military deployment

Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency, enabling military deployment nationwide to address a 50-day blockade crisis that has halted the economy. The declaration followed a deal with the main trade union federation to end protests causing shortages of food, medicine, and fuel in the capital.

House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain defended conservative school board member Ray Stier, who faced calls for removal after missing meetings during a military deployment to the Middle East. Stier, who was commended with an American flag and Congressional Record, alleged the board targeted him over policy disagreements, including bathroom access for transgender students. McClain criticized the board's actions and highlighted broader conflicts over school policies and accountability.

U.S. Senate Democrats introduced the Protect Our Polls Act to require Congressional approval for deploying federal troops to polling places. The legislation aims to prevent President Donald Trump from invoking a legal exception to bypass the ban on military presence at elections, with provisions requiring 48-hour notice and prohibiting military access to election records. The White House responded by highlighting its own stalled legislation, the SAVE America Act.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. forces in Europe, criticizing NATO allies for insufficient military support and prioritizing social policies over defense. Germany pledged to strengthen its military in response to increased security challenges.

A House Armed Services Committee (HASC) leader has threatened the Pentagon with consequences over a canceled military deployment to Europe. The threat reflects tensions between congressional leadership and Department of Defense decisions regarding troop positioning and strategic deployment plans.