The decision sets the stage for what is likely to be a heavyweight battle between a behind-the-scenes political insider and a former governor with a knack for winning unaffiliated voters.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley has launched his campaign for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley enters the 2026 North Carolina Senate race to succeed retiring Sen. Thom Tillis in expected costly battle

But Hawley’s legislation with the panel’s top Democrat, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan, sailed out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, after his support delivered a bipartisan vote over the objections of the other Republicans, who have majority control.

The measure would bar lawmakers, the president and vice president from purchasing stocks and other “covered investments.”

Senate Democrats came up with a new way to force Donald Trump's administration to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, but will the Justice Department comply?