Capitol Report Full Broadcast (April 13)

Good evening and tonight on Capitol Report, the United States now blocking all boats going in and out of the Strait of Hormuz. This has President Trump demanding that Iran end its nuclear program, the president's warning for Iran, and how China might be the biggest loser. We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world, because that's what they're doing. They're really blackmailing the world. We're not going to let that happen. And Eric Swalwell resigning from Congress, stepping back from the California governor's race, what it means for politics in the nation's most populous state. And Catholic nuns in New York state now suing that state for requiring them to place biological men in women's rooms. Highlights from the final hearing of President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. The government is now coercing them to adopt things absolutely antithetical to their faith. This is Capitol Report, live from our global headquarters in our nation's capital. Here's Steve Lance. And the United States' naval blockade of Iran now in full effect as President Trump demanding the regime end their nuclear program. We go now live to NTD's White House correspondent, Mari Otu, at the North Lawn. Mari, good evening. So what is the latest from the president? Hey Steve, good evening to you. That's right. And President Trump is renewing his vow that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, saying that no deal will ever be reached with the regime if that is not agreed to. But this is coming after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan over the weekend, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff, and Jared Kushner, which did not ultimately lead to a lasting agreement with the regime. They're refusing to have to agree to no nuclear weapon. And President Trump today ordered a U.S. naval blockade in response to ships entering and exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, in the Strait of Hormuz, which became effective at 10 a.m. today. Take a look. We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world because that's what they're doing. They're really blackmailing the world. We're not going to let that happen. And, you know, the amazing thing is, we don't can you believe this? We don't use the Strait. We don't need the Strait. We have our own oil, gas, much more than we need. The U.S. Central Command announcing the terms of the blockade, saying, quote, the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations Agency confirms that maritime restrictions are being enforced affecting Iranian ports and coastal areas along the Gulf of Oman and Hormuz Strait. President Trump saying that other nations are involved. Other nations are working so that Iran will not be able to sell oil and that would be very effective. But what we want to do is we want to and again, we don't need it. This coming as President Trump declares, quote, Iran's Navy is laying at the bottom of the What we have not hit are their small number of what they call fast attack ships because we did not consider them much of a threat. Warning, if any of these ships come anywhere close to our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at sea. It is quick and brutal. Ahead of the blockade, the president saying Iran is in very bad shape, that the ceasefire is holding well and that he doesn't care if the regime comes back to the negotiating table. I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine. Their military is gone. Their missiles are largely depleted. The manufacturing capability for missiles and drones is largely defeated. We've been very nice. We haven't ripped down too many bridges. We did one only because they broke their word. They broke their promise. And remember, their promise was that they were going to open the Hormuz Strait. They didn't do it. And meanwhile, Steve, the president is again condemning the New York Times for their coverage of Operation Epic Fury, calling the media outlet, quote, corrupt and saying, quote, for those people that still read the failing New York Times and despite the fact that Iran has been totally obliterated militarily and otherwise, you would think that Iran is actually winning or at the very least doing quite well. But that is not true. And this is coming as the Trump administration and the White House continues to condemn a wide range of media narratives on the operation, both at home and abroad. And President Trump has declared that this coverage is undermining what he calls the U.S.'s decisive wins against the U.S., the U.S.'s decisive wins against Iran and saying that the risks for biased media coverage amid Operation Epic Fury are far graver than otherwise with ramifications for national security. Back to you. Mario, it's live from the White House. Thank you, Mario. The U.S. now blockading the Strait of Hormuz, keeping all Iranian oil from going in and out. Joining me now are our panelists Abdullah Hayek with Young Voices Middle East and Tom Sauer, former Navy officer and founder of the MacArthur Group. Great to have you both with us on the program tonight. So the U.S. now blockading all oil going in and out of the Strait. Here's the president speaking about it. We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world because that's what they're doing. They're really blackmailing the world. We're not going to let that happen. And you know, the amazing thing is we don't. Can you believe this? We don't use the Strait. We don't need the Strait. We have our own oil, gas, much more than we need. So, Tom, what type of pressure is the president putting on Iran and perhaps others involved by blocking the Strait? And talk to us about the path and how this could eventually lead to opening up the Strait in the long term. Well, thanks for having me, Steve. One thing that I think is really