📰 Hundreds of billions in over-budget federal projects exposed, as Senate DOGE tries to claw money back
A new report from the Senate DOGE Caucus reveals that more than a dozen federal infrastructure projects are collectively over budget by at least $162 billion. Senate DOGE Caucus Chairwoman Joni Ernst highlighted the issue, emphasizing that going a billion dollars over budget is a significant financial problem. Ernst and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks introduced the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act to address severely delayed or over-budget projects. The report includes examples such as a Minneapolis light rail extension doubling in cost and a Honolulu rail project needing an additional $9.9 billion to complete. The report also criticizes California’s high-speed rail project for its massive cost overrun and delays.
In one case, a Minneapolis light rail extension project faced significant delays and cost increases, reaching $2.74 billion. Rep. Ilhan Omar defended the project as crucial for the community in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Another example is a rail project in Honolulu requiring an additional $9.9 billion to finish, which is about half of Hawaii’s annual budget. The report also highlights California’s high-speed rail project, which has faced substantial cost overruns and delays spanning multiple administrations.
The report details the high costs associated with California’s high-speed rail project, which is projected to cost $128 billion, significantly higher than the initial estimates. Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s involvement in expensive rail projects in California is also mentioned, including a controversial earmark attempt in the COVID-19 relief bill. The report criticizes Pelosi’s efforts to fund costly rail projects in the state.
The report mentions other delayed projects, such as the interchange project in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the New Jersey interchange project near Philadelphia. Additionally, the Purple Line commuter rail project in Maryland, which received federal funding, has faced political and logistical challenges. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy expressed support for the Senate DOGE Caucus’s efforts to hold projects accountable and prevent wasteful spending.
📰 Dem governor’s buried cocaine investigation docs hit with official inquiry as questions swirl over Senate run
Maine’s Democratic Governor Janet Mills is facing scrutiny over allegations of past cocaine use, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) seeking to obtain approximately 6,000 pages of case files related to the investigation. The NRSC submitted a FOIA request to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in April 2025, but NARA initially denied access to 3,000 pages citing FOIA exemption for grand jury testimony. The NRSC is appealing this denial, emphasizing public interest in the case. A newly unearthed memo contradicts Mills’ claim that the investigation into her alleged cocaine use was politically motivated. Despite being confronted about the allegations, Mills has not publicly released the documents and has maintained that the investigation was baseless and politically motivated. The controversy has implications for potential political challenges, as Mills could be a competitive Democratic candidate in the 2026 Senate race against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
📰 Schumer calls on FBI to conduct counterintelligence threat assessment on Epstein files
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an FBI counterintelligence threat assessment on the Jeffrey Epstein files to protect national security and prevent foreign intelligence agencies from exploiting the information. Schumer criticized President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson for not releasing the Epstein files and potentially leaving the country vulnerable to cyberattacks. Schumer raised concerns about the risks of the Epstein files falling into the hands of adversarial governments like Russia, North Korea, or China, emphasizing the importance of transparency and safeguarding national security. House Speaker Johnson rejected a resolution that would have compelled the Justice Department and FBI to release the Epstein files, citing concerns about protecting grand jury materials and ensuring the credibility of the information. President Trump defended his actions regarding Epstein, stating he had banned him from his Mar-a-Lago club and refused an invitation to Epstein’s island, while also mentioning other prominent figures who had reportedly visited the island.
In summary, Schumer is pushing for an FBI assessment on the Epstein files to prevent national security risks, while criticizing Trump and Johnson for lack of transparency. Johnson rejected a resolution to release the files, citing concerns about credibility and protecting victims’ identities. Trump defended his actions regarding Epstein and mentioned other prominent figures who had reportedly visited Epstein’s island.
📰 Biden ‘Politburo’ member Steve Ricchetti to appear before House investigators in Comer cover-up probe
Longtime Democratic operative Steve Ricchetti is set to appear before House investigators in relation to an investigation led by Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer. Ricchetti, who served as counselor to President Joe Biden, is expected to participate in a closed-door transcribed interview to discuss allegations of concealing signs of Biden’s mental decline. Comer is specifically looking into whether executive actions were signed via autopen without Biden’s knowledge. Ricchetti’s role in managing the White House while allegedly working to obscure signs of the president’s mental decline is of interest to the committee. He was part of a small group of insiders known as Biden’s “Politburo” and played a key role in Biden’s legislative agenda. Ricchetti is appearing voluntarily, following in the footsteps of former White House Chief of Staff Ronald Klain, while others have been subpoenaed. The investigation has seen lengthy transcribed interviews, with both Democrats and Republicans questioning the witnesses.
📰 Kentucky senate candidates avoid McConnell endorsement, spar over ties to ex-leader
The race for Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat is intense as candidates like Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron, and Nate Morris vie for the position, each claiming to have closer ties to McConnell. Cameron, endorsed by Trump in a previous race, worked as McConnell’s legal counsel and criticized Morris for his connections to the senator. Morris, who interned for McConnell and donated to his committee, positioned himself as the candidate aligned with Trump’s agenda over McConnell’s. Barr, another candidate, emphasized his experience in delivering the “America First” agenda and distanced himself from McConnell. McConnell’s reputation in Kentucky has declined, with low approval ratings and criticism from Republicans for his actions regarding Trump and cabinet appointees.
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