Washington Watch

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper discusses the ongoing battle to fund DHS and the TSA while passengers wait in long airport lines and covers the Senate floor debate on the SAVE America Act. Greg Steube, U.S. Representative for the 17th District of Florida, responds to the death of another Iranian Commander as President Trump seeks to negotiate an end to the Middle East conflict. He also addresses the International Olympic Committee’s new policy to ensure only biological females compete in women’s Olympic sports, and the possibility of a second reconciliation bill for DHS funding and other GOP priorities. Burgess Owens, U.S. Representative for Utah’s 4th District, highlights the growing aviation industry challenges due to the partial DHS shutdown and the security threat to America’s higher education from other countries, including China, that are actively stealing our innovations from within. Dr. Michael New, Associate Scholar at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, reviews findings from a 2025 Guttmacher report revealing an increase in abortion, via virtual appointments, among women living in states with strong pro-life legislation, even as a majority of likely voters in America favor required in-person doctors’ appointments to receive abortion pill prescriptions. Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom with ADF International, reviews the legal case in Finland where parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen, who is also a medical doctor and grandmother of 12, was convicted of hate speech for distributing a church pamphlet on marriage and sexual ethics that was published in 2004. He also explains the possible implications for Europe and whether this is a cautionary tale for America. Chip Roy, U.S. Representative for Texas's 21st District, offers a reaction to the “hate speech” conviction of Finnish parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen and shares his thoughts on whether this censorship could be coming to America.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the Homeland Security Committee hearing on DHS Funding, the Senate’s debate over the SAVE America Act, and the deployment of 3,000 troops to the Middle East as Iran rejects the U.S. peace proposal. Josh Brecheen, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma’s 2nd District, explores growing criticism from both sides of the political aisle regarding the breakdown over DHS funding negotiations, whether the deployment of ICE to the airports is helping, and the status of the SAVE America Act. Will Chamberlain, Senior Counsel for the Article III Project, summarizes his testimony before the Senate about Arctic Frost and the abuse of subpoena powers by Special Counsel Jack Smith, who targeted Republican lawmakers by surveilling their phones. Bob Fu, Founder and President of China Aid Association and FRC’s Senior Fellow for International Religious Freedom, shares how the Chinese Communist Party is now targeting the attorneys of the pastors jailed by the CCP and provides an update on the imprisoned church leaders and their families. Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President for the American Foreign Policy Council, offers insight into President Trump’s 15-point plan to end the Iranian conflict, explains why Turkey and Pakistan are facilitating indirect talks, and raises concerns expressed by Israel and Gulf Arab countries over an eagerness to strike an Iranian peace deal prematurely.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the swearing in of Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, ongoing flight delays due to the DHS partial shutdown, and the deployment of ICE agents to airports. Erin Houchin, U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 9th district, provides insight on negotiations to fund DHS, Markwayne Mullin’s new appointment as the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the status of the SAVE America Act. Keith Self, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 3rd District, discusses President Trump’s desire to conclude the Iranian conflict, as people question who is negotiating on Iran’s behalf, and the debate over the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Brian Helton, West Virginia State Senator, explains an abortion pill reversal bill in the state Senate and another bill that would ban the trafficking, prescribing, and dispensing of the abortion pill. Len Munsil, President of Arizona Christian University, covers a recent survey that finds even with the increased interest in Christianity following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Americans holding to a biblical worldview remain unchanged at the 2023 level of 4%. He also shares why major events are unlikely to shape worldview beliefs, discusses his new book, “Transforming Culture with Truth,” and the obstacles younger generations have in developing their Biblical worldview.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the Senate floor debate on the SAVE America Act and gives the latest update on Iran. Robert Aderholt, U.S. Representative for Alabama's 4th District, discusses the present status of the SAVE America Act, including the women’s sports amendment, and the deployment of ICE agents to airports due to the absence of TSA workers. Admiral Brian Christine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), advocates for the conscious protection rights of medical residents who object to performing procedures like abortions and gender transitions and explains the HHS investigation into 13 states that coerced health care providers to provide abortions. Andrea Lucas, Chair for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), provides details that led to Planned Parenthood of Illinois paying $500,000 to end a DEI-related race discrimination and exposes Planned Parenthood's ongoing misinformation campaign. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Bob Maginnis, Author and Senior Fellow for National Security at FRC, explores President Trump’s announcement to postpone Iranian infrastructure strikes during negotiations, why Europe is on high alert after Iran launched intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward a U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean, and the spreading anxiety among Iran’s neighbors as Trump considers winding down Operation Epic Fury.