important, if you took a look at the national security strategy that went out last year, there's a lot of tie-ins here, specifically when you talk about the path that we used to get here. Notice, what are some of the things that we did? We won. We first secured, made sure the Chinese no longer have control of the Panama Canal. Next, we removed Maduro from Venezuela, who was giving a ton of their oil to who? To China. And now, we took what we thought, well, what Iran thought was their biggest card to play, being the Strait of Hormuz. We turned it against them right away. And also, again, who's the biggest customer for Iranian oil? By far, it's China. So really, at the end of the day, what this is really turning into is a much larger naval strategy. And yes, Iran is part of this. But this is really about the United States versus China. This is about us eventually getting out of our major footprint in the Middle East, at least the extent that we have been, and reshifting, rebalancing our power to making the Western Hemisphere a fortress, and then still be involved in the rest of the world. But really, the biggest enduring threat we have is China. This is really about China more than it is about Iran. And Senator Tom Cotton spoke to that point, saying that China is the most impacted by the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Here's a look. China really needs to engage here on Iran, a terrorist state, trying to close the Strait of Hormuz, because China gets the lion's share of the oil coming out of the Middle East. Now that we've imposed a blockade on the Strait, on all ships, if all ships don't get out, China's really the one that's going to face the brunt of the pain. So Abdullah, could this blockade incentivize the Chinese Communist Party to perhaps pressure Iran to come to the table and agree to these terms? Thank you for having me, Steve. I think, of course, the Chinese are very worried about what's going on in the Strait. And to concur with Tom's remarks, I think the issue is not just the Chinese-Iranian relationship, but it also extends in part to the relationship that the Chinese have with the broader Arabian Gulf states. We have deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars that the Chinese have invested in the Gulf, in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the rest of them. That will also affect China, and the way they transport their construction equipment and their raw materials and everything is through the Strait. So that would affect the Chinese investment reputation in the Gulf as well. Now the question is whether China is willing to engage diplomatically to do so. I think that's already been evident. We've seen the Pakistanis be very active on that front, that Pakistan's a very strong ally of China. Now despite their attempt to reprimand relations with the U.S., they still have a good connection with China. So that's a big indication that they're very active in this point. Tom, we heard from Senator Cotton there comparing the Strait of Hormuz to the blockade on Venezuelan oil, which ultimately works in the same way. Taken this all together, how much could this be squeezing China's already precarious economy? Well, they're going to have to look for doing some of their own drilling, but they don't have any real meaningful amount of oil. But what's going to come down to is eventually, you saw, I'm sure many of your viewers saw these pictures of all the other maritime tanker traffic leaving the Indian Ocean and the greater Middle East. Where did they go? They went to Texas, right? That's where they're all headed right now. So eventually, it's becoming where a United States and the Gulf Coast particularly is going to become America or the world's gas station of reliability and of choice. So eventually, the Chinese are going to no longer get cheap gas that's been sanctioned because remember that the Chinese were buying sanctioned oil from Iran for a steep discount because of sanction, right? So they're going to now have to get their oil from somewhere else. It's also worth pointing out that I think I've been, I've committed this mistake as well and I think it's important to really point out, we have not put a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. We have put a blockade on Iran, right? So there still are other Gulf states there, Iraq, Iraq has Basra, Kuwait, and the Saudi and the other Gulf states there, they all have free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This is not blocking the Strait. We are simply blockading Iran, which I think is important distinction to make because there's still plenty of other maritime traffic that still needs to go through the Strait of Hormuz. So and that's one thing that we are showing, something that the United States has done for ever since the Second World War, we ensure the safety of navigation of all commercial trade throughout the world. We've been doing that for a very long time and this is us flexing it now. Tom, just a quick follow up, that's a very, it is an important distinction. You make an excellent point. I guess my question would be, and maybe it's too early to tell, coming through that Strait, to your point, Iranian ships coming out of Iranian ports will be stopped by the U.S. Navy. What about the Iranians checkpoint tolls? How are they allowing or are they allowing ships coming from those other ports like Iraq and the Emirates that you mentioned? Well, if there's anyone attempting to go through a so-called Iranian toll booth, they will be interdicted as well. I think that's something that the president made really clear in his post last night. So I think anyone found to be participating in this illegal toll booth operation, so to speak, they'll be interdicted as well. And also part of the reason why, if you notice on the map, on the southern portion of the Strait closer towards Oman, that's