Republican congressman Tony Gonzales from Texas will resign from the House of Representatives, amid growing calls for his expulsion after he acknowledged having an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. In a social media post, Gonzales said: 'There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office.'
Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell also announced his resignation following high-profile allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault and rape. The House ethics committee has launched an investigation into Swalwell, who earlier ended his bid for California governor over the accusations.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump vowed to 'immediately eliminate' any Iranian ships approaching the Strait of Hormuz, where a US blockade continues. In a post on Truth Social, the president said the US would use 'the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at sea'.
The president also exchanged retorts with Pope Leo XIV after posting and deleting an AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like figure. The pope said the gospel message was being 'abused', while Trump called him 'weak on crime'.
Lawmakers face a busy agenda as they return, including funding bills, immigration legislation, potential expulsion of four members, and war powers resolutions on Iran.
