Fox News Hourly Update – February 3, 2026

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This episode delivers an overview of major political, defense, and science news with a focus on the U.S. House’s procedural vote to resolve a partial government shutdown, escalating tensions in the Middle East, developments in congressional investigations, and updates on NASA’s Artemis moon mission.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Government Shutdown & Funding Bill

• [00:03] The U.S. House has advanced a critical procedural vote that brings Congress closer to ending a partial government shutdown. A final vote is expected later in the day.
• The proposed spending package funds most government agencies through September and allows several weeks for additional negotiations on homeland security funding.
• Republican Leadership’s Perspective:
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson:
    • Quote:

      “Republicans have demonstrated over and over that we are the grownups in the room. We are the ones that are governing. We are the ones that are funding the government. We are the ones that are providing the vital services and trying to make government work more efficiently and effectively for everyone.”
      (00:14, Speaker Mike Johnson)

• Democratic Pushback:
  • Democrats advocate for changes to immigration enforcement, citing deadly confrontations involving ICE and Border Patrol.
  • California Congressman Ted Lieu:
    • Quote:

      “Border Patrol interior operations are out of control. Not only did they kill two civilians last month, but you see continuing videos and stories of their abuses.”
      (00:35, Rep. Ted Lieu)

• White House Stance:
  • The administration continues to back ICE while President Trump signals readiness for “good faith” negotiations to address Democratic concerns.

2. U.S.–Iran Tensions & Military Action

• [00:47] U.S. military confirmed it shot down an Iranian drone that approached a Navy aircraft in the Arabian Sea.
• CENTCOM reports that two Iranian Navy gunboats attempted to seize a U.S.-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, but the USS McFaul and U.S. Air Force intervened.
• The incident follows President Trump’s threats of possible military action toward Iran. Direct U.S.–Iran talks on Iran’s nuclear program are imminent, but it is unclear if other issues will be broached.
• U.S. military buildup in the region continues in response to these threats.

3. Weaponization of the Justice System Panel Changes

• [02:15] A Justice Department panel investigating alleged politicization of law enforcement has dropped Ed Martin, President Trump’s pardon attorney, from its roster.
• Background Notes:
  • Martin was nominated to be U.S. attorney for D.C., but the nomination was rescinded after bipartisan objections—mainly due to his actions surrounding January 6, 2025.
  • He has led the White House pardon office since March, reviewing clemency applications.
• Jared Halpern, FOX News:

  “The Justice Department's Weaponization Working Group, created last year, is tasked with examining claims federal law enforcement was used to target political opponents in previous administrations.”

4. Congressional Oversight – Epstein Probe

• [03:01] Bill and Hillary Clinton have finalized an agreement to testify before the House Oversight Committee about their connections to Jeffrey Epstein, after previously risking contempt charges for not appearing.

5. NASA Artemis II Moon Mission Delay

• [03:18] Technical difficulties, specifically hydrogen fuel leaks, have pushed back the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission—the first planned crewed flight of the SLS rocket and Orion capsule.
• Astronaut Reid Wiseman:
  • Quote:

    “I went on a walk with my, with my kids. I told them, here's where the will is, here's where the trust documents are. And if anything happens to me, here's what's going to happen to you. And that's just, that is a part of this life.”
    (03:42, Cmdr. Reid Wiseman)

• All four Artemis II crew members have exited pre-flight quarantine. NASA now aims for a March launch window.

6. Market Update

• [04:01] The Dow Jones is down 375 points as the morning session concludes.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Mike Johnson on Republicans’ Role in Governance:
  “We are the ones that are funding the government. We are the ones that are providing the vital services...” (00:14)
• Rep. Ted Lieu on Immigration Enforcement:
  “Not only did they kill two civilians last month, but you see continuing videos and stories of their abuses.” (00:35)
• Astronaut Reid Wiseman on Risks:
  “If anything happens to me, here's what's going to happen to you. And that's just, that is a part of this life.” (03:42)

Structure & Timestamps

• [00:03] Progress toward ending government shutdown; partisan perspectives on funding and immigration
• [00:47] U.S.–Iran defense incidents and implications for foreign policy
• [02:15] Changes to the DOJ panel on weaponization of law enforcement
• [03:01] Clinton testimony in Epstein investigation
• [03:18] NASA Artemis II delay and astronaut commentary
• [04:01] Market wrap-up

This concise episode gives listeners rapid-fire updates on the top headlines, blending political developments, national security, science milestones, and economic data, complete with direct speaker attribution and on-the-ground responses.