Washington Watch’s Mary Stackhouse reports on the Senate floor debate over the SAVE America Act and provides the latest on Iran. Dr. David Wurmser, Senior Analyst for Middle East Policy at The Center for Security Policy, discusses the White House’s efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reports that Iran’s Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, may be leading Iran’s war effort. Mark Harris, U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 8th District, covers the SAVE America Act, the ongoing funding battle for the Department of Homeland Security, and the Homeschool Graduation Recognition Act. Matt Sharp, Senior Counsel and Director of the Center for Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom, explores the investigations by the Department of Health and Human Services of 13 states that coerced health care providers to carry out abortions. Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at FRC, offers a biblical perspective on the HHS investigation of states that pressured health care providers to participate in abortions, the Protecting Women’s Sports Amendment in the SAVE America Act, and leftists' outrage over War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call to pray for our troops.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the SAVE America Act debate in the Senate, the confirmation hearings for Secretary of Homeland Security, and President Trump’s meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister. Randy Fine, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 6th District, discusses the commitment of some representatives to block the Senate until the SAVE America Act is passed, DHS funding, and the current situation in Iran. John B. McCuskey, West Virginia Attorney General, explains a federal court ruling affecting gender transition surgeries and the overturning of a previous ruling that claimed a law violated anti-discrimination protections and equal rights. Yoe Suarez, Contributor to The Washington Stand, covers the climate in Cuba amid its dynamic political tensions, compares it with Venezuela, and explains the current health of the church on the island nation. Pastor Allen Jackson, of Allen Jackson Ministries and Author of “Lead with Faith: Using Your Influence for God’s Purposes,” examines how Christians in an increasingly secular culture can lead with humility from a biblical worldview, both personally and professionally, regardless of their position in life.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper covers the debate over the Save America Act in the Senate, as well as Senate committee hearings for Intelligence and Homeland Security. Dr. Roger Marshall, U.S. Senator from Kansas, reviews progress on the Save America Act, which includes an amendment to protect girls’ sports, and provides an update on the DHS funding debate. Gregg Roman, Executive Director of the Middle East Forum, explains the status of the Iranian conflict and Israel’s war against Hezbollah. Mary Miller, U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 15th District, spells out the reason for the Clean Water Act for All Life and the correlation to calls for the FDA to remove the abortion drug Mifepristone. Ralph Rodriguez, Attorney at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), explores proposed legislation in Connecticut that would increase scrutiny of homeschoolers, including a requirement that school districts notify the Department of Children and Families when parents attempt to remove children from public schools.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports comments on the elimination of two high-ranking Iranian leaders, and the status of funding the Department of Homeland Security. Marlin Stutzman, U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 3rd District, provides an update on Iran and Syria, and shares where things stand with the Save America Act in the Senate. Dr. Robert Malone, CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Member, discusses a federal judge’s ruling that may upend HHS Secretary Kennedy’s overhaul of the childhood vaccine policies. Sam McCarthy, Washington Stand News Writer, highlights FRC’s publication on St. Patrick and the White House visit between Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, President Trump, and Vice President Vance. Robert Spencer, Director of Jihad Watch and a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, explains how Sharia law is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution and cites recent ISIS-inspired attacks in Michigan, Virginia, and New York.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the flight delays and cancellations as 300 TSA agents quit, citing the DHS shutdown. He also reports on Iran’s continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Bob Onder, U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 3rd District, comments on an open letter CEOs of major airlines signed, urging Congress to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security. He also provides an update on the SAVE America Act and his Chloe Cole Act. Jonathan Gilliam, a former FBI Agent and Navy SEAL, reacts to the Israeli government’s claim that the Michigan synagogue attack suspect was related to a Hezbollah commander. Brigham A. McCown, Senior Fellow and Director of Initiative on American Energy Security at the Hudson Institute, analyzes President Trump’s call for other nations to help secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He also dives deeper into how energy security has become a central concern amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, unpacks what prediction-market betting platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are and why they resemble gambling. He also suggests steps Christian parents should take to protect their children from predatory gambling.

