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The Vote Smart Research Team worked hard this month alongside their new members to bring you (the best) Facts For All! Check out some of the key highlights below! |
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Reinstate Tariff on Chinese Solar Panels
On April 28, 2023, the United States House of Representatives passed a Joint Resolution by a vote of 221-202, that would tax solar panels that are completed in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam using parts that were manufactured in China. President Biden vetoed the repeal and on May 24, the House failed to override the veto in a vote of 219-213. To read more about this resolution and how your representatives voted, please click here.
Border Act of 2023
On May 11, 2023, the United States House of Representatives passed the Secure the Border Act of 2023. Passed by a vote of 219-213, this bill would address various issues regarding the federal immigration system, border security, and impose limits on asylum eligibility. To read more about the bill and how your representatives voted, click here.
POLICE Act of 2023
On May 17, 2023, the United States House of Representatives passed the “Protect Our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement Act of 2023,” otherwise known as the POLICE Act. Passed by a margin of 255-175, this bill would establish assaulting a law enforcement officer as a deportable offense. This is part of a series of bills relating to law enforcement and police reform, as you can see below. To read more about the bill, as well as how your representatives voted, please click here.
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
On May 31, 2023, the House passed a bipartisan bill to increase the debt ceiling, raising the amount of money the government can borrow through 2025 in a 314-117 vote. On June 2, the Senate passed the bill on a 63-36 vote. To read more about the bill and how your representatives voted, click here.
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Allen, Texas Shooting
On May 6, 2023, there was a mass shooting at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas. Nine people were killed, among them a three-year-old child and the perpetrator. This is now considered the second-deadliest mass shooting in 2023, and the 202nd overall this year. This has led to calls for elected officials to act, including President Joe Biden, who once again called for Congress to act on an assault rifles ban. To read more about Biden’s response to the shooting, click here. To read a statement from Vice President Kamala Harris, click here. To read a statement from Allen, Texas’ member of Congress, Keith Self, click here.
End of Title 42
On May 11, 2023, Title 42, a policy that allows federal authorities to expel migrants at the U.S. borders, ended. Title 42 was invoked by President Trump during the pandemic to restrict immigration for public health reasons and is set to expire when President Biden ends the Covid public health emergency nationally. To read a statement from Arizona U.S. Senator, Kyrsten Sinema, click here. To read a statement from North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, click here. To read a statement from New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, click here. Lastly, to read a statement from El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, click here.
No Defunding for Law Enforcement
On May 18, 2023, the United States House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution that expresses support for local law enforcement and condemns efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies. To read a statement from Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington State, click here. To read a statement from Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona, click here. To read a statement from Representative Betty McCollum of Minnesota, click here. Lastly, to read a statement from Anthony D’Esposito of New York, click here.
Waivers and Modifications of Student Loans
On May 24, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill providing for congressional disapproval of a rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to “Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans.” Passed by a vote of 218-203, this bill adopts a joint resolution that nullifies the rule issued by the Department of Education on October 12, 2022, that suspends federal student loan payments and discharges debt. It moves to the Senate for consideration. To read more about the bill and how your representatives voted, click here. To read a statement from Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, click here. To read a statement from Representative Alma Adams of North Carolina, click here. To read a statement from Nathaniel Moran of Texas, click here. To read a statement from Representative Rick Allen of Georgia, click here.
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Want to learn more about the leadership in each state legislature? You can see the full leadership rosters here: All States |
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Vote Smart is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides accurate information about candidates, elected officials, and key pieces of legislation. By providing information in an easy and accessible manner, Vote Smart believes that citizens can better defend themselves from the questionable rhetoric and misrepresentation that characterizes present-day political campaigns.
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