where the Iranians put together their danger area where we suspect, but we have not confirmed, there might be some Iranian mining activity that occurred there before we took out all their mine sweepers. So then that kind of obliges all the other maritime traffic to go further north around and kind of near that Iranian toll booth, as we're going to call it. So that's why Navy EOD, my former teammates, the guys who do what I used to do, they're clearing that portion of the Strait and eventually the entire Strait of Hormuz. Abdullah, how has American energy independence, which thank goodness has been shifting away from the Middle East over the past decade or two, enabled us to use this as leverage? And do we have an obligation to open the Strait? Or is this something that we're doing more for our allies right now? I think that's a great point. You know, the United States learned its lesson back in 1973 when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imposed a full embargo on the United States because we were supporting Israel. So that was the first step towards the energy independence that we enjoy today. But nonetheless, we still see some gas prices increasing here in the United States because the thing is not about supply, but it's rather about the overall market, the whole economy. And I think that's in part the reason why the president right now is ensuring that the first point of negotiation besides the nuclear issue is opening the Strait of Hormuz, because he realizes that the ramifications on the energy issue can be global and can reach here at home. But there's also another point we have to understand is that the U.S. has this strong interest in maintaining the economies of its Arab allies, especially in light that back in last May, when the president visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, there were trillions of dollars worth of deals. And those can't really move in effect unless the economies of those states are stabilized and they heavily depend on oil. So it's a give and take relationship with our Arab partners. The bottom line or the red line, if you will, in these current talks with Iran and carrying out the military operation in the first place for the president is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Here's the president today. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. And we agreed to a lot of things, but they didn't agree to that. And I think they will agree to it. I'm almost sure of it. In fact, I am sure of it. If they don't agree, there's no deal. There'll never be a deal. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon and we're going to get the dust back. Tom, what methods would you say are available to us to pursue this goal now that most of the military targets in Iran have been taken out? I think it's great you ask me that question, so there are two parts of my career that I specialize in that was mine countermeasures and weapons of mass destruction. So I've got a little bit more expertise or experience, let's say, maybe not expertise in weapons of mass destruction. So first off is, you know, there's a reason why we're not going to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. And I think their behavior has shown that, you know, would if Iran was nuclear armed, would we feel comfortable taking the actions that we've been forced to do? If Iran is threatening not only Israel, but Europe and even the United States, when a country that acts the way that they do, obviously they're not considered to be a good faith country. That's also the same reason why we maintain detente, so to speak, with North Korea, because they did get nuclear weapons and nobody really wants to mess with them. So you can understand why the Iranians want to have them and also why we don't want them to have them. But I can say as far as removing it, there may be a diplomatic solution where we would actually send folks in there with Iranian permission under the auspices of an agreement where we would go and remove all that stuff. You know, it may come to a situation where we might end up having to go in there without permission. And that would be, you know, that would be a risky thing. But for what it's worth, there are people and units within the United States military that have been working that exact same problem for a very long time as far as going into a, you know, subterranean, possibly or otherwise well fortified nuclear facility and getting everything out of that. It's going to take a lot of people and a lot of equipment, but it's not something that we haven't thought of before. We'll just leave it at that. Abdullah, the Chinese Communist Party, very cautious about leaving their fingerprints on anything nefarious that they do, really mastered the art of using proxies, plausible deniability. Arguably, that's how North Korea got its nuclear technology. We know they're very close to China. They're rearing their ugly head from time to time here, weighing into this war. The president asked about it just yesterday. You know, if China starts to send actual material to them, what that would mean. How will the world look back on this action by the United States to prevent the Iranian regime from developing nuclear capability? I think that the nuclear issue is definitely the most pressing because the Iranians have been saying for the whole life day that, you know, they want that to America, that to the region, that to the world, and they want to use nuclear weapons. And I think it's very important that we do reach a deal diplomatically, because unless we have Normandy landings off the shore of Iran, there is no way we can get to the nuclear material. But I think also the old, more pressing issue is that Iran's methods of deterrence right now have been extremely diversified than we have determined it to be. There's an air threat, the drones and missiles. There's