Secret Iran deals and lapsed spy tools | June 15, 2026

In this episode of Congress In Context, we examine how procedural maneuvers, such as the partisan standoff that allowed the expiration of critical intelligence tools like FISA Section 702 and the intentional "slow-walking" of DACA renewals, transform political disputes into direct threats to national security and individual livelihoods. Beyond the noise of heated judicial confirmation battles, we highlight how the legislative machinery continues to advance targeted solutions, ranging from providing PTSD care for first responders to modernizing forensic capabilities to solve cold cases. Finally, we explore the tangible human cost of congressional friction as everyday Americans, particularly those in remote regions like Alaska, struggle with soaring energy prices and economic uncertainty while waiting for critical supply chain and manufacturing investments.

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Legislation Mentioned

• H.R. 2675 - Protecting Our Courts from Foreign Manipulation Act
• H.R. 8800 - National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2027
• H.R. 9310 - DHS Appropriations Act, 2027
• H.R. 1468 - CCP Initiative Act
• S. 162 - Recruiting Families Using Data Act
• S. 736 - Lt. Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act
• S. 825 - Public Safety Officer PTSD Treatment Act
• S. 872 - Stop Secret Spending Act
• S. 1377 - Roosevelt Park Horse Herd Maintenance Act
• S. 1890 - Carla Walker Act
• S. 2033 - Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act
• S. 3041 - Tribal Fugitive Matters Act
• S. 4781 - Make More in America Act
• S. Res. 770 - National Naloxone Awareness Day
• Justin D. Smith - Nomination: U.S. Circuit Judge, 8th Circuit
• Michelle Steel - Nomination: Ambassador to Republic of Korea
• George Holding - Nomination: Dir. European Bank for Recon. & Dev.
• FISA Section 702 - Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (Debated)
• DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Debated)