President Biden signed an $886 billion defense bill into law on Friday thatextends Ukraine aid and joint programs with the Israeli military.
Why it matters: The legislation authorizes funding and sets policy for the Pentagon without including conservative provisions on abortion; diversity, equity and inclusion programs; or transgender health care.
Partial closures at key U.S.-Mexico border crossings could cost billions in trade and are causing chaos and political fallout.
The big picture: A massive influx of immigrants at the southern border has led U.S. Customs and Border Protection to divert resources from busy crossings in Arizona and Texas.
The UN Security Council on Friday approved a resolution calling for "urgent steps" to be taken to immediately allow "safe and unhindered humanitarian access" to Gaza and to create "conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities."
The big picture: The binding resolution passedafter several delays by the U.S. over the language in previous drafts. The resolution was since softened, including by dropping language that called for the "urgent suspension of hostilities." Thirteen members voted in favor, while the U.S. and Russia abstained.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst (Iowa) and Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen (Nev.) sent a letter to President Biden on Thursday asking him to put pressure on Qatar to strong-arm Hamas back to the negotiating table on a new hostage deal, according to a copy of the letter shared with Axios.
Driving the news: Qatar is a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, especially when it comes to efforts to release hostages.