Washington Watch’s Mary Stackhouse reports the latest on the war in Iran, including the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s press conference and the crash of a U.S. military refueling plane in Iraq. She also reports on the investigations into the attacks on a synagogue in Michigan and Old Dominion University in Virginia, as initial evidence in both incidents point to ISIS as a motivating factor. Randy Weber, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 14th District, offers an update on Department of Homeland Security funding and theorizes to what extent the ongoing war with Iran is contributing to an increase in anti-Semitism and attacks targeting Jewish communities in the United States. Dr. Peter Wood, National Association of Scholars President, shines a light on his Senate testimony, “Exposing Malign Foreign Influence in Higher Education.” David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, highlights a report on how the ongoing war in the Middle East is impacting Christians in Iran. Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at FRC, unpacks the Hawley-Harshbarger bill to strip FDA approval for the abortion drug mifepristone, reacts to the attack against a synagogue in Michigan, and comments on the Louisiana Bill 306 to Safeguard Houses of Worship.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on Iran’s new Supreme Leader’s first statement, an attack on a Michigan Synagogue, the Senate’s vote on DHS funding, and their efforts to expose destructive foreign influence on higher education in the United States. Morgan Griffith, U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 9th district, discusses the security threats in California and New York, especially in light of the failure to fund DHS, the House Republicans' Policy Retreat, and Virginia’s redistricting battle. Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), analyzes the first 12 days of strikes against Iran and the escalation of Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies. Rick Edmonds, Louisiana State Senator, provides insight into a state bill that will punish those who obstruct the freedom of worship or commit acts of violence and vandalism against houses of worship. Suzanne Bowdey, Editorial Director and Senior Writer for The Washington Stand, and Casey Harper, highlight the Capitol Hill Press conference exposing the truth of abortion drugs and the hope of abortion reversal medication, the status of the Save America Act, and Truist Bank's decision to stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Index.

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the latest out of Iran and provides an overview of the House Republicans’ policy retreat. Randy Fine, U.S. Representative for the 6th District of Florida, provides an update on Operation Epic Fury, what the Republicans covered in their House retreat, and the status of the Save America Act. Dave Yost, Attorney General of Ohio, explains the implications of a federal judge's decision to uphold Ohio’s law regarding the control of wagering, including sports betting and prediction markets, and discusses the greater societal impact of gambling. Josh Hawley, U.S. Senator from Missouri, shares what emerged from a press conference about chemical abortions and an ongoing push to reform the FDA and roll back the Biden-era mail-order abortion pill policy. Peter Schweizer, President of the Government Accountability Institute, discusses NYC Mayor Mamdani’s Ramadan dinner with an anti-Semitic protester, Iranian sleeper cells in America, birthright citizenship concerns, the incompatibility of U.S. and Sharia Law, and his new book, The Invisible Coup: How American Elites and Foreign Powers Use Immigration as a Weapon.

