WASHINGTON, June 17 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * MAGA Lapdog Jay Feely Won't Say Trump Lost The 2020 Election * AZ-01 twice rejected election denier Kari Lake in 2022 and 2024 MAGA lapdog Jay Feely is way too extreme for Arizona's First Congressional District, new reporting from the Arizona Republic highlights. Despite AZ-01 being " an epicenter for conservative voters who have wavered on the GOP," Feely continues to stand firmly with Trump on everything from reckless tar more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 (TNSrpt) -- The America First Policy Institute issued the following news release on June 18, 2026: * * * New AFPI Report: Iran Was China's "Counter-Pivot" -- And Operation Epic Fury Just Dismantled It The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) today released a new report contending that China spent two decades using Iran as a tool to keep the United States distracted from the Pacific -- and that Operation Epic Fury has now broken that architecture, handing Washington a lasting strategic advantage over Beijing. The report, more PR

NEW YORK, June 18 [Category: Religion] -- The American Jewish Committee posted the following statement: * * * AJC Statement on U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding * American Jewish Committee (AJC) is deeply concerned by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran that appears to surrender significant U.S. leverage upfront while deferring the most consequential and necessary Iranian concessions to a future comprehensive agreement that may never materialize. However, we urge caution at this early stage, as subse more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The American Center for Law and Justice posted the following news: * * * Vice President JD Vance Goes on Record Over Iran Deal President Trump signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last night in France, and this morning, Vice President JD Vance delivered a White House press briefing to address conflicting reports from the mainstream media about the details of the MOU. As reported by The Hill: Vice President Vance will brief reporters in the White House briefing room on Thursday following the signing of the mem more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Center for International Environmental Law issued the following news: * * * Banks Pump Over US$250 Billion Into Petrochemicals Despite Growing Industry Risks GENEVA / WASHINGTON / LONDON -- Major banks have channeled over US$250 billion into the world's top fifteen petrochemical companies since 2019, according to a brief released today by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Deep Pockets, Dirty Profits: How Banks and Investors Are Financing the Global Petrochemical Industry exposes the financial s more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release: * * * Barrasso for The Washington Post: The Hoover Dam let energy flow. Congress should take the hint. * WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today published an op-ed in The Washington Post about recently-introduced permitting reform legislation called the Let America Build Act. Senator Barrasso's legislation aims to streamline the permitting process and lower energy prices. Key excerpts: "Millions of Americans more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, issued the following news release: * * * Beyer Statement on MOU Agreed to by US, Iran * Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed to by the United States and Iran: "The President should never have started this war. It was not smart, it was not legal, it was not morally justified, and it was not in our national interest. "The American people never asked for this war, yet they have borne its costs from the very beginn more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement with dozens of international leaders on June 18, 2026, warmly welcoming a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran. The statement praises the diplomatic breakthrough mediated by Pakistan and Qatar as a vital opportunity to restore regional stability and secure the global economy. Starmer and the co-signatories emphasized that the rapid reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with full freedom of navigation is essential, committing to independent, defensive mari more PR

WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Speaking at the Annual Security Review Conference in Vienna, Austria, British Director of Defence and International Security Ben Fender reconfirmed the United Kingdom's steadfast support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's ongoing war. Fender highlighted that the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe remains a vital forum for telling truths and holding member states accountable. The director also addressed escalating regional threats, noting recent drone strikes on a Ukrainian nuclear facility and a Romani more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Ted Budd, R-North Carolina, issued the following news release: * * * Budd, Coons Bill to Reauthorize USCIRF & Advance International Religious Freedom Passes Committee & Heads to Senate Floor * Washington, D.C. -U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons' (D-Del.) legislation to extend the authorization of the independent, bipartisan United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 advanced out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) yesterday, as ame more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 18, 2026: * * * CAIR-LA Condemns Hate-Motivated Violence Targeting Spectators Perceived to be Iranian, Wearing Hijab at Iran v. New Zealand FIFA Match The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned multiple instances of verbal harassment, assault, and physical violence that occurred at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage match in Los Angeles between Iran and New Zealand on Mond more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, issued the following news release: * * * Cantwell Statement on Trump's MOU With Iran * 06.18.26 WASHINGTON, D.C. - An initial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to halt President Donald Trump's war in Iran has been publicly disclosed. The MOU grants significant concessions to Iran while postponing any commitments from Iran on its nuclear programs. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement: "The President's war with Iran was a mistake. The MOU is the price more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, issued the following news release: * * * Chairman Wicker Issues Statement on the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran * WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement: "Since day one, I have supported President Trump's efforts to end Iran's 47-year threat to the United States and our partners. I am concerned that the memorandum of understanding negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with  more PR

