China has launched two probes targeting the US semiconductor sector in advance of upcoming US-China talks in Madrid, according to a Bloomberg report. This development occurred as House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that "desperate times demanding desperate measures" necessitates swift sanctions on Russia, emphasizing the need for alignment with President Trump. Separately, a spokesman for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries responded to criticism from Senator Chris Van Hollen regarding support for Zohran Mamdani, questioning "Chris Van Who?" according to a New York Times report. Speaker Johnson expressed strong congressional support for sanctions against Russia and a willingness to collaborate with the White House and Senate. However, he stressed that no action would be taken without President Trump's agreement. The probes by China come ahead of anticipated discussions between the two nations. The response from Jeffries' spokesman, as reported by The New York Times, suggests internal Democratic party friction concerning outreach and support for specific members. This exchange highlights ongoing political maneuvering within the party. Previous reports from September 14th, 2025, indicated that U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited the Western Wall with U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Furthermore, reports emerged suggesting President Trump's inclination to defund Clemson University due to alleged incitement and celebration of violence against conservatives. Additionally, Senator James Lankford reported 14,000 threats against members of Congress this calendar year, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox described current events as a "direct assault on America."
