President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the return of hostages and the end of the war in Gaza within the coming days, according to a letter sent to abducted families. Simultaneously, a U.S. delegation led by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Egypt to join negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, with Witkoff expected in Cairo in the coming hours, as confirmed by Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. These developments occur as the federal government shutdown enters its seventh day, with ongoing debates over its impact and potential resolutions. Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated that enhanced Obamacare subsidies are a "Dec. 31 issue" and that conversations were planned for October, adding that "pretty dramatic changes" would be required for an extension bill to reach the House floor. Johnson also stated that Republicans are "100% united" and are "pleading with the Democrats in the senate to do the right thing," arguing the shutdown is detrimental to the economy and will impact GDP. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) highlighted the urgency of extending Obamacare subsidies, with King emphasizing that "immediate problem" requiring action by the end of the month, and Gallego noting that over 100,000 Arizonans could see their premiums double if ACA tax credit extensions are not passed. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) also pointed to the "pain writ-large" from both the shutdown and the potential expiration of healthcare affordability measures. In other news, Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill have called on the NJEA to fire a staffer over alleged anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, and violent social media posts. Separately, Senator Josh Hawley claimed that the FBI "spied on my phone calls AND tracked my location" and targeted parents, pro-lifers, and conservative organizations, calling for investigations and prosecutions. Senator Tim Burchett humorously tweeted about hoping the FBI illegally investigated him. During a Senate hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi declined to discuss internal conversations with the White House regarding the deployment of National Guard troops to cities, responding to Senator Dick Durbin's questions by stating, "I'm not going to discuss any internal conversations with you" and accusing him of hating President Trump. The Supreme Court is also considering a Colorado conversion therapy ban, with live audio available for the proceedings.