DENVER, Colorado, June 18 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release: * * * Colorado's Economic Forecast Shows Steady Growth, Higher Revenue Than Expected Forecast also shows increased risk in the future from Iran War and higher costs  - Today, the Governor's Office of State Planning and Budgeting presented its economic forecast to the Joint Budget Committee. The forecast indicates steady economic growth in 2026, with revenue coming in higher than expected.  "Despite challenges in the national economy, today's Co more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Cleo Fields, D-Louisiana, issued the following news release: * * * CONGRESSMAN FIELDS RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING IRAN FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT * BATON ROUGE, L.A. - Congressman Cleo Fields today issued the following statement expressing his strong disapproval of the preliminary framework agreement announced this week between the United States and Iran: "Let me be clear about what this agreement actually is. After dragging the country into a conflict that was never a war of necessity, the President is now searching more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release: * * * Congresswoman Dean: "Operation Epic Fury ends as Operation Epic Failure." * GLENSIDE, Pa. -Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on President Trump's 14-point Memorandum of Understanding with Iran: "Yesterday President Trump signed the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding with Iran in the company of world leaders. Revealing to all the world that Operation Epi more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release: * * * Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Iran "Deal" to End Republican War of Choice * "The war with Iran has killed Americans, Iranians, and others in the region, wasted billions, depleted military capacity, and made life more expensive for working people. Trump didn't do this alone: The Republican-led Congress allowed this costly war to continue and reach this vague, uncertain phase. There has never been a military solution to the challenges posed more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: * * * Courtney: Trump's War with Iran Leaves the American People With Nothing But Higher Costs & A Huge Bill * NORWICH, CT - Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement on the Memorandum of Understanding for a ceasefire agreed to by the U.S. and Iran. "First and foremost, it is notable that U.S. troops are one step closer to being moved out of har more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following commentary on June 18, 2026, by Emily Harding, director of the Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program and vice president of the CSIS Defense and Security Department: * * * Iran Won the Negotiation, Even Though It Lost the War The full text of the framework agreement with Iran is now public, and it is lopsided. There is one piece of good news: Washington and Tehran are publicly describing the same deal. Previous purported agreement more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following commentary on June 18, 2026, by Erol Yayboke, senior fellow (non-resident) with the Futures Lab, and Nickolas Wilcox, director at CACI International Inc.: * * * Irregular Warfare: Winning the Cognitive Domain The United States has repeatedly proven its ability to execute decisive kinetic strikes. Adversaries understand this, which is why they increasingly avoid conventional confrontation. Instead, they operate in the space of irregular warfare: lev more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following Critical Questions Q&A on June 18, 2026, involving Aaron Stanley, deputy director and fellow of the Africa Program: * * * After the Supermajority: Ethiopia's Trajectory Following the 2026 Election Ethiopia held its general elections on June 1, and with the majority of votes now finalized, all signs point to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali's Prosperity Party having secured a vast majority. While many analysts confidently predicted these outcomes well  more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Center for Strategic and International Studies issued the following Critical Questions Q&A on June 18, 2026, involving Director Gracelin Baskaran and associate fellow Meredith Schwartz, both of the Critical Minerals Security Program: * * * G7 Critical Minerals Ambitions and Iran's Natural Resources On June 15, Group of Seven (G7) heads of state, including President Donald Trump, convened in France for the annual summit. Featured prominently on the agenda were avenues for critical minerals cooperation, including pri more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: * * * DeLauro on President Trump's Iran Deal: "Why Did We Go To War?" * Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Trump's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, the first stage of a deal which provides for an end to immediate fighting along with significant concessions to Iran and a commitment to further negotiations: "After reviewin more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 (TNSrep) -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release: * * * Study: Families Are Losing Their Insurance Amidst Republicans' Continued Assault on Healthcare and Trump's Affordability Crisis New data shows that health insurance cancellations are already up 24% in the wake of Trump signing his Big Ugly Bill into law and Republicans refusing to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. - A newly released study by the Commonwealth Fund shows a significant drop in Affordable Care A more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- BirdLife Europe and Central Asia issued the following news release: * * * EU budget talks: Europe is counting the cost of the climate crisis. Its budget doesn't reflect it. This week, European leaders gather for the European Council to discuss the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). One thing is conspicuously absent from the agenda: a guarantee that nature protection and restoration will be funded. At the scale of a multi-year, multi-trillion euro budget, this absence speaks volumes. - There is no ring-fence more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release: * * * F&M POLL: DEMOCRATS HOLD A 12-POINT LEAD ON CONGRESSIONAL BALLOT IN PENNSYLVANIA * F&M poll is latest to show Pennsylvania voters souring on Republicans, flashing major warning signs for Fitzpatrick, Mackenzie, Bresnahan, & Perry New polling released from Franklin & Marshall College shows Democrats have opened up a 12-point lead when Pennsylvanians are asked which party they prefer in this November's congressional races. Back  more PR

