June 18

Senate defeats war powers resolution on Iran Kaine effort fails 53-47

Senator Tim Kaine introduces a resolution stating Trump cannot use military force against Iran without explicit Congressional authorization. The measure is defeated 53-47, with only Rand Paul voting with Democrats. Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna introduce a parallel House resolution, also defeated. Congress repeatedly rejects war powers constraints on the Iran war.

Supreme Court upholds Tennessee ban on transgender healthcare, 6-3

The Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's law banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors in a 6-3 ruling in United States v. Skrmetti. The majority held that the law did not constitute sex discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause. The three dissenting justices argued the law discriminated based on sex and transgender status and would cause severe harm to affected minors. Over 20 other states had passed similar laws awaiting the ruling.

Senate questions presidential succession rules after Cabinet vacancies

Senate hearings examined gaps in presidential succession law after multiple cabinet positions remained vacant or filled with acting officials for extended periods. Senators from both parties raised concerns that prolonged acting appointments and simultaneous vacancies in the succession line created constitutional ambiguity. Legal scholars testified that the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 had not been updated for modern vacancy patterns.

Support for Mass Deportations Drops From 51% to 39% Without Due Process

A Gallup poll found that support for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants fell from 51 percent to 39 percent when respondents were informed that deportations were occurring without individual due process hearings. The 12-point drop indicated that a significant portion of initial support was conditioned on legal process protections being maintained. The finding was released as congressional Democrats pointed to ICE deportation practices that had bypassed standard immigration court proceedings.

Supreme Court upholds Tennessee's gender care ban 6-3, clearing the way for state bans nationwide

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in United States v. Skrmetti on June 18, 2025, upholding Tennessee's SB1, which bans gender-affirming medical care for minors. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion, holding that the law did not classify on the basis of sex and therefore was subject only to rational basis review — the most deferential constitutional standard — rather than heightened scrutiny. Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, arguing the law discriminated on the basis of sex.

ICE raids cut farm labor as food prices rise and crops rot

An analysis of agricultural regions following sustained ICE enforcement operations found farm labor shortages causing crop losses across key production states. Food price indices showed increases of 5 to 12 percent for affected produce categories, with strawberries, leafy greens, and dairy products most affected. Farmers in California, Florida, and Georgia reported being unable to harvest mature crops due to worker shortages.

Supreme Court limits EPA oversight of state water permits

The Supreme Court issued a ruling limiting EPA's authority to override state-issued water discharge permits under the Clean Water Act, holding that states have primary permitting authority and EPA review is narrowly constrained. The decision expanded state power over pollution standards and reduced the federal floor on water quality protection. Environmental groups said the ruling would allow states with weaker environmental enforcement to permit higher pollution levels.

Federal judge dismisses securities fraud charges against Ken Paxton

A federal judge dismissed the securities fraud indictment against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that had been pending since 2015, ruling that the statute of limitations had expired after a decade of procedural delays. Paxton had been charged with fraud for allegedly encouraging investors to buy stock in a technology company without disclosing he would receive compensation. The dismissal removed the last major legal cloud over Paxton$t$s Senate campaign just months after Trump endorsed him.