Democrats defend seated stance at SOTU as Trump pushes surveillance renewal

Schumer defended Democrats who remained seated during Trump’s State of the Union, arguing the government’s first duty is protecting Americans. Meanwhile, Trump urged a straight, 18‑month extension of the Section 702 surveillance program despite House opposition. The scene was complemented by Casey Means’s Senate hearing on vaccines and autism questions, ongoing scrutiny of Rep. Tony Gonzales’s sexual‑harassment allegations, and a recap of Trump’s post‑SOTU policy agenda on elections, drug pricing, stock trading by lawmakers, and housing.