1. President Trump to Address the Nation Tonight: The president is scheduled to speak at 9 p.m. Eastern, with speculation centered on Venezuela. The administration is escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro, including plans to seize oil tankers, signaling a broader effort to destabilize the regime and potentially accelerate the collapse of allied authoritarian governments.
2. Congress Passes National Defense Authorization Act: The Senate approved the $901 billion NDAA by a wide margin, codifying several Trump executive orders while imposing new limits on presidential authority overseas. Lawmakers are signaling they have enough votes to override a veto, marking a growing show of independence as Trump enters lame duck territory.
3. Senate Pressures FBI Over Epstein Investigation: Senators are demanding answers after learning the FBI never interviewed Jeffrey Epstein's lawyer or accountant. With statutory deadlines approaching, Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to release remaining Epstein related records, raising new questions about accountability and transparency.
4. House Republicans Defy Leadership on Obamacare Subsidies: Four House Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. While the measure is unlikely to pass the Senate, it highlights growing fractures within the GOP as moderates seek political insulation ahead of future elections.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

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