D.C. Watch

State of the Union Sets 2026 Agenda

President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday. He highlighted his policy achievements, outlined his legislative priorities and framed the policy debate ahead of the November midterm elections.

He also touted the administration's economic platform, which he described as focused on lowering costs for working families. Trump cited regional declines in consumer prices, including eggs and gasoline, and pointed to strengthened pensions and retirement accounts as a result of record stock market levels. He presented job creation and overall economic performance as central indicators of progress, with affordability positioned as the administration's overarching objective.

DHS Partial Shutdown Over Immigration Funding

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security entered a partial shutdown after Congress failed to resolve a dispute over fiscal year 2026 appropriations related to immigration enforcement authorities. Senate Democrats blocked a procedural vote, citing the absence of proposed enforcement guardrails, including limits on face coverings and expanded accountability measures.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations remain funded through a separate $75 billion appropriation enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The partial shutdown affects select DHS functions and underscores continued division over immigration policy heading into appropriations negotiations.

Supreme Court Invalidates IEEPA Tariff Authority

In a 6-3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed solely under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) exceed statutory authority. As a result, most tariffs based exclusively in IEEPA are now invalid.

The ruling does not affect other major tariff structures, including those on steel, automobiles and certain Chinese imports enacted under separate authorities. The decision opens the door to potential refund claims for previously collected duties, though the court did not establish a refund process. Federal agencies and the U.S. Court of International Trade will now address pending litigation and administrative implementation.

Recent Executive Order

H.R. 14385 - Protecting the National Security and Welfare of the United States and Its Citizens from Criminal Actors and Other Public Safety Threats

National Security & Defense | Immigration

Directs the Department of Justice to expand the Department of Homeland Security's access to criminal history records to enhance national security screening and public safety enforcement efforts.

Upcoming Texas Election and Legislative Dates

• Primary early voting: Ends Feb. 27.
• Primary election day: March 3.
• Special election for Senate District 4: May 2.
• Primary runoff election: May 26.
• Bill pre-filing begins: Nov. 9.
• 90th Legislature convenes: Jan. 12, 2027.