Congress on fast-forward: AI bills, DST splits, and leadership jockeying after Graham’s death

Congress is racing through a jam-packed schedule: Cruz signals a July 29 markup on AI and kids’ online-safety bills, while Democrats remain deeply divided over making daylight saving time permanent. GOP leaders push a party-line budget bill funded by fraud-reduction measures and Ron Johnson moves to steer the budget process into reconciliation 3.0, even as the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham triggers leadership maneuvering that could reshape defense funding and other priorities. The day’s updates also cover moves on the SAVE America Act, immigration votes, and broader Capitol Hill strategy as lawmakers juggle timing and priorities.