🇺🇸Week of July 6

Congress faces a government funding deadline with no agreement on discretionary spending.1

Attributed claim: Politico: Negotiators began work on government funding bills with significant disagreements over topline discretionary spending levels.2

Attributed claim: National Review: Conservative commentators urged negotiators not to accept an increase in discretionary spending in the government funding bills.3

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, citing continued progress on inflation alongside a cooling labor market.1

Attributed claim: The New York Times: Federal Reserve officials indicated they want more evidence that inflation is durably contained before cutting the benchmark interest rate.2

Attributed claim: Fox News: Lawmakers and business groups argued the Federal Reserve is holding the benchmark interest rate higher than the inflation data warrants.3

Attributed claim: The Guardian US: Wage growth has narrowed the gap with inflation, but rent and insurance costs continue to strain household budgets as interest rates stay high.4

Documents obtained under public records requests show uneven federal oversight of bridge inspection programs across several states.1

Attributed claim: The Guardian US: Bridge inspection backlogs have grown in several states, according to federal records, raising questions about oversight.2