MADISON, Wisconsin, June 19 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on June 18, 2026: * * * 'Theocrat' Sen. Ted Cruz emboldens Christian lawmakers The FFRF Action Fund names Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, as its "Theocrat of the Week" for resoundingly joining the National Association of Christian Lawmakers as its U.S. Senate chair. In the first week of June, more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * Gillibrand, Suozzi, Gillen Urge Trump Administration To Boost Gas Mileage Deductions Amid Sky-High Prices At The Pump * Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), and U.S. Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) urged the Trump administration to raise the federal standard mileage rates for certain business, medical, and moving uses to provide relief to New Yorkers struggling amidst sky-high gas pri more PR

ALLENDALE, Michigan, June 19 -- Grand Valley State University issued the following Q&A on June 18, 2026, political science professor Polly Diven and economics professor Paul Isely: * * * GVSU Experts: A Q&A on the U.S.-Iran agreement and its global impact Profile picture for Brian Vernellis By Brian Vernellis Polly Diven, professor of political science, researches and teaches international relations and U.S. foreign policy. She discusses the diplomatic challenges, regional dynamics and long-term implications of the agreement for U.S. forei more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Brian Mast, R-Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on June 18, 2026: * * * Chairman Mast Statement on U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement upon President Trump's signing of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding: "President Trump has earned the deference that he will nail Iran to the wall by leaving IRGC General Soleimani in pieces on a tarmac, conducting Operation Midn more PR

WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks, Smith, Himes Demand Briefing on U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding * Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; and Jim Himes, Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding t more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-Maryland, issued the following news release: * * * Hoyer: President Trump has to Answer for His Decision to Hand a Victory to Iran Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after President Donald Trump formally signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war with Iran and the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: "President Trump made it clear that his war of choice in Iran would have to end in surrender. Unfortunately, it appears he has chosen to surrender more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, issued the following news release: * * * ICYMI: U.S. Senator Katie Britt Joins America's Newsroom on Fox News * WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) joined America's Newsroom with Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer on Fox News. She discussed President Trump's leadership in negotiations with Iran, as well as the importance of reauthorizing FISA Section 702 after its expiration due to Senate Democrats' obstruction. On the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran: "Look, in my opinio more PR

