Email from Vote Smart Research: This Week Today   Vote Smart Weekly Digest The Vote Smart Weekly Digest brings you timely, non-partisan insights straight to your inbox, helping you stay informed on key political facts and developments. Tip: First, give our digest a read. Then, test your new knowledge on the quiz at the bottom. Let's see what you've learned... Research Highlights: President Biden's Farewell Address: On January 15, President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address to the nation from the White House. He reflected on key accomplishments during his administration, such as facilitating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, creating jobs in the post-pandemic recovery, and passing legislation addressing veterans' affairs, climate change, and gun safety. The address received varied reactions, with some focusing on its content and others discussing its delivery style. Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas: A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced on January 15, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. This agreement marked the conclusion of military operations in Gaza and included arrangements for the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The development was viewed as a notable diplomatic achievement in international relations. Senate Confirmation Hearings for Cabinet Nominees: The Senate held confirmation hearings this week for several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Among them, Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense, faced questions regarding allegations of misconduct and his qualifications. The hearings highlighted challenges in the confirmation process and ongoing discussions about the Senate’s role in vetting nominees. Key Votes: Congressional and State Congressional Legislation Congress - House passed HR 29 - Laken Riley Act Congress - House passed HR 23 - Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act Congress - Senate passed S 5 - Laken Riley Act State Legislation Michigan (MI) - House Concurrence Vote passed HB 5826 - Creates a Doula Scholarship Fund Michigan (MI) - Senate passed SB 818 - Establishes Commission to Investigate Racial Disparities Related to Maternal Health Illinois (IL) - Senate passed & House Concurrence Vote passed HB 4144 - Requires Police to Take Guns After Orders of Protection    Biographies and Elections: Here are some interesting candidates our team researched this week! Republican Patrick Morrissey is the newest Governor of West Virginia. The outgoing Attorney General, who was elected last November over Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, is succeeding incoming U.S. Senator Jim Justice, a fellow Republican. Republican Mike Kehoe was sworn in this week as the next Governor of Missouri, succeeding his fellow Republican Mike Parson. Kehoe was Lieutenant Governor and a former state legislator who won his first term as governor last November over State Representative Crystal Quade. Democrat Bob Ferguson is the next Governor of Washington State. A former Attorney General of the state, he defeated former Congressman Dave Reichert in the race to succeed three-term Democratic Governor Jay Inslee. On January 7th, 2025, Virginia had special elections for three state legislative districts. Click the link below to view the results: 2025 Virginia State Legislative Special Elections: State House 26, State Senate 10, and State Senate 32. Your Weekly Civic Education: We were thrilled to see all the responses come-in from last weeks quick quiz question, What is a concurrence vote in the legislative process? Answer: Action by which one house agrees to a proposal or action that the other chamber has approved. This weeks quiz checks to see how closely you're paying attention to the weekly digest! Follow the button below and check your knowledge. Weekly Quiz Here! Moving Forward Together: The Legacy of Jimmy Carter Tess McEnery, the Chair of the Vote Smart Board (pictured above at President Jimmy Carter's funeral), has provided us with some touching and insightful reflections on Vote Smart founding board member and former President Jimmy Carter. Full transcript here. Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Vote Smart | 1153 24TH ST | DES MOINES, IA 50311-4308 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice