Two members of Congress, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), have officially resigned their seats, leaving both chambers to begin the process of filling the vacancies. Each lawmaker issued formal notices of resignation, effective immediately, removing them from committee assignments and floor duties. Their departures are expected to prompt special elections in their respective districts, as state officials set timetables and procedures to choose successors.
Separately, a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continued into a second day, with naval forces maintaining restrictions on maritime access and operations in the area. The move has kept commercial and military shipping under heightened scrutiny and has drawn attention from international observers monitoring regional security and trade flows. Officials and diplomats are watching developments closely as the situation evolves and its broader implications for regional stability and global shipping remain uncertain.