MUNICH, Germany, June 19 -- ifo Institute issued the following news release on June 18, 2026: * * * German Economy to Grow by 0.8 Percent in 2026 The ifo Institute forecasts growth of 0.8 percent in gross domestic product (GDP) for the German economy this year. The economic experts also expect 0.8 percent growth for the coming year. "While a massive energy price shock caused by the Middle East conflict is slowing down the economy, a highly expansionary fiscal policy is supporting growth. The economy is currently being shaped by conflicting f more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The International Monetary Fund issued the following news release: * * * IMF and Austria Renew Agreement Underpinning the Work of the Joint Vienna Institute Vienna: The IMF and Austrian authorities have renewed their cooperation agreement on the Joint Vienna Institute (JVI), reaffirming its long-established role as a hub of economic learning, policy dialogue and international cooperation. On 18 June 2026, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Markus Marterbauer, Minister of F more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, issued the following news release: * * * In SASC Airland Hearing, Kelly Questions Army Officials on Munitions Shortfalls and Operation Modernization * This week, during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Airland Subcommittee hearing, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly (D-AZ), the Subcommittee's Ranking Member, delivered remarks and questioned high-ranking officials on the Army's plan to rebuild critically low munitions stockpiles, how the Army is modernizing its operat more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R48282) on June 16, 2026, entitled "Iran: Congressional Reporting Requirements" by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Clayton Thomas. Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY Iran: Congressional Reporting Requirements Congress has mandated that the executive branch provide it with significant amounts of information related to Iran via singular and recurring reporting requirements. Iran-related issues about which Congress has mandated executive branc more PR

NEW YORK, June 18 [Category: International] -- The Center for Human Rights in Iran posted the following news release: * * * Iran Intensifies Assault on Independent Lawyers Amid Expanding Post-War Crackdown At Least 32 Lawyers Arrested, Prosecuted, or Imprisoned in Iran Since January 2026 Political Detainees, Death Row Prisoners at Grave Risk Without Independent Lawyers -  As domestic repression intensifies across Iran, authorities have increasingly turned their attention to the country's independent legal community. In just the first fiv more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Jamestown Foundation posted the following commentary on June 17, 2026, by Vali Kaleji, an expert on Central Asia and Caucasian studies in Tehran, Iran, in the foundation's Eurasia Daily Monitor: * * * Armenian Election Results Hold Contradictory Implications for Iran Executive Summary: * Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's victory in Armenia's June 7 parliamentary elections reinforces the country's pro-Western trajectory and is likely to advance peace with Azerbaijan and normalization with Turkiye, leading t more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The Jamestown Foundation posted the following commentary on June 18, 2026, by Syed Fazl-e-Haider, contributing analyst at the South Asia desk of Wikistrat, in the foundation's Eurasia Daily Monitor: * * * Moscow and Islamabad Discuss Linking Gwadar Port With INSTC Executive Summary: * On May 13, Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister Talha Burki expressed Pakistan's interest in becoming part of the Russia-backed International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) by linking it with Pakistan's People's Repu more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-California, issued the following news release: * * * Kamlager-Dove Statement on Trump's Failed War on Iran * WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on Trump's failed war on Iran: "Donald Trump's arrogance and ignorance led to one of the worst foreign policy decisions of my lifetime. Make no mistake: Trump lost this war. He was so desperate to get out of his own disastrous, illega more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, issued the following news release: * * * Kennedy on the Iran memorandum of understanding: "We ought to give peace a chance" * Watch Kennedy's comments here. WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) explained why he is optimistic about the memorandum of understanding that the Trump administration struck with Iran and the possibility of regional peace in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor. Key excerpts of the speech are below: "I read the memorandum of understanding between the United  more PR

