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National security act: bipartisan senators propose bill against war
Three US senators proposing new bipartisan legislation that would give congress the power to approve or deny war missions
Three bipartisan US senators are proposing to introduce sweeping legislation that would give Congress the power to approve or deny war missions. Independent senator Bernie Sanders, Democrat Chris Murphy as well as Republican Mike Lee are working on the bill.
The senators are proposing this legislation to re-assert congressional authority over war-making power. The ‘National Security Act’ will include sending troops into combat, selling lethal weapons to other countries and declaring national emergencies.
Sending troops into combat, selling lethal weapons and national emergencies
The current policy only gives congress the ability to disapprove sales once the process has already started. It requires a veto-proof majority to halt the sale.
The bill would end permanent emergencies, requiring congress to renew them periodically. Congress would also only be able to enact a state of emergency for a maximum of 5 years.
It also bars using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs. However, officials can still use the act still to ban imports entirely.
Strengthening the 1973 War Powers Resolution
It would be the largest overhaul of Congress’s authority over military matters since the War Powers Resolution. Congress introduced the 1973 bill to check the powers of former president Richard Nixon in reaction to the tumult of the Vietnam War.
In this case, the bipartisan legislation comes as the US withdraws from its longest war in Afghanistan. Sanders says the costs of war are “too great”.
Which senators are proposing the National Security Act?
Independent senator Bernie Sanders, Democrat Chris Murphy as well as Republican Mike Lee are working on the war bill.
Mike Lee
Mike Lee is a conservative Republican who has previously expressed frustration with the use of military force from both parties. In 2020, he criticised the Trump administration for carrying out a targeted airstrike in Iraq without congressional approval. He says that presidents often ignore Congress, even when members do speak up.
“Presidents of both parties have usurped Congress’s prerogative to determine if, when, and how we go to war”
Republican Mike Lee
“Now, America’s global standing, treasure, and brave service members are being lost in conflicts the people’s legislators never debated. In areas where the Constitution grants broad powers to Congress, Congress is ignored.”
Bernie Sanders
Progressive independent senator Bernie Sanders says the legislation comes as an “important step toward reasserting constitutional power”.
“The time is long overdue for Congress to reassert its constitutional role in matters of war and peace”
Bernie Sanders
“I hope it will lead to a larger discussion, both in the Congress and among the public, about the uses of military force in our foreign policy.”
Chris Murphy
Chris Murphy is a Democrat. He warns that, “before it’s too late, Congress needs to reclaim its rightful role as co-equal branch on matters of war and national security.”
The United States has announced an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid for Cuba, bringing total assistance since Hurricane Melissa struck the island in October to $9 million. The new relief package will focus on Cuba’s eastern provinces, including Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, providing staples like rice, beans, pasta, canned tuna, and solar lamps. U.S. officials said embassy staff will monitor distribution to prevent the government from diverting supplies.
The announcement comes amid worsening energy and fuel shortages. Cuba has faced widespread blackouts, leaving millions without electricity in several provinces, while rising food prices and limited fuel supplies have intensified humanitarian pressures. Officials warn that without sufficient oil imports, hospitals, transport, and essential services could be severely affected. The crisis has escalated following U.S. restrictions on Cuba’s oil shipments and Venezuela’s inability to supply fuel, forcing Cuba to turn to Mexico as its primary energy partner.
Humanitarian situation
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz‑Canel accused the U.S. of imposing an “energy blockade,” while Mexican officials work to deliver fuel without triggering U.S. tariffs. Díaz‑Canel expressed willingness to engage in dialogue but insisted talks must respect Cuba’s sovereignty. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced serious concern, warning that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further if oil supplies remain restricted.
As Cuba struggles to balance disaster recovery with an ongoing energy crisis, the international community faces a delicate challenge: providing humanitarian support while navigating complex geopolitical tensions.
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SpaceX expands Starlink with phone plans and satellite tracking ambitions
SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.
SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.
SpaceX is pushing Starlink beyond internet from space, with plans underway for new consumer facing services that could reshape the telecom landscape.
The company is reportedly exploring a Starlink mobile device, positioning it as a potential rival to established smartphone players as it looks to extend its reach from orbit to everyday tech.
Starlink has become SpaceX’s financial powerhouse, generating an estimated $8 billion in revenue last year, with fresh trademark and patent filings signalling even more ambitious expansion ahead.
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Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.
Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.
Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.
#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply
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