Election officials around the country have told Reuters they are preparing for potential federal interference in the elections, including legal challenges and disputes over voting.
Senators also specifically requested that the State Department assess the conditions surrounding the detention of Palestinian children.
The growing Republican defections come as Washington faces rising costs, depleted munitions stocks, and questions over how long the ongoing conflict can continue.
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie launched an impeachment effort against Pete Hegseth over the Iran war, while polls show voters remain uneasy about the conflict ahead of midterm elections.
US Vice President JD Vance says the Iran war will enter a 'different phase' after the midterms in an interview on Air Force Two.
Coons has served nearly three terms in the Senate. He won a special election in 2010 and then went on to secure two full terms in 2014 and 2020.
Republicans and Democrats also pushed Patel to explain why the FBI changed its hiring qualifications, including eliminating bestiality as an automatic disqualifier.
More than a dozen local and state election officials said they are hiring outside lawyers to prepare for potential demands by the administration for access to sensitive voting records.
Restricting mail-in ballots would stand to benefit Republicans given that Democratic voters disproportionately use mail-in ballots, according to various surveys.
McConnell arrived at the Capitol in a wheelchair and with what CNN described as a "noticeably thinner" appearance, but was able to make a few statements to the press while at the Senate.
The poll showed 63% of Americans disapproved of Trump's offer made in his convention speech that he would ensure all Americans get a $5,000 dividend if Republicans retain control of Congress.
