsed Ken Paxton for U.S. Senator from Texas. His additional endorsements for U.S. Representative included Carlos De La Cruz, Eric Flores, Tano Tijerina, and Monica De La Cruz. Other endorsements went to Stacy Garrity for Governor of Pennsylvania, as well as senatorial candidates Jon Husted, Pete Ricketts, Michael Whatley, Laurie Buckhout, Mike Rogers, Roger Marshall, Mike Collins, Ashley Moody, and Dan S. Sullivan.
Regarding his own standing, Trump claimed that his approval rating within the Republican Party has reached a record 95%, surpassing the 86% previously held by Ronald Reagan. He also posted (no link) a list of the top 25 accomplishments from his third term.
Reference: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump
Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended congratulations to the people of Nepal for Constitution Day on September 19. He expressed condolences for lives lost in recent flash floods and pledged U.S. support for recovery efforts. The Secretary noted the nearly 80-year U.S.-Nepal relationship and stated that the United States intends to strengthen the partnership by expanding trade, innovation, and investment ties.
Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho
Secretary Rubio and ROK Foreign Minister Cho Hyun discussed the U.S.-ROK Alliance, pledging collaboration on semiconductors and critical supply chains. Rubio emphasized the need for a “fair, transparent, and equitable business environment” for American firms in the ROK and requested the execution of 2025 investment commitments. The officials reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK and the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Rubio congratulated Chile on its National Day, highlighting the two nations’ shared history of democracy, trade, and investment. He stated that under President Kast’s leadership, the United States and Chile are collaborating to “combat the scourge of transnational crime and unchecked illegal immigration.” The Secretary also noted joint efforts to secure supply chains and advance scientific inquiry to ensure regional safety and prosperity.
Appointment of Luke J. Lindberg as Executive Director of UN World Food Program
The United States welcomed the Secretary General’s appointment of Luke J. Lindberg as Executive Director of the World Food Program (WFP). The State Department described Mr. Lindberg as the “right leader” to pursue reforms focused on the WFP’s core mandate and operational excellence. As the WFP’s largest donor, the United States stated that Mr. Lindberg’s commitment to accountability and humanitarian assistance will benefit Member States as they work together to advance the organization’s mission of “feeding those in need.”
Secretary Rubio’s Travel to the United Nations for the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week
Secretary Rubio will travel to New York from September 20–23 for the 81st UN General Assembly. Accompanying President Trump, the Secretary plans to advocate for the United Nations to focus on its “core mandate of maintaining international peace and security while respecting national sovereignty.” Rubio will hold meetings with foreign counterparts to discuss economic and security priorities, with the goal of expanding upon recent UN reforms to deliver results for the American people.
The Department of State published new chapters of *Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XVI*, documenting the Reagan administration’s foreign policy in Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The release details U.S. efforts regarding regional democratization, economic stabilization, and security cooperation. The volume, compiled by Nathaniel Smith, also covers specific initiatives such as Paraguay’s “3-Ds” focus on drugs, democracy, and human rights, as well as Venezuela’s role as a regional interlocutor.
Joint Press Statement for the 29th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue
The U.S. Department of War and the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense held the 29th Integrated Defense Dialogue on September 16-18, 2026, in Busan. Delegations led by George LeMeur and Dr. Kim Hong-Cheol assessed defense cooperation progress and efforts to modernize the Alliance. Both sides evaluated the Conditions-based Wartime Operational Control Transition Plan and visited defense industry sites focused on shipbuilding and aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities. They committed to maintaining continuous consultations regarding the security of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.
Secretary of War Flag Officer Announcements for Sept. 17, 2026
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced two presidential nominations. Navy Rear Adm. Kevin J. Brown was nominated for appointment as surgeon general of the Navy. Navy Captain Douglas Graber was nominated for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half).
Secretary of War General Officer Announcements for Sept. 17, 2026
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that the President has nominated Air Force Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Camacho for appointment to the grade of major general. Additionally, 23 Army colonels and one Air Force colonel were nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.
Department of War Publishes Sixth Release of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Files on WAR.GOV/UFO
Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell announced the Department of War’s sixth release of declassified and historical Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) files. The release is part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE). The department stated these files are available on the department’s website and indicated that additional files will be released on a rolling basis.
The Department of War awarded several contracts, including an $871,243,964 modification to Lockheed Martin Corp. for F-35 sustainment, and a $191,286,000 contract to Walsh Federal LLC for Marine Corps barracks construction at Camp Lejeune. MEB General Contractors Inc. received $96,262,000 for electrical upgrades at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Lockheed Martin Space was awarded a $76,562,774 modification for TRIDENT II (D5) life extension efforts. Honeywell Aerospace Technologies received a contract for ring laser gyro components, with funding and delivery terms specified for each award.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Chef André Rush released the fourth episode of “The Real Food Show,” demonstrating how to prepare a nutritious crunch wrap and dessert for $3.44 per serving. Secretary Kennedy stated, “President Trump has charged us with putting real food back at the center of American life.” The episode emphasizes affordable, whole-food ingredients and discusses the administration’s efforts to improve the quality of meals provided to U.S. service members.
