Washington Watch

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reviews Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s press conference on the Iran ceasefire update and President Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss America’s frustration with several member- nations that refused to help the U.S. in the Iranian conflict. Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator from South Carolina, explains the ceasefire discussions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, shares Israel’s response to the ceasefire deal, and the key points being negotiated in the proposals. Ben Aguiñaga, Solicitor General of Louisiana, breaks down the ruling by a federal judge in Louisiana that will continue to allow nationwide distribution of the abortion drug Mifepristone, including shipment into states that have banned abortion pills, and considers the next anticipated legal steps in response to this court decision. David Bahnsen, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, explores recent economic data reports against the backdrop of oil prices, inflation

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper offers an update on last-minute negotiations for an Iranian ceasefire, Trump’s threat to end their civilization, and reports on the elections taking place in Wisconsin and Georgia. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator from Louisiana and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, discusses an investigation into chemical abortion drug manufacturers accused of not complying with U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety requirements and calls to investigate Biden health officials who allegedly colluded with radical groups to promote gender mutilation procedures on children. Wesley J. Smith, Chair and Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism, reviews a study from Finland of over 2,000 adolescents and young adults who suffered from gender confusion. The report reveals that patients who sought gender reassignment procedures suffered greater mental health problems compared to those who did not seek the procedures. Christopher Ferrara, Senior Counsel for Thomas Mor

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the Senate’s pro forma session, President Trump’s order to pay all DHS employees, an update on the Iranian conflict, and the White House Easter Egg Roll. Brad Knott, U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 13th district, explains the rationale for the President to pay all DHS employees, why some Democrats are now proposing tax cuts, and provides an update on ending the partial DHS shutdown. Dr. Michael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis at the Middle East Forum, provides analysis of the latest in the Iranian conflict, President Trump’s renewed threats to Iran, the extension of the deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the proposal for a 45-day ceasefire. Dr. Michael McMullen, Author and Church History Professor at the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, weighs in on President Trump’s rant on Truth Social through the lens of William Wilberforce, considers how Christians should respond to coarse language in today’s society, and how we can learn more ab

On this Good Friday edition of Washington Watch, Tony walks us through the timeless account of God’s grace and mercy as recorded in Matthew 26-28—the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—through the lens of Stand on the Word, FRC’s daily Bible reading plan. As we approach Resurrection Sunday, we pray that you remember the final promise in the gospel of Matthew, that “he is with us to the very end of the age.”

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on President Trump’s White House address on Iran and the timeline to end the conflict, speculation on a deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security, and the dramatic increase in abortions in Massachusetts under the state’s shield laws. Dr. David Wurmser, Senior Analyst for Middle East Policy at The Center for Security Policy, analyzes President Trump’s speech about Iran, whether he made his case to the American people, and the strategy moving forward. Sean O’Keefe, Former NASA Administrator, reflects on his time at NASA, the Artemis II launch to orbit the moon, and its significance for future space travel. Suzanne Bowdey, Editorial Director and Senior Writer at The Washington Stand, and Joshua Arnold, Washington Stand Senior Writer, review the U.S. Supreme Court win for counselors in Colorado, the DHS funding proposal, President Trump’s agreement to extend funding of Planned Parenthood, and the court’s rejection of a Johnson Amendment case which maintains a ban

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper covers the Supreme Court oral arguments on birthright citizenship, a funding decision concerning Planned Parenthood, a federal court’s ruling against President Trump’s executive order to end funding for PBS and NPR, and the president’s national address on the Iranian conflict. Andrew Clyde, U.S. Representative for Georgia's 9th District, discusses President Trump’s executive action that temporarily funds the TSA, speculates on how long this strategy may continue, and whether it may affect future negotiations on DHS Funding. Ken Cuccinelli, Senior Fellow for Homeland Security and Immigration for the Center for Renewing America, reviews the U.S. Supreme Court arguments surrounding birthright citizenship and the amicus brief he authored, expressing opposition to the concept of birthright citizenship. Mike Farris, General Counsel for National Religious Broadcasters, explains how a decision by a judge to reject hearing the Johnson Amendment case, which will maintain a ban on pas

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper shares details of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Colorado for violating First Amendment protections by banning Christian therapists from properly counseling patients struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s press conference on the Iranian conflict, and the order that ICE will remain in the airports until things return to normal. Kevin Hern, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma’s 1st district, explains how the U.S. House is contemplating a three-year DHS funding bill through the reconciliation process, the policy priorities of House Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, and the status of the SAVE America Act. Scott Perry, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 10th District, sheds light on the negotiations with Iran, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s comments, “We know what Russia and China are doing with Iran,” and how our Gulf Allies are pressuring President Trump to continue operations against Iran until the job is done. Brigh

The Washington Stand’s Casey Harper reports on the “No Kings” rallies from the weekend and President Trump’s executive order to finally pay TSA workers. Morgan Griffith, U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 9th district, responds to “No Kings” protests held around the country, the U.S. House’s rejection of the Senate’s bill to fund TSA and FEMA, and speculates on the redistricting efforts in Virginia that are backed by over $33 million from George Soros. Arielle Del Turco, FRC’s Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, shares insight into the hostilities on the ground in Nigeria based on her recent trip to the country and provides an update on the ongoing persecution of Christians there, including an attack that killed 20 people over the weekend in the northern part of Nigeria. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Bob Maginnis, Author and Senior Fellow for National Security at FRC, explains President Trump’s recent threat to Iran, as negotiations remain volatile, and provides an update on the peace talks that are anticipated t

Washington Watch’s Mary Stackhouse reports on the Senate’s vote to end the partial DHS shutdown and President Trump’s deadline extension to refrain from striking Iranian energy power plants until April 7th. Glenn Grothman, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 6th District and member of the Oversight & Government Reform Committee, explains why Republicans in the House have rejected the Senate’s bill to end the partial shutdown of DHS. Elliot Abrams, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, offers an update on the Strait of Hormuz and comments on why President Trump believes deploying 10,000 ground troops may persuade Iran to accept the U.S. terms to strike a deal to end the conflict. Ron Johnson, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, defends the bill to end the partial government shutdown, which the Senate passed, and what it should mean for ICE and immigration enforcement funding. Donna Rice Hughes, President and CEO of Enough is Enough, breaks down the court decision that found Goo

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

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 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 wit

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 Ma

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 pr

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 Christia

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 sch

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

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

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