President Donald Trump laid out U.S. policy toward the Middle East as he began his visit to Saudi Arabia. He announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria and extended an olive branch to Iran, signaling a broader shift in American foreign policy. Trump also announced a $600 billion investment in the United States from Saudi Arabia, highlighting additional agreements with the Gulf nation and expressing hopes for closer ties with Israel.

The House of Representatives began marking up the tax and Medicaid portions of the budget reconciliation bill—referred to by some as Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” The markup is a key step in advancing the president’s legislative agenda. House Republicans say they are committed to passing the reconciliation package and sending it to the Senate by Memorial Day.

Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to hold direct talks for the first time since the start of the war. Trump now says Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join the negotiations. However, it’s not yet clear who will represent Kyiv and Moscow.

May 13 marks World Falun Dafa Day, commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the peaceful meditation practice centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. In Texas, lawmakers in both the House and Senate passed resolutions officially recognizing May 13, 2025, as Falun Dafa Day.