a land threat, which is the nuclear program that's underground. And now there's the maritime threat, which is this rate of war moves on their fast attack speedboats, as the president described earlier today. Now, if we're going to calculate how the Iranians have affected and have American blood on their hands, the most pressing issue would definitely be the proxies. Back in 83 with the Beirut barracks bombing that was done through Hezbollah in 1996, when the Khobar Towers were exploded, that was done through Hezbollah Hejaz, which is a dormant Saudi group supported by Iran. So the proxies, the drones and missiles and the nuclear issue and the straight up war moves all have threats on American national security. They can all pose a threat to American lives. And I think attention and effort should be given to all four fronts to deter and to dismantle. Abdullah Hayek, Tom Sauer, greatly appreciate both. And California Congressman Eric Swalwell resigning from Congress today and ending his run for governor. This all amid sexual misconduct allegations and today's Christina Corona as the latest. Representative Eric Swalwell is now resigning from Congress just one day after suspending his campaign for California governor following a series of sexual assault allegations against him. The Democrat announced Monday on next, I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes and judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make. He goes on. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress. He says he's aware of efforts to remove him from Congress, arguing due process matters, but says it would be wrong for his constituents to have him distracted from his duties. The allegations were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. An unnamed woman claims Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while she worked for him, including incidents where she says she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN reports three other women have accused Swalwell of various forms of sexual misconduct. Swalwell has since denied all allegations. These allegations of sexual assault are flat, false. They're absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have. I do not suggest to you in any way that I'm perfect or that I'm a saint. I've certainly made mistakes in judgment, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position. The House Ethics Committee has now begun an investigation into whether Swalwell violated congressional conduct rules. In a statement, the committee says it will gather additional information regarding the allegations that Representative Eric Swalwell violated the code of official conduct or any law, including claims of sexual misconduct involving a staff member. The committee also emphasizes the review does not mean any wrongdoing has been confirmed. Prosecutors are also reviewing the claims. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has opened an investigation and officials in Alameda County say they're evaluating whether any crimes were committed. Meanwhile, California's primary is set for June 2nd. Democrats still in the race include Javier Becerra, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa. Christina Corona, NTD News. Meantime breaking not too long ago, Congressman Tony Gonzalez also announcing his resignation tonight amid calls for his expulsion and a post on X. He writes, quote, When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. The Texas Republican previously admitted to having an affair with one of his staffers. Gonzalez is facing a House Ethics Committee investigation over possible sexual misconduct and abuse of power. He announced his withdrawal from his reelection bid back in March amid pressure over the affair. And you're looking now live at a shot of the White House where President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission in their final hearing today, what they're now saying and how Americans are reacting to their efforts. Hi, I'm Susan Lucci. You may know me from my many years on television. I never thought about heart disease until I had my own heart event. I felt this slight pressure on my chest, just slight. I thought, oh, it's nothing. It'll go away. I didn't get it. I did not get it. A few days later, while shopping at a boutique, that pressure returned much stronger. It felt like an elephant pressing on my chest. I had a 90% blockage in my main artery and a 75% blockage in the adjacent artery. I was rushed into surgery where I received two stents in my arteries. Stents developed through research funded by the American Heart Association. Those stents saved my life. 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Become a monthly donor during February Heart Month, and your first month's gift will be matched. Thank you. According to ancient Chinese medicine, purslane is considered a medicinal herb and is used to help lower cholesterol, improve vascular functions, and prevent diabetes. Purylaces can nourish the lungs and spleen. It is used to treat asthma and improve pulmonary functions. Purytongue Green Vegetable Omega-3 is made from purslane and purylaces from Wangmei Mountain in South Korea. It contains over 90% of omega-3, 6, 7, and 9, the highest concentration possible without chemical additives. The soft gel is made of natural seaweed. It is 100% organic and vegan. Both adults and children can take it with peace of mind. Ancient recipes were passed down from heaven to bring prosperity and longevity. Purytongue Green Vegetable Omega-3. And welcome back to the Capitol Report. I'm Steve Lance. The Religious Liberty Commission holding its last meeting before it's expected to make recommendations to the White House Faith Office. During the hearing, it discussed a case involving New York Catholic nuns who are suing the state for forced gender ideology training and policy. Entity