SAMHSA awarded $42.3 million in supplemental grants to states and territories to implement the “Treatment First” model for homelessness and addiction. An additional $2 million was granted to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network. Secretary Kennedy stated the investment aims to help states move people “from crisis into treatment and from treatment into lasting recovery, stable housing, and work.” SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll noted the funding supports infrastructure for connecting individuals to effective treatment and long-term stability.
HHS Launches First Ever Department-Wide PPE Demand Forecast to Strengthen American Manufacturing
HHS established the “HHS Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Forecast” to consolidate anticipated PPE purchases under the Make PPE in America Act. This recurring process aims to provide domestic manufacturers with predictable demand signals to assist in production planning. Anthony M. Figliola, ASFR Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, stated, “American manufacturers cannot build durable capacity around uncertainty.” The department noted the forecast serves planning purposes and does not guarantee future acquisitions or contract awards.
Ambassador Greer to Travel to New York
On September 20, 2026, United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will meet with Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York. Ambassador Greer stated that the meeting precedes the U.S.-China Summit in Washington, DC, and aims to facilitate “mutually beneficial trade.” Ambassador Greer asserted that the Trump Administration intends to “pursue balanced trade with China” by monitoring commitments, optimizing trade in non-sensitive goods, and increasing market access for American farmers, manufacturers, and workers.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative convened representatives from more than 50 trading partners to conduct training on the implementation and enforcement of import prohibitions regarding forced labor.
USTR Seeks Public Comment on Foreign Trade Barriers for the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report
The Office of the United States Trade Representative is soliciting public comments to inform the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers.
The United States Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and the United Kingdom government held the 10th United States-United Kingdom Small and Medium Enterprise Dialogue in Cardiff, Wales.
Ambassador Greer Joins the FT News Briefing Podcast with the Financial Times’ Aime Williams
Ambassador Jamieson Greer participated in the Financial Times’ “FT News Briefing” podcast for an interview with Aime Williams.
Ambassador Jamieson Greer released an official statement regarding President Trump’s response to actions described as Canada’s continued retaliation against the United States.
Governor Newsom issues legislative update 9.18.26
Governor Newsom announced the signing of numerous bills, including the Budget Act of 2026 (AB 113), various budget trailer bills, and legislation addressing agricultural theft, education, healthcare, public transit, and land use. The signed bills cover a wide range of topics, such as opioid overdose reversal medication in schools (AB 1586), sunscreen environmental advertising (AB 1744), mortgage foreclosure (AB 1957), and the SCRIVNER Act (AB 2273).
Governor Newsom announces appointments 9.18.2026
Governor Newsom announced several appointments, including Ian Vargas Polo and Katie Porter to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Rachel Rosner and Michael Duarte were appointed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation. Douglas McCauley was appointed to the California Earthquake Authority Advisory Panel, and Dave Rand was reappointed to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors. Senate confirmation is required for all positions except those held by Vargas Polo and McCauley.
Governor Newsom announces Judicial Appointments 9.18.2026
Governor Newsom nominated five Court of Appeal Justices: Brian Goldman (First District), Adam Hofmann (First District), Alexander Giza (Second District), Cindy Pánuco (Second District), and Maria Daghlian Hernandez (Fourth District). Additionally, the Governor appointed two Superior Court judges in Orange and Santa Clara counties. The Court of Appeal nominations require confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.
Governor Newsom proclaims California POW/MIA Recognition Day
Governor Newsom proclaimed September 18, 2026, as “California POW/MIA Recognition Day.” The proclamation honors service members who were captured or went missing during conflicts from World War II to the war in Afghanistan. Newsom commended the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for its work in identifying service members. He stated that the day serves as a “solemn reminder of our country’s duty to remember the sacrifices made by those who serve and to do all we can to account for those who have not returned.”
Governor Newsom issued an executive order to accelerate the implementation of independent AI oversight and safety audits mandated by SB 813 and AB 1405. The order convenes experts to develop recommendations for strengthening AI laws, including a potential “kill switch” for frontier models. Criticizing the federal government’s approach, Newsom stated, “We’re not waiting to act – we’re going to speed up our work on substantial and responsible AI oversight before it’s too late.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer completed an investment mission to South Korea and Taiwan to strengthen ties in maritime manufacturing, robotics, semiconductors, and mobility. The delegation met with government leaders and companies like POEN, BRILS, and HL Mechatronics to secure future investments. Governor Whitmer stated, “Michigan is competing on the global stage,” adding that new partnerships “will shape our economy for decades to come.” Officials noted the mission aimed to expand supply chains, support defense innovation, and promote Michigan as a destination for international business.
