Fox News Hourly Update - 2AM ET 06/29/2025: Comprehensive Summary

Release Date: June 29, 2025

1. Senate Begins Debate on President Trump's Budget Bill

Debra Valentine opened the episode by reporting a pivotal development in the U.S. legislative process. In a narrow 51 to 49 vote, the Senate agreed to commence debate on President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful budget bill." This decision marks a significant step forward for the administration's fiscal agenda.

Chuck Schumer's Procedural Tactics

Before the debate could officially begin, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York employed a strategic maneuver. He compelled the Senate clerk to read aloud all 940 pages of the revised Senate version of the budget bill. Chad Pergram, reporting from Capitol Hill, provided deeper insights into this move:

"Usually when they actually get onto an actual bill, what happens is they read just the title of the bill. Technically, from a very technical standpoint, they are supposed to read the entire thing out loud. Well, guess what? That almost never happens. They go through that, and then they simply ask unanimous consent."
(Chad Pergram, [00:25])

Pergram elaborated that such full readings are rare and are typically bypassed in favor of unanimous consent to expedite proceedings. Schumer's insistence on reading the entire bill is viewed as a "dilatory tactic" aimed at delaying the debate process.

Republican Responses and Strategic Movements

As the Senate moves forward, political dynamics within the Republican Party are noteworthy:

• Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky objected to beginning the debate, aligning against the majority's stance.

• Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin initially voted against the debate but flipped his vote to 'yes' following extensive discussions with the Vice President and the Senate Majority Leader's office.

• Republican Congressman James Comer of Kentucky expressed optimism on Fox's "The Big Weekend Show":

  "We know the timeline. We know that this is the president's agenda. This is what he campaigned on. We know this is of the utmost importance to President Trump and to the majority of Americans who voted for President Trump."
  (Unnamed Republican Commentator, [01:37])

Comer's remarks underscore the significance of the budget bill to both the administration and its supporters, highlighting the strategic importance of pushing the bill through to reach the President's desk by July 4th.

Democratic Opposition

Conversely, Democrats have raised concerns regarding the budget's implications:

"Democrats, though, complain the measure will benefit the wealthiest Americans and cut food programs for the needy."
(Debra Valentine, [01:51])

These criticisms point to potential disparities in the bill's impact on different economic groups, emphasizing the partisan divide over fiscal policy priorities.

2. Iran's Alleged Threats Against IAEA Director General

Debra Valentine reported escalating tensions involving Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Allegations have surfaced that certain Iranian officials have called for the execution of IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Marco Rubio's Condemnation

Rubio addressed the issue by referencing statements from Iran's semi-official state news agency:

"We support the IAEA's Critical Verification and monitoring efforts in Iran. We call on Iran to provide for the safety and security of IAEA personnel."
(Marco Rubio, [02:40])

He further criticized the purported threats:

"The alleged calls in Tehran for the execution of Grossi are unacceptable and should be condemned."
(Marco Rubio, [02:40])

Rubio's firm stance underscores the U.S. commitment to international nuclear oversight and the protection of key personnel involved in these efforts. The situation underscores the fragile nature of U.S.-Iran relations, especially concerning nuclear transparency and security.

3. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Recent Developments

Debra Valentine and Stephanie Bennett provided updates on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting significant military actions and diplomatic statements.

Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Airbases

• Stephanie Bennett reported that the Ukrainian military announced via Telegram the successful strike on four SU34 warplanes at a Russian airbase located over 550 miles east of the Ukrainian border. Additionally, facilities responsible for servicing and repairing these aircraft were targeted.

• Earlier in the month, Ukraine executed Operation Spike Spider's Web, a major offensive aimed at long-range Russian bombers stationed at multiple air bases. These operations signify Ukraine's intensified efforts to degrade Russia's aerial capabilities.

President Putin's Stance on Peace Talks

In a development from Minsk, President Vladimir Putin signaled Russia's willingness to engage in a third round of peace talks with Ukraine. However, no specific date has been set. Putin emphasized that the discussions would likely focus on the terms and conditions of a potential ceasefire. Despite these talks, previous negotiations have failed to yield substantial progress, and the conflict shows no signs of abating.

Russian Drone Attack on Odessa

Adding to the conflict's toll, Debra Valentine reported that a Russian drone struck the southern Ukrainian port city of Odessa, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. This incident illustrates the ongoing volatility and the human cost of the war.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Fox News Hourly Update episode released on June 29, 2025, providing a comprehensive overview for those who did not tune in.