The Bulletin

• Trump's speech to Congress: Laughter broke out from Democrats in the House chamber on Tuesday as President Trump said that "unelected bureaucrats" no longer control the government. Read more on his speech below.

• DOGE Stimulus Check requirements: James Fishback, CEO of the Azoria investment firm, created a template of sorts for how the stimulus checks would be distributed. Here's who would qualify.

• Trump doubles down on plan for Gaza: The United States has rejected a $53 billion Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza set out as an alternative to President Trump's proposal to take over the strip and remove its Palestinian inhabitants to create a "Gaza Riviera".

• Russia troops killed in HIMARS strike: Approximately 30 Russian soldiers were killed in a Ukrainian cluster munitions strike on a training ground in the country's southeastern Kherson region, according to a Ukrainian regiment.

• US sends warship to South Pacific: A United States warship was deployed in the South Pacific Ocean as a Chinese naval flotilla continued its circumnavigation of Australia, a major American ally in the region. Find out more.

• Medvedev makes Russia's plan clear: Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, said Moscow's "main task today" remains "inflicting maximum defeat" on Ukraine. Read his full remarks.

• What if Social Security collapses in 30 days? Recent developments have raised alarms about the stability of Social Security benefits. Significant budgetary measures targeting the Social Security Administration could potentially disrupt benefit payments to millions of Americans. Here's what to know.

The rundown: A large majority of people who watched President Donald Trump's joint address to Congress approved of the speech, according to a poll.

Why it matters: Trump's speech in front of lawmakers Tuesday night was a chance for the president to discuss the sweeping changes he has brought in during the first six weeks of his second term. During his speech, Trump discussed the topics that have dominated discussions during his second term, such as his immigration proposals, the Russia-Ukraine war and the new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China. A CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed people who planned to watch Trump's Congress address and then sought their view of the speech immediately after it concluded. The poll found 76 percent said they "approve" of Trump's address, with 23 percent saying they disapprove.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Democrat Removed as House Chamber Erupts During Trump Speech

TL/DR: The CBS News survey is based on 1,207 interviews of adults who watched the address. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.

What happens now? Trump will likely continue to face stiff opposition from Democrats and other critics as his second and final term continues.

Deeper reading Donald Trump's Congress Speech Was a Huge Hit With Americans

The rundown: The future of SNAP benefits is uncertain across America as Republican lawmakers work to make budget cuts and limit what can be purchased using the anti-hunger benefits. Find out here.

Why it matters: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, assists millions of low-income Americans, but the House's recent budget resolution threatens its funding. In 2023, the program assisted an average of 42.1 million people per month, or around 12.6 percent of the population. Lawmakers are considering cuts, including limiting benefits for large households and expanding work requirements. State-level efforts also target "junk food" purchases, proposing to exclude items like soda and candy from being bought with SNAP benefits. Critics argue these restrictions would harm low-income families, especially given the rising cost of food. Advocates say any cuts or restrictions should be paired with increased benefits to ensure families can afford nutritious options.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Trump Administration Moves to Stop Illegal Immigrants Getting SNAP Benefits

TL/DR: "Everyone currently participating in SNAP is at risk of losing some or all of their benefits," Ivy Enoch, SNAP policy and training lead at Hunger Free Vermont, told Newsweek.

What happens now? In February, the House narrowly passed a budget that directs the House Committee on Agriculture to cut programs spending in its jurisdiction by at least $230 billion through to 2034. Meanwhile, for fiscal year 2025, SNAP recipients are expected to receive an average of $187 per month per person, which is roughly $6.16 per day.

Deeper reading The Uncertain Future of SNAP Benefits

The rundown: Republican Congressman Thomas Massie is speaking out against Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's plan to pass a "clean" government funding bill endorsed by President Trump. Get more details.

Why it matters: Johnson and other Republican leaders are hoping to pass a temporary government funding bill, or continuing resolution (CR), before a government shutdown deadline of March 14. Johnson is calling for the House to pass the CR that he says would fund the government at current levels through September 30. While House Republicans could pass the bill without Democratic support if they are united, it is not clear that the measure will pass along party lines and Democratic support would be required in the Senate. On Tuesday, Massie made it clear that he was not on board with Johnson's plan, accusing Johnson of ignoring the law and suggesting that the funding bill would be funding "waste, fraud and abuse" in the following post to X.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Republicans Are Now Trapped by Their Own Budget

TL/DR: Republicans control Congress but have little margin for error with slim majorities in both the House and the Senate.

What happens now? It is unclear whether a temporary funding bill will successfully pass through Congress before March 14. Republican leadership is likely to heavily focus on the issue following Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.

Deeper reading Republican Blasts Mike Johnson Over Government Funding Bill

The rundown: As regional and international stakeholders scramble to strike a deal over the war in Gaza, a dangerous rivalry is escalating between U.S. allies Israel and Turkey in Syria, where geopolitically fueled conflict persists three months after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Learn more.

Why it matters: Israel, having gained strength from its war against Hamas and Iran, has expanded its control in southern Syria, including the Golan Heights, while intensifying airstrikes. Turkey, an increasingly influential regional power and member of the U.S.-led NATO alliance, has increased its presence in northern Syria, supporting opposition factions after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Racked by civil war since 2011, Syria was drawn into the broader battle between Israel and the Iran-led Axis of Resistance coalition sparked by the war in Gaza that began in October 2023.

Read more in-depth coverage:
The Arab Plan to Save Gaza Has One Major Flaw

TL/DR: Israel and Turkey both view Syria as being linked to their respective core interests given the country's proximity and recent history of unrest.

What happens now? Concerns about the stability of Syria and potential military clashes have emerged, with calls for U.S. mediation to prevent further escalation. Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian diplomat now an editor at Syria Update, told Newsweek that "Türkiye is neither willing nor able to shield Syria from Israeli actions," while "Israel must signal a genuine commitment to peace rather than another prolonged conflict."

Deeper reading Trump's Top Two Middle East Allies Are on a Collision Course in Syria

The rundown: Four Democratic mayors of "sanctuary cities" are set to face members of Congress Wednesday, as their immigration policies are scrutinized by Republicans who believe they are getting in the way of federal agents. Read more about the hearing and what's at stake for immigration policies.

Why it matters: New York City's Eric Adams, Boston's Michelle Wu, Denver's Mike Johnson and Chicago's Brandon Johnson were all summoned to the House Oversight Committee to justify their stances on not allowing local police and other agencies to help with immigration enforcement. Immigration enforcement has long been the responsibility of the federal government, a role upheld by various Supreme Court decisions. Republicans argue these policies hinder law enforcement, while President Trump views sanctuary jurisdictions as obstacles to his immigration plans.

Read more in-depth coverage:
Sanctuary Cities Asked to Work With ICE

TL/DR: The four sanctuary cities became one of the key focuses of the border crisis as it unfolded from early 2022.

What happens now? The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. ET Wednesday on Capitol Hill, with Kentucky Representative James Comer, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, asking the four mayors to provide documents and communications related to their sanctuary policies ahead of time.

Deeper reading Sanctuary City Mayors to Face Congress: How Many Migrants Did They Welcome?