Courts and Congress challenge expanding executive and regulatory control

Challenges over allegedly withheld HHS funds, public-funded administration advertising, FHFA Director Bill Pulte, proposed Federal Reserve restructuring, and DOJ enforcement choices continue to test executive power and agency independence. A circuit split over congressional privilege in federal searches adds context to the unresolved search of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home; no charges have been identified. Blue Dog budget-process reforms remain proposals, while post-election permitting and lame-duck legislative plans remain uncertain.