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Wednesday, February 18, 2026
TopicUS Senate

Topic: US Senate

What is filibuster, US Senate tactic that’s pitted Trump against the Republicans

With US govt shutdown poised to exceed 35-day mark, at which point it will become the longest ever, Trump is urging Senate to opt for the 'nuclear option'—scrapping the filibuster.

After public falling-out with Trump, Musk launches ‘America Party’ to challenge two-party system

Though he declared the launch of his new political party, the billionaire gave no details as to how he planned to go about to establish a viable alternative in the two-party system.

Antivaxxer Robert F Kennedy Jr. confirmed as Health Secy by US Senate

The vote was 52-48, with Senator Mitch McConnell being the only Republican joining all 47 Democrats to oppose Kennedy, despite his pledges to protect vaccination programs.

‘Samosa Caucus’: Indian-Americans up tally in US House as Republicans hold edge in tight race

Democrat & lawyer Suhas Subramanyam becomes 6th Indian-American to be elected to the lower chamber, joining 5 others who were re-elected. Democrats have already lost control of the Senate.

Republicans take control of US Senate with consequences for future policies, judicial appointments

Trump’s judicial appointments to Supreme Court in previous tenure, as confirmed by the Senate, gave it a conservative majority. Overturning of Roe v. Wade was a key election issue this time.

Vegetable or grain? US senators oppose move to reclassify potato, cite nutritional benefits & trade

Fourteen senators have written a letter to Biden administration expressing opposition to reclassifying potato as grain in forthcoming dietary guidelines.

US Senate averts imminent shutdown, passes spending bill hours before funding was to expire

The Senate approved a $467.5 billion spending package that will fund agriculture, transportation, housing, energy, and veterans, among others through the end of the fiscal year.

US Senate rejects measure to force state dept to produce report on human rights violations by Israel

Resolution pushed by Bernie Sanders would have frozen security aid to Israel unless report was produced in 30 days. Senate rejected proposal in 72-11 vote.

US govt on brink of shutdown with stopgap funding deal in limbo. What it entails & who’ll be affected

Republican-led House of Representatives tanked key funding bill. All eyes on whether or not Congress will pass funding extension before Sunday 12.01 am Eastern Time.

US Senate confirms Indian American Ravi Chaudhary as Assistant Secretary of Air Force

The Senate on Wednesday voted 65-29 to confirm the former Air Force officer’s nomination with more than a dozen votes being cast by the opposition Republican party.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

Venezuela crude returns to India’s oil basket. But only as ‘supplementary’ supply

Indian refiners are testing Venezuelan barrels again as Russian supply sinks, but analysts say volumes will remain limited due to refinery constraints & supply capacity.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.