US Launches Blockade at Strait of Hormuz; Lawmakers Return to Capitol Hill This Week | NTD Good Morning (April 13)

The U.S. military launched a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, after peace talks over the weekend failed to produce a deal. U.S. Central Command says the blockade will be enforced against vessels leaving or entering Iranian ports and coastal areas. U.S. forces said that they will not interfere with normal transit through the strait, as long as vessels are not traveling to or from Iranian ports.

Lawmakers return to Capitol Hill this week facing a crowded agenda, including a partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now in its 59th day. Lawmakers are yet to agree on ‌a ⁠fiscal 2026 funding measure for the department.

Democrats have been critical of Trump’s immigration measures, especially his use of agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is part of the DHS. Trump has defended the measures, saying they aim to improve domestic security ​and curb illegal immigration.

NASA is already looking ahead after a historic return from the moon. The Artemis II crew is safely back on Earth after arriving in Houston to a rousing welcome. The focus is now on what comes next, with NASA setting its sights on Artemis III, the next step toward returning humans to the lunar surface. Private companies are racing to be ready, with SpaceX and Blue Origin developing lunar landers.