Congress took multiple vacations during a DHS shutdown, failed to check an unauthorized war with Iran, and passed just two bills—both honoring the dead. Meanwhile, a bipartisan majority voted to keep misconduct investigations against themselves secret. This episode exposes a month of dysfunction—and the real consequences of a Congress that isn’t doing its job.

Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links

• Contribute monthly or a lump sum via PayPal
• Support Congressional Dish via Patreon (donations per episode)
• Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com
• Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney
• Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com
• Use your bank’s online bill pay function to mail contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North, Number 4576, Crestview, FL 32536.

Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish

Thank you for supporting truly independent media!

Contact Your Members of Congress: (202) 224-3121

Background Sources

TMZ DC

“TMZDC Staff Starts Today!!!” April 13, 2026. @TMZ on X.

“TMZ is officially in D.C. — and our team is quickly learning exactly what it’s like to be a Senator.” April 13, 2026. @TMZ on X.

“Congressman Eric Swalwell’s run for governor of California has come to a screeching halt … amid allegations of sexual assault.” April 13, 2026. @TMZ on X.

“EXCLUSIVE: Republican senator Ted Cruz wouldn’t say if he’s Team Trump or Team Pope…” April 13, 2026. @TMZ on X.

“In case you didn’t see the bubble wand.” April 13, 2026. @TMZ on X.

“Congressmen Van Orden, Rouzer and McGuire Hit Scotland During Shutdown.” March 31, 2026. @TMZ on X.

Iran War Votes

S.J.Res. 116 Vote. March 24, 2026. U.S. Senate.

S.J.Res. 118 Vote. March 18, 2026. U.S. Senate.

H. Con. Res. 38 March 5, 2026. Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.

S.J.Res. 104 Vote March 4, 2026. U.S. Senate.

S. 4138

S.4138 – A bill to waive the 60-day notice requirement for the posthumous honorary promotion of Captain Cody Khork, United States Army.

“U.S. soldier who survived Kuwait strike says unit was ‘unprepared’.” April 9, 2026. CBS Evening News on YouTube.

“Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon’s account, say unit “was unprepared” to defend itself.” Jonah Kaplan and Michael Kaplan. April 9, 2026. CBS News.

“Remains of U.S. Army soldier Cody Khork returned to Polk County.” Alexis Jones. March 18, 2026. Bay News 9.

“A Polk County native has been killed in the war with Iran.” Marian Summerall. March 4, 2026. Central Florida Public Media.

“Florida service member killed in Kuwait was the ‘life of the party,’ family says.” Meredith Deliso. March 4, 2026. ABC News.

“‘He was smart and kind and amazing’: six American soldiers killed in Kuwait remembered.” Anna Betts. March 4, 2026. The Guardian.

H.R. 7211

H.R.7211 – To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to John W. Ripley for acts of valor during the Vietnam War, and for other purposes.

New DOJ Fraud Division

Colin McDonald Confirmation Vote. March 24, 2026.

“Veteran prosecutor confirmed to lead new Justice Department division targeting fraud nationwide.” Alanna Durkin Richer. March 24, 2026. AP News.

“Senate confirms Trump’s pick for new role of fraud enforcement at Justice Department.” Jaclyn Diaz. March 24, 2026. Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Sexual Assault Records

H.Res.1100 – Directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records of the Committee’s review of violations or alleged violations of clause 9 (as it pertains to acts of sexual harassment) and clause 18 of rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives

H. Res. 1100 Vote

Music

Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito

Editing

Pro Podcast Solutions

Production Assistance

Clare Kuntz Balcer

Check out this episode!