On today’s program: Casey Harper, Managing Editor for Broadcast at The Washington Stand and Host of the “Outstanding” podcast, provides an update on Operation Epic Fury, President Trump’s announcement that the end of the Iranian conflict is near, and what emerged from the GOP retreat. James Lankford, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, shares insight into Operation Epic Fury, the bomb threats in New York City, domestic threats emerging elsewhere related to the Iranian war, and any links to this due to the funding holdup at DHS, which remains in transition during the partial federal government shutdown. Rick Perry, Former U.S. Energy Secretary and Texas Governor, provides insight into energy security concerns resulting from the conflict in the Middle East and the spike in oil prices. Thomas W. Jacobson, Founder, Global Life Campaign, calls out the University of Oregon for its decision to begin dispensing harmful abortion drugs to students and highlights his new book, Fire at the Founding, which seeks to help Americans remember our true spiritual, moral, and intellectual history during our 250th anniversary. Jerry Bowyer, President and CEO of Bowyer Research, discusses how Truist Bank has chosen to no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign Equality Index scoring, debanking concerns, the status of a woke corporate culture in America, and the ongoing pressure from the SPLC to marginalize Christian groups and fan the flames of a woke culture.

On today’s program: Casey Harper, Managing Editor for Broadcast at The Washington Stand and Host of the “Outstanding” podcast, reports on the announcement of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, the terror attack in New York City, and the status of funding the Department of Homeland Security. Michael Cloud, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 27th District, discusses his references to the Bible during the House Oversight Hearing, news of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son being elected as Iran’s Supreme Leader, the upcoming reconciliation bill to be proposed by Republicans, and President Trump’s threat to not sign any more bills until the Save America Act is passed. Jonathan Gilliam, a former FBI Agent and Navy SEAL, covers the arrest of two bomb suspects in New York, who made pro-ISIS statements and security threats that may be tied to the Middle East conflict. Dr. David Adesnik, Vice President of Research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, provides insight into the election of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, updates on Operation Epic Fury, and President Trump’s comments about sending special forces to secure Iran’s nuclear facilities. Mark Tapscott, Senior Congressional Analyst for The Washington Stand, and Casey Harper review the protests in New York City, the growing number of bomb threats, and how it all ties into the DHS funding, the Save America Act, and the agenda at the GOP legislative retreat.

On today’s program: Mary Stackhouse, Senior Producer for Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, provides an update on the latest military strikes against Iran, the failure to pass a War Powers Resolution, Secretary Kristi Noem’s departure from the DHS, and the future fate of DHS funding. Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President for the American Foreign Policy Council, highlights the attacks Iran has launched on its neighbors in recent days, reports of Russia assisting Iran in identifying U.S. bases, and President Trump's comments on the transition of power in Iran, as well as the Kurdish ground offensive. Gordon Chang, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute, looks at China’s reaction to the U.S.-Israeli military offensive against Iran in light of Iran’s use of Chinese equipment and technology. Matt Carpenter, Director of FRC Action, reviews Democratic Party initiatives to gerrymander their congressional districts in Maryland and Virginia. Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at FRC, responds to some strange theological claims from Texas Democrat Senate Candidate James Talarico and looks into the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling that will require California to stop blocking parents from knowledge about their children who have begun changing their gender expression.

On today’s program: Casey Harper, Managing Editor for Broadcast at The Washington Stand and Host of the “Outstanding” podcast, reports on the Middle East war, AG Pam Bondi’s subpoena to appear before the House Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein Files, and West Virginia’s efforts to help mothers acquire abortion pill reversal treatment. Keith Self, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 3rd District, shares where things stand with the U.S. House vote on a War Powers Resolution and Iran’s seemingly indiscriminate attack on neighboring countries. John Rogers, Senior Partner and Pollster at Cygnal, analyzes the first round of primary races, explains what this may mean for incumbents, and contemplates additional factors that may influence the upcoming midterm elections. Brent Keilen, FRC’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, discusses the exciting launch of the Pray Vote Stand Chapters. Lt. General (Ret.) Jerry Boykin, Executive Vice President of Family Research Council, reviews the U.S. historical approach to Iran terrorism, how the current situation is affecting domestic affairs, including DHS funding, and the troubling news of Islamic communities in America that are memorializing the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Suzanne Bowdey, Editorial Director and Senior Writer at The Washington Stand, breaks down recent polls on how Americans view the Iranian conflict and the Department of Homeland Security, and celebrates the SCOTUS decision to restore parental rights in California.