Governor Wes Moore announced efforts to support residents following new federal work requirements under H.R. 1. The administration is conducting outreach to 340,000 SNAP households and 320,000 Medicaid members to help maintain benefits. Governor Moore stated the new mandates create “unnecessary burdens,” but asserted the state is “deploying every resource at our disposal to help eligible Marylanders navigate federal changes.” Agencies are streamlining application processes and providing updated guidance via the Maryland Benefits One Application and the Medicaid Check-In Campaign.
Gov. Beshear Breaks Ground on Northern Kentucky Crime Lab and Medical Examiner’s Office
Gov. Andy Beshear joined leaders at Northern Kentucky University to break ground on a new state medical examiner’s office and Kentucky State Police crime lab. Supported by $21 million in 2024 legislative funding, the facility will renovate a vacant civic center to provide regional forensic services. Expected to open in early 2028, the site aims to expedite death investigations, reduce travel for grieving families, and support law enforcement. NKU President Cady Short-Thompson noted the project aligns with the university’s commitment to supporting the region.
Gov. Pritzker Launches Illinois Reproductive Health Care Hub
Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of a new website, the Illinois Reproductive Health Care Hub, to centralize resources for reproductive health, including information on accessing and paying for care. Governor Pritzker stated the hub provides “accessibility and clarity.” Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton noted the site supports the state’s efforts to assist patients, including those traveling from out of state. The platform includes privacy features and information regarding protections under the Illinois Reproductive Health Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Daily Public Schedule: Friday, September 18, 2026
Governor Pritzker has no public events scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026.
Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Received Top Recognition for Data-Driven Decision Making
Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota earned platinum certification from Results for America for evidence-based decision-making in 2026. This marks the ninth consecutive year the state has received the organization’s highest honor. Governor Walz stated the recognition reflects “nine years of data-driven investments” in initiatives such as paid leave, universal free school meals, and the child tax credit. The administration reports that these investments, alongside $3.8 billion in public safety resources, have helped make Minnesota a national leader in policy and program effectiveness.
VIDEO: Sen. Ossoff Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff released a video message observing Hispanic Heritage Month, stating it is a “deep honor to represent Georgia’s Latino community.” He acknowledged the “extraordinary contributions” made by Latinos to Georgia, the United States, and the world. Sen. Ossoff emphasized his goal of being a “visible, the most accessible, and the most responsive and effective Federal representative” for the community, encouraging constituents to contact his office for assistance.
Sen. Ossoff released his third report investigating insurance practices, documenting how “prior authorization” leads to denials or delays of medically necessary care for Georgians. Sen. Ossoff stated, “It is unacceptable that Americans, who are paying record premiums to insurers making record profits in the world’s richest country, are nevertheless denied medically necessary care.” The report cites KFF data regarding Medicare Advantage and ACA denials. Sen. Ossoff noted that he remains committed to “exposing these practices and working to ban insurance companies from denying or delaying needed health care.”
Partnering with Accenture on embedded evaluation
Anthropic is partnering with Accenture, specifically its specialist AI business Faculty, to conduct independent evaluation of frontier AI models. This initiative fulfills a commitment in the CEO’s essay, “We Must Pace the Frontier,” to embed evaluators within the company. Anthropic and Accenture each expect to invest at least $1 billion over the next five years. While Anthropic is currently funding the work directly, it intends to engage other evaluators and advocates for future pooled or government funding models to ensure independent, verifiable safety accountability.
Covers the 2026-09-17 session — the Congressional Record is published with a one-day delay.
The Senate conducted routine proceedings and advanced various legislative measures and nominations. Senators began consideration of a bill to protect the rights of student athletes and confirmed the nomination of a United States District Judge.
H.R. 5345 — provides a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration for identity theft victims [Passed]
S. Res. 862 — honors the life and legacy of Dolly Parton [Agreed to]
S. Res. 816 — honors 35 years of independence for Central Asian countries [Agreed to]
S. 4668 — protects name, image, and likeness rights of student athletes [Motion to proceed agreed to (77-22)]
Kasdin Miller Mitchell — United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas [Confirmed (49-45)]
The House of Representatives met briefly for a session lasting two minutes. Members introduced new legislation before adjourning.
None — No legislative actions occurred [No vote count]
Senate - Committee on Armed Services — examined the implementation of the National Defense Strategy
Senate - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs — ordered the reporting of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act and four nominations
Senate - Committee on Foreign Relations — examined five Department of State ambassadorial nominations
House - Committee on Natural Resources — examined H.R. 7269 and H.R. 8674
The Senate will meet in a pro forma session at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026. The House will meet in a pro forma session at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Reference: Congressional Daily Digest — 2026-09-17