correspondent Jason Blair reports. Because when a nation begins to treat faith as something to be managed instead of protected, it does not become freer, it becomes more fragile. Religious liberty is not a threat to civil rights. It is what made civil rights possible. When a government seeks total control, it does not begin with the economy or even with the ballot box. It begins with the individual. The Religious Liberty Commission holds its seventh and final meeting highlighting the past, present, and future of religious liberty in America. One specific case is a New York lawsuit involving the Dominican sisters of Hawthorne who have operated a hospice home for cancer patients for 125 years. The sisters are suing the New York governor over the state's Equality Act. They charge no fee, they take no government aid, they accept no insurance. They're requiring the sisters to train in gender ideology, requiring them to engage in speech and services that are gender affirming, biological men in women's rooms, even over the opposition of a female roommate. If the nuns do not comply, they could face fines, loss of license, and prison time. They view their work as a form of living their faith, not merely social service. The Religious Liberty Commission was established in May of 2025 with an executive order by President Trump. After this final hearing, it's expected to submit its recommendations to the White House Faith Office as well as the Domestic Policy Council on Religious Liberty Policies of the U.S. Reporting in Washington, D.C., Jason Blair, Entity News. And religious liberty, obviously a cornerstone of the United States, but how do everyday Americans feel about efforts to defend it today? We went out to the National Mall to ask the people what they think about President Trump's religious freedom initiative. How important is religious liberty to the foundation of this country? It's what our nation was founded on. And I think, you know, if the United States wants to continue to be prosperous, we need to continue to remember the beliefs of what our father and grandfathers started and built this country on. It's super important. I think that that's why a lot of people came to this country is to, you know, pursue their choice of religion. It's everything. I mean, that was why the Pilgrims first came here. You know, it was the basis of our Constitution and our Declaration. And we wouldn't be the same country without it. I think it's fundamental that religious freedom exists. I would say most religions that I think of, they all have the same thing in common, just do good. Now, I happen to have a Catholic shirt on, so take that. I believe, I don't care what religion you are, whether you're a Baptist, a Muslim, it does not matter. In the past year, President Trump established the White House Faith Office as well as the Religious Liberty Commission. What do you make of this or this renewed attention on religious liberty? I think God put him here for a reason. And I don't know who else have put an office of faith into the executive branch. I've never heard of that before. So I think he's doing a lot of unheard of things as it relates to faith. I just think it's important, again, for people to be reminded of their faith and being close to it. Matter of fact, I think it's a good idea. I think we need to put faith back in our schools, not where we have to drill a denomination down, but at least that we want to keep it. It's our right to have prayer, school prayers, all of that. So there's a separation of church and state, right? And I get it. But a lawless state is not what we want. Religions help guide you in those moral principles. Because if you don't have religion, then how do you know what's right and wrong? Each and every one of us' beliefs are different from the other one. That's the reason God created each and every one different. He's bringing our country back to the faith and back to the beliefs. And here in America, we need a great revival. And I think your leadership, that's where it begins. NASA's Artemis 2 crew back on Earth in the next lunar mission already in the works. How it's all part of the United States' effort to counter China in space. Find out more tonight on China In Focus with Tiffany Meyer at 8 p.m. Eastern. And you're looking at a live shot of the Capitol where now former Congressman Eric Swalwell has just a short while ago resigned from his House seat amid allegations of sexual misconduct. What it means for Congress and the California gubernatorial race. After the break. Looking to refresh the style in your house? Come to Matheson during the Spring Style event and see hundreds of options for your perfect living room. Take a look at this sectional. We can help you build it into the style you want. From sleek and modern to something more eclectic to an updated traditional look. You can also reconfigure it just by adding or removing pieces. The sofa version is a great value at just $12.89. Come find a look that's right for you at your furniture superstore, Matheson. Disasters are in communities like ours more often. Even before disaster strikes, hunger is already a crisis in America. But a disaster tests the very heart of who we are as a community. Food is scarce. 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I can have a cup of coffee and every day is a new opportunity. Don't forget to check in on yourself. Love, you're mine. And welcome back to the Capitol Report. I'm Steve Lance. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzalez stepping down from Congress amid allegations of sexual misconduct. For Swalwell, this is just one day after he withdrew from California's gubernatorial race. Joining me now to discuss what this means, Josh Doss, John Jordan. Great to have you both on the program. So Swalwell says he'll, quote, fight the serious false allegation made against him, but must take responsibility and ownership for mistakes he made. John, this follows bipartisan calls for both to step down. What is your reaction? Well, it's not surprising that they're both stepping down. Eric Swalwell, in his case, needed to escape the House Ethics Committee investigation, which terminates the minute he leaves Congress because of the limits of their jurisdiction. Now Eric Swalwell's lawyers are taking over because he has a criminal matter in Manhattan. So now it's left the realm of the political, and now it's in the hands of the criminal justice system. And we'll have to see. California's governor's race is an absolute mess right now. It's hard to know because there's no real frontrunner. There's no real strong candidate. And you've got an unsettled electorate in California. So it's going to be, it's probably leaning Democratic. I'm not going to pretend otherwise. But the Democrats don't have any really likable strong candidates. And you could have some sort of quirky thing in California's jungle primary where you could have two Republicans facing each other. Unlikely, but possible. And a little bit more unlikely now because of the way it is tiered. It actually plays to the Republicans' advantage the more Democrats that are in the race. And now we have two that just dropped out. Josh, how will this ripple through Congress and affect the balance of power? It shouldn't affect the balance of power too much. Ultimately, his seat was solidly Democratic. So you'll probably have a special election or the next scheduled election. It will almost certainly be filled by another Democrat. And the Democrats kind of narrowly avoided an even bigger fracture if it would have gone into some type of public vote that the Democrats would have had to go through. It would have been a little bit messier. Now the Director of National Intelligence, switching gears a bit, Tulsi Gabbard today releasing new documents alleging a coordinated effort within the intel community to manufacture a conspiracy. The press release states that this effort was later used as the basis for the 2019 impeachment of then-President Trump. Josh, the report says that the intel community's inspector general at the time did take steps that weaponized the whistleblower process allowing second-hand information and ensuring that the complaint was released to Congress, referring it to the FBI and linking to the media. Democrats often say that democracy is at risk, but is this a case of erosion to democracy in our country under Democratic leadership? Look, if any or all of the things that are in this document are true, or even have a speck of truth in, absolutely, yeah, they absolutely would. I just don't really have a lot of reasons to trust Tulsi Gabbard. The criticism of Tulsi Gabbard leading into this recent news was really just two things. One, people were concerned that she was politicizing the intelligence agencies. She was reporting, there's reports of senior officials being pushed out and her subservience to Donald Trump. We all watched Tulsi Gabbard kind of take a little bit of a step out of line with Donald Trump as it pertains to her not getting completely behind Donald Trump's actions when it came to the war in Iran. And this easily could be something that she's doing just to get back into good graces with the President. It would not be the first time we've seen something like this under these types of administrations. John, the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, she also was a former Democrat, a Congresswoman, and some might say that the fact that her and the President respectfully disagree or agree to disagree on certain issues builds more trust. What should be done to ensure accountability and what do the American people need to be informed of in this situation? Well, Josh over there is a fair-minded Democrat and I wish there were more like him. But that said, the question isn't about Tulsi Gabbard. The question is, did this document exist? Is there proof that pre-exists Tulsi Gabbard even being a Republican? Is there proof that the intelligence services were weaponized to get President Trump? And the evidence is overwhelmingly that it was. The Steele dossier was paid for by a Democrat opposition firm, paid for by the Hillary Clinton campaign. It was weaponized by the FBI. There were strategic leaks about it. It was an effort to nullify the 2016 election because the machinery in Washington and the Democrats didn't think that President Trump would be President. So yeah, and the whole thing turned out to be bunk. And we all know it. The Democrats now are trying to pivot towards, well, is Tulsi Gabbard not being subservient to the President? She works for the executive branch. That's their job, is to work to carry out the President's agenda, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican. It's not about subservience or any type of emotional language like that. That's her job to do that, and she is doing it. Interesting, President Trump's cabinet, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Kennedy, has two former Democrats that actually ran for President as Democrats are in a Republican administration. What Democrat administration can make that same boat? Now, all eyes right now are switching gears on the Strait of Hormuz with the U.S. blocking all Iranian ports and ships coming in and out of Iranian ports after the ceasefire talks with Iran ended with some progress over the weekend. From what we're hearing reports now, Vice President Vance may be alluding to the fact that they needed to bring it back to the new Supreme Leader to get his approval. The President speaking to this earlier. We have more oil and gas than Saudi Arabia. Think of this. We produce more Saudi Arabia and add Russia to it. Substantially more. And by next year, we'll have double that amount. So we don't need it, but the world needs it. And many ships