A Republican bid to approve new congressional maps in Texas cleared a major hurdle on Wednesday as the state House of Representatives advanced the legislation in a procedural vote. The new maps, which would create five new GOP districts to “enhance” Republican performance in the 2026 midterm elections,

Facing opposition from Democrats who fled the state to stall the vote, Republicans hope the new maps will lead to more seats in Congress.

U.S.-NATO MEETING: U.S. and NATO military officials will meet today to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine as the White House works to arrange a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.