LONDON, England, June 18 -- London Business School posted the following news: * * * Global economy faces delicate balancing act * As part of her regular SiriusXM Business Briefing appearances, London Business School Adjunct Professor Linda Yueh joined anchor Janet Alvarez on 17 June to discuss the global economy, monetary policy, the implications of the US-Iran conflict and the future of AI-driven infrastructure. UK inflation came in lower than expected at 2.8 per cent, offering some relief to policymakers and reducing pressure for further more PR

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 19 [Category: Biology] -- The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council issued the following statement on June 18, 2026 by CEO Kendalle Burlin O'Connell: * * * CEO Innovation Policy Update 06.18.26 As the industry heads to San Diego for BIO26 next week, plenty is happening back in Washington that will shape the ecosystem our members are building. A few things worth knowing before everyone's wheels are up. CMS Moves to Make Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Permanent: On June 12, CMS proposed a rule to convert the Medi more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Arizona State University McCain Institute issued the following commentary on June 17, 2026, by Ariane Gottlieb, program coordinator in the John McCain Freedom for Political Prisoners Initiative: * * * Blog: Ten Years Held Hostage: The Story of Ahmadreza Djalali Ahmadreza Djalali only intended to leave Sweden for two weeks. Traveling to Tehran for a business conference, he assured his friends that he would be safe. Ten years later, Ahmadreza sits in prison in Iran, awaiting execution for a crime he did not commit. Apri more PR

WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: * * * Murphy on Trump-Iran Deal: This Agreement Exposes What a Colossal Mistake This War Was * WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Wednesday took to the Senate floor to lay out how President Trump's announced deal to end the war with Iran has functionally eliminated America's leverage in nuclear negotiations, emboldened the hardliners in the regime and weakened the United State more PR

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, June 17 -- The Nevada Democratic Party posted the following news release: * * * Nevada Republicans Enter General Election Tethered to Trump's Sinking Ship * Nevada Republicans spent the past few months desperately waving their hands in the air to try to get a spot on Donald Trump's ship. Now that they're all aboard with Trump's cost-raising agenda, here's a non-comprehensive list of reasons they are going down with the ship headed towards rock-bottom : Following new reporting of record-high inflation numbers, Captain T more PR

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 18 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news: * * * NINTH TIME'S THE CHARM: Jon Husted's New Favorite Number * Husted has now voted NINE TIMES to support Iran war & NINE TIMES to raise health care costs COLUMBUS, OHIO -This week marked the ninth time that Husted has voted to support the expensive and unnecessary war in Iran, doubling down on a foreign conflict that has sent energy and food prices soaring for Ohioans. During his first year and a half in office, Husted has demonstrated a penchant for taki more PR

OXFORD, England, June 17 [Category: Sociological] -- Oxfam International issued the following statement by head of inequality policy Max Lawson on the closing of the G7 Summit: * * * "Once again, the G7 has put its own interests ahead of the people paying the price for crises that these same powers have too often caused, fueled or failed to prevent. "This summit was defined as much by what was left off the agenda as by what was discussed. Climate change, gender inequality and human rights were conspicuously sidelined to secure President Tru more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, issued the following news release: * * * Padilla Statement on Disastrous Trump-Iran "Deal" to Hand Regime Hundreds of Billions of Dollars * WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) issued the following statement after Donald Trump signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, ceding a victory to the Iranian regime after starting a war that raised gas, grocery, and energy prices on Americans. "This MOU represents a complete U.S. surrender and leaves Iran in a be more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13247) by Middle Eastern affairs specialist Clayton Thomas and legislative attorney Jennifer K. Elsea: * * * Possible U.S.-Iran Agreement: INARA and U.S. Sanctions In June 2026, after months of diplomatic engagement, President Trump announced that a "Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete." No mutually agreed upon text of an agreement has been publicly released as of June 17, 2026, and U.S. and Iranian accounts more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Protecting Americans from High Electricity Prices Act, originally introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, on June 10, 2026, has been analyzed by the Congressional Research Service. This legislation aims to establish procedures for determining the public interest regarding greenhouse gas emissions related to the import and export of natural gas. The bill responds to growing concerns over rising electricity prices and the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions. By modifying existing regulations under the  more ST