are heading to our country right now as we speak to load up. Josh, given the point the President was making there, saying, you know, reopening the waterway is not his responsibility, is there pressure on the administration to resolve the issue before the closure of the strait brings broader impacts on the global economy? Yeah, of course there's pressure. I mean, gas prices are up 40% now. We're talking about somewhere around like $4. Folks are just, you know, unable to do basic things like go to the grocery store. Of course there's pressure. There's also a ton of pressure on the President to be more clear, to be a more disciplined communicator to the American people. We negotiated a ceasefire that had the goal of getting the strait open that actually wasn't closed before we started a war. We started a war to make sure a country whose nuclear programs that we apparently obliterated in June of last year, but also somehow we're going to be a problem in two weeks, we're not there, and then we don't have any ways to kind of confirm whether or not we still have an enriched uranium. It's a mess. It's a complete mess. And so he has a ton of pressure on himself to bring those oil prices down, whether or not we are reliant on them or not. John, on the issue that Josh is making in terms of the messaging, the President is, you know, arguably using strategic ambiguity in his discourse and dialogue that he uses on Truth Social to get, you know, his message out there. Parse, if you could, you know, these high-stakes negotiations that are really unfolding before the public eye because, frankly, inside of Iran, it's really hard in terms of diplomatic channels after you wipe out so many layers of the regime there to know who you're talking to. And so is there something to be said with the way he is handling this that amidst the chaos, there could actually be a strategy? Yeah, so with regard to gas prices, first of all, the gas prices right now in the middle of this situation are about where they were during the height of the Ukraine war. The difference is the Democrats didn't mind it then. In fact, the Biden administration was trying to get oil prices higher for their Green New Energy deal. And there were signs in people's yards saying, I don't mind $6 or $7 a gas if it's for Ukraine, on which this country spent $350 billion. And Nary a word about the Democrats on that, even though there's no national security issue for the United States, it's not a member of NATO, but they were fighting for high gas prices then. Contrast this with this. Here we have a regime in Iran that for 47 years has said death to America, has killed thousands of Americans, menaced the world, and is doing the delivery systems for a nuclear weapon with missiles, conventional missiles, so that they could shut down the strait at any point they chose. Threatened our Gulf allies in the Gulf states while spreading, playing the number one sponsor of terrorism in the world. Presidents since Reagan and since Carter have kicked the can down the road. Iranian mobilities have grown. The Obama administration tried bribery, accommodation, everything else. Eventually, there's a fork in the road where either you're going to have to allow, they're going to have a nuclear weapon or not, and you have to clean up the mess. And just by virtue of timing, that's where President Trump is. Now, yeah, he does want strategic ambiguity, but he doesn't want us to know exactly what he's thinking. But now by closing the straits, and markets have taken this really well today, he's cut off Iran's ability to raise revenue. 60% of the state budget of Iran, including paying the Republican guards and security services, depend upon energy revenue, which is no more. Now you're seeing the Iranian regime starting to make nice noises in the media trying to save face. And no, it wasn't about going back to the Supreme Leader. They didn't believe President Trump. They thought they had leverage in Islamabad. Now they found out they didn't. The key figure in Iran, however, to watch is General Vahidi, the surviving senior general of the Republican Guard. They control the guns and the jails and the ability to go after internal dissent. It is he that has to be appeased, and he's a hardliner. He's the one that has to sign off on anything. And it's going to be interesting to see if economic necessity now brings even that hardliner to the table. Josh Doss, John Jordan, appreciate you both. And right now you're looking at a live shot of Capitol Hill. Congress returning to Washington this week after a two-week spring recess. Lawmakers facing a full agenda of hearings and early moves on key budget and national security priorities. I'll bring you the latest just after the break. The bladder control aisle. You won't shop here again. Your private business is your own. The constant struggle is over. Now there's a better way. It's HGIS. We home-deliver bladder control products. We understand how you feel. For over 25 years, we've home-delivered to many of the 20 million Americans who deal with incontinence. We offer all brands. We pay shipping and use plain, unmarked boxes. If we can help you or someone you care for, call for your free product sample pack and $45 in money-saving coupons. Our counselors will help you choose the right product. And unlike stores, we're always in stock. You'll get what you need. Satisfaction guaranteed. HGIS. The better way. 