On today’s program: Casey Harper, Managing Editor for Broadcast at The Washington Stand and Host of the “Outstanding” podcast, shares the latest on the Middle East and Iranian conflict, recaps the primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas, and reviews the U.S. House Homeland Security Hearing. Kevin Cramer, U.S. Senator from North Dakota, reviews the Senate’s consideration of a War Powers resolution, the progress of Operation Epic Fury, and contemplates NATO’s response to the conflict with Iran after Tehran launched missiles towards Turkey. Jon Husted, U.S. Senator from Ohio, covers the need to reform the FDA’s abortion drug policies and efforts to protect our future elections. Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and former U.S. Representative, discusses USCIRF’s Annual Report, highlighting global persecution and religious freedom challenges throughout the world. Marc LiVecche, McDonald Distinguished Scholar of Ethics, War, and Public Life at Providence, and author of “The Good Kill: Just War & Moral Injury,” reviews just war theory as it pertains to the Iranian conflict and explains its military and biblical applications.

On today’s program: Casey Harper, Managing Editor for Broadcast at The Washington Stand and Host of the “Outstanding” podcast, reports on the U.S. State Department’s warning to Americans to leave the Middle East, the congressional Oversight Committee’s video deposition of the Clintons’ testimony on Epstein, and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling restoring parental rights in California. Steve Daines, U.S. Senator from Montana, shares firsthand insight from the Senate briefing on Operation Epic Fury in Iran and the plans moving forward. Brigadier General (Ret.) John Teichert, former Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for the Air Force for International Affairs, offers military analysis of the joint strategy between the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran and previews his new book, “In God I Trust: Making Our National Motto My Personal Declaration.” Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, explains the negative impact of legalizing marijuana in Oklahoma and shares the state’s next step to ban the drug’s use in automobiles. Chris Mitchell, CBN’s Middle East Bureau Chief, provides on-the-ground context of how Israel is affected by the war against Iran.

On today’s program: Casey Harper, Managing Editor for Broadcast at The Washington Stand and Host of the “Outstanding” podcast, provides the latest on Operation Epic Fury, how this may impact domestic terror concerns, and previews the Texas primaries. John McGuire, U.S. Representative for the 5th District of Virginia, shares unfolding details on the U.S.-Israel joint-led attack on Iran and what he learned during the closed-door House Oversight Committee hearings with former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the Epstein files. Dr. Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), considers the long-term implications of the strikes against Iran and discusses concerns regarding potential future involvement by Turkish leaders. Tim Miller, President and Founder of Lionheart International Services Group and Former Secret Service Special Agent, covers the possible domestic implications of the conflict in Iran and gets into the likely terror link to the Texas shooting that left three dead and 14 injured. Jack Hibbs, Senior and Founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, offers a biblical perspective on the Middle East conflict and contemplates how Christians may respond and pray for Israel and other nations involved.

On today’s program: Sarah Holliday, Reporter for the Washington Stand, covers President Clinton’s deposition before the House Oversight Committee about the Epstein probe, the Pentagon’s announcement regarding Scouting America, and the U.S. decision to remove non-emergency staff from Israel. Joseph Tully, Criminal Defense Attorney, provides insight into depositions like the one President Clinton faced today, discusses the lack of transparency with the Epstein Files, and considers what is next. Christopher Holton, Senior Analyst at the Center for Security Policy, reviews the U.S.-Iran negotiations as the American military build-up continues in the Middle East and previews Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming trip to Israel. John Stemberger, Primary Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Trail Life USA and President of Liberty Counsel Action, analyzes the path of Scouting America’s left-leaning policies and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s comments on the Pentagon’s future relationship with the Scouts. Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at FRC, and Sarah Holliday highlight President Trump’s statements from the State of the Union Address about banning gender transition procedures on minors, his failure to address the interstate abortion drug crisis, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s policy announcement regarding Scouting America, and the Senate committee hearings on Mifepristone.