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release: * * * Reed Sounds Alarm on Hegseth's Campaign to Politicize the U.S. Military * WASHINGTON, DC - This week, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor warning that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is systematically undermining the U.S. military's apolitical foundation and eroding the American people's trust. Senator Reed condemned Hegseth's recent hyper-partisan rema more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release: * * * Reed Statement on Trump-Iran Ceasefire Agreement * WASHINGTON, DC -Today, President Trump sent Congress a copy of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) he has signed with the Islamic Republic of Iran. After reviewing the MOU, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement: "Every American should be relieved this war is ending, but President Trump deserves neither credit n more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Ami Bera, D-California, issued the following news release: * * * Rep. Bera Statement on the Next Phase of U.S. Negotiations with Iran Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), a senior Democrat serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement on the next phase of U.S. negotiations with Iran: "President Trump took our nation into an illegal and ill-advised war that cost the lives of 13 American servicemembers, diminished America's  more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Adelita S. Grijalva, D-Arizona, issued the following news release: * * * Rep. Grijalva Statement on U.S.-Iran Agreement * Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Adelita S. Grijalva released the following statement on the agreement struck between the United States and Iran to end hostilities: "While I am relieved to see hostilities come to an end, at least temporarily, one fundamental question remains: Why did we go to war with Iran in the first place? This conflict claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members, killed more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Arizona, issued the following statement on the U.S.-Iran Agreement: * * * "Trump's war-of-choice in Iran was a disaster waiting to happen. He never should have started this conflict, and this agreement proves it. More than 100 days later, his recklessness has left Americans poorer, weaker, and less safe. Trump bragged he could get a stronger deal than the JCPOA. He did not. He tore up an agreement that had Iran's nuclear program under real limits with inspectors in place. He chose war instead, an more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Nebraska, issued the following news release: * * * Ricketts Statement on Signing of U.S.-Iran MOU * WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement after the signing of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU): "I am deeply grateful for our brave service women and men who have executed Operation Epic Fury. We will never forget those who lost their lives in defense of our freedom, including Nebraska's own Noah Tietjens. Our military's actions s more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, issued the following news release: * * * Rosen-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Expand Internet Access for Iranian Civilians and Combat Iran's Human Rights Abuses Advances in Committee * WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen's (D-NV) bipartisan Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act recently advanced out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This bipartisan bill she led with Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) will increase pressure on Iran after the regime instituted their more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Bradley Schneider, D-Illinois, issued the following news release: * * * SCHNEIDER STATEMENT ON MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN U.S AND IRAN * Lincolnshire, IL - Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after President Trump signed (link is external) the Memorandum of Understanding (link is external) between the United States and Iran: "President Trump is now the first U.S. President to officially sign a surrender agreement,  more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Secure Aluminum Supply Chains Act, originally introduced by Rep. Haley M. Stevens, D-Michigan, on June 4, 2026, has been analyzed by the Congressional Research Service. The bill aims to address national security concerns regarding the exportation of aluminum scrap to countries deemed as threats, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. This legislation mandates that the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) investigate the potential risks associated with exporting aluminum scrap. Within 180 days more ST