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And help save even more lives. Thank you. And welcome back to The Capitol Report. I'm Steve Lance. Congress back in Washington after a two-week spring recess. At the top of their list, a push for a budget package to fund immigration enforcement and expected moves to force a vote on U.S. military action in Iran. And to use Chris Bobb's report. The Senate is back in session Monday and the House set to gavel in later Tuesday. Open hearings begin Wednesday as President Trump's fiscal year 2027 budget request takes center stage. A slate of top administration officials is set to testify including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are advancing a narrow budget plan that would fund the Department of Homeland Security for three years through reconciliation. That effort is being led by Senator Lindsey Graham with leadership aiming to send a bill to the President's desk by June 1st. On the Senate floor, debate will resume for the Save America Act. Some conservatives, including Senator Mike Lee, are pushing leadership to keep debate open longer resisting efforts to move quickly to a final vote. That tension is also feeding into a broader fight over the filibuster. Senator Rick Scott posting on X, quote, It's time to blow up the filibuster. And Senator Tommy Tuberville responding to Scott, quote, Let's get rid of the filibuster now and finally deliver for the American people before it's too late. Lawmakers may also be forced to weigh in on U.S. military action abroad. Democrats are preparing to force a War Powers vote that could limit the administration's ability to carry out military operations against Iran without explicit approval from Congress. Some Republicans are already warning against any concessions. Senator Graham writing, quote, The only difference between Al Qaeda and the Iranian regime is that one is a Sunni terrorist organization and the other is a Shia terrorist state. No enrichment means no enrichment. Chris Bobb, NTD News. And a new White House report says the United States has a shortage of 10 million homes. White House economists laying out a plan to fix it. The analysis is part of the economic report prepared by the White House Council of Economic Advisors. It finds there would be 10 million more houses in the country if home building had continued at its historical pace prior to the 2008 financial crisis. The report puts the blame on regulations on home construction such as changing building codes, compliance costs and zoning approval fees. The report estimates that cutting regulatory costs could help spur construction of as many as 13 million homes. It argues this could add on an average 1.3% to annual economic growth over the next decade and support 2 million manufacturing and construction jobs. And rising tensions with Iran now colliding with China. President Trump warning Beijing could face major consequences if it's caught arming Iran and the United States turning away Chinese tankers at the Strait of Hormuz. Entities Washington correspondent Jack Bradley has more. At least two Chinese oil tankers have been turned away from the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. blockade began. That's according to Maritime Traffic a maritime analytics provider. Both of these ships were Chinese tankers disguising themselves by flying false flags. One flying a Malawi flag and the other Botswana. Both landlocked African countries. That's because the U.S. Navy is only blocking ships of countries that receive Iranian oil. China is the largest purchaser buying over 80% of Iranian oil. And the Strait accounts for roughly 40-50% of China's oil. Now shut off. China's really the one that's going to face the brunt of the pain. Now this comes as President Trump is warning that China could get hit with a massive 50% tariff if it's caught sending weapons to Iran. Well, if China does that, China's going to have big problems. Okay? I hear news reports about China giving the shoulder missiles, what's called a shoulder missile, anti-aircraft missile. I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship and I think they wouldn't do that. But maybe they did a little bit at the beginning, but I don't think they would anymore. No. But if we catch them doing that, they get a 50% tariff, which is staggering. That's a staggering amount. China has sent technology to Iran used in their weapon systems. But the fact that these aren't panning out in Iran's favor may look bad on the CCP. China provided their most advanced air defense capabilities to Iran. We completely destroyed them. They didn't shoot down one American or Israeli plane. So China now has the problem that their military technology is not recognized as being up to par to the United States. That's going to have huge implications with a whole host of other countries. It's a situation that's putting more pressure on the Chinese Communist Party both economically and militarily. All seeming to give President Trump the upper hand going into face-to-face talks with CCP leader Xi Jinping in China next month. For NTD News Washington, I'm Jack Bradley. And a restaurant manager in Michigan is being credited with helping dozens of people get to safety during a tornado that struck the area last month. On March 6th, Aubrey McKenzie was working at an Applebee's when a tornado warning was issued that afternoon. It was a calm afternoon that quickly turned tense as alerts sounded throughout the building. With the general manager off-site, McKenzie stepped in to take charge. After spotting a funnel cloud outside, she directed more than 50 customers and employees to prep the kitchen at the back of the restaurant. She also brought in people from the outside including a man with a dog and a child who was alone. The EF-2 tornado moved through the area causing significant damage nearby and shattering windows inside of the restaurant. Everyone inside was able to shelter in place and avoid injury. McKenzie said her experience in the restaurant industry helped her stay focused under pressure crediting teamwork for keeping everyone safe. That is all we have for you tonight on the Capitol Report. For around the clock original coverage visit us at NTD.com and download the NTD mobile app. From the nation's capital, I'm Steve Lance. Have a great evening. See you back here tomorrow.