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, issued the following statement: * * * Murkowski on Iran MOU Following today's Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) released the following statement: "This week's Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran is a welcome step away from war, but it is also just a first step, and a final agreement may prove difficult to reach over the next 60 days. While it is significant that the Strait of Hormuz will be open,  more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member and chairman, of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on June 17, 2026: * * * Read Out: June 17th Committee Business Meeting Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after members passed 24 pieces of legislation out of committee. "The legislation advanced by the Committee today addres more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, and Jim Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member and chairman, of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on June 17, 2026: * * * Read Out: June 17th Committee Business Meeting U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement after members passed 24 pieces of legislation out of committee. "The legislation advanced by the Committee today ad more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on June 18, 2026: * * * Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on White House Iran Agreement Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the White House confirmed the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran: "Now that the White House has finally released the memorandum  more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, issued the following news release on June 17, 2026: * * * Ranking Member Markey Criticizes Trump's "Freedom 250" and Corporate Cronyism at Small Business Committee Hearing RM Markey: "Trump's 'Corruption 250' celebration hands blank checks to big corporations while small businesses suffer" - Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today condemned Trump's shameless self-dealing and corrupt big business more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, issued the following news release: * * * Senator Marshall: Americans Are Done with Forever Wars * Senator Marshall Joins The Source With Kaitlan Collins on CNN Washington - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined CNN's The Source With Kaitlan Collins to discuss President Trump's memorandum of understanding with Iran, how it makes Americans safer, and how the President is avoiding forever wars. Click HERE to download the full video. On the memorandum of understanding si more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, issued the following news release: * * * Senator Marshall: Americans Are Safer Today Thanks to President Trump * Senator Marshall Joins Mornings with Mundo on KCMO Washington - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined KCMO's Mornings with Mundo with Pete Mundoto discuss President Trump's deal with Iran and how it is a win for American safety, the cost of groceries and gas coming down, and the Kansas City Royals. Click HERE to download the full video. On the benefits of  more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The U.S. Department of State announces a funding opportunity titled Countering Iran and its Proxies through Enhanced Counterterrorist Financing in Iraq. This initiative aims to bolster Iraq's anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism regime through targeted training and technical assistance. With an award ceiling of $2.9 million, this program is designed to deliver measurable impacts for American taxpayers by disrupting the financial networks of Iran, its proxy groups, and other U.S.-designated forei more ST

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the following news release on June 18, 2026: * * * Treasury Targets Hizballah-Aligned Officials and Intensifies Pressure on Global Financial Network Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Hizballah-aligned Lebanese officials, as well as members of a Hizballah-associated business network overseen by Alaa Hassan Hamieh, also known as Alaa Hamieh. The Lebanese officials designated today have used their influence to obst more PR

CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 18 [Category: Environment] -- The Union of Concerned Scientists posted the following news release: * * * U.N. Bonn Climate Talks on Track to End in Disappointing Stalemate, Finance a Major Stumbling Block BONN - The U.N. June Climate Meetings (SB64) will conclude in Bonn, Germany today in a stalemate on key issues. Negotiations are being delayed as richer nations seek to block or water down language on tripling funding for adaptation, despite having previously agreed to this at COP30 in Belem, Brazil last Novem more PR

WASHINGTON, June 18 [Category: Law/Legal] -- The Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center posted the following news release: * * * United Nations Urges Iran to Release Political Prisoner Reza Khandan The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center (KHRC), PEN America, and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (RWCHR) welcome a recent decision from the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) regarding the ongoing arbitrary detention of Reza Khandan, a 60-year-old Iranian graphic designer and human rights defende more PR

BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 18 [Category: Energy]-- 350.org, an organization that works to end the age of fossil fuels and build a community-led renewable energy, posted the following news release: * * * US-Iran MOU Signals Normalization But Higher Fossil Fuel Prices Will cost over $700 Billions in 2026. * New analysis by 350.org shows that people and businesses will continue to pay a steep price for fossil fuel dependence, even if the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens and remains so. According to 350.org calculations, an estimated $374bn has  more PR

WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on June 18, 2026: * * * Warren Statement on President Trump's Memorandum of Understanding with Iran Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, issued the below statement on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed to by the United States and Ir more PR

GENEVA, Switzerland, June 18 [Category: Religion] -- The World Council of Churches posted the following news: * * * WCC appeals for US-Iran peace agreement that translates into action for wider region * World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, and expressed hope that a comprehensive agreement will be negotiated within the ceasefire. "It is our hope and prayer that this agreement, once concluded, will contribute to greater stability and sec more PR