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Tip: Test your knowledge with the quiz at the bottom.

Pentagon Budget Reduction and IRS Workforce Changes: The Department of Defense has been directed to plan for an 8% annual budget reduction over the next five years as part of efforts to adjust federal spending priorities. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing for workforce reductions, affecting thousands of probationary employees during the current tax-filing season, following guidance from the Office of Personnel Management. These changes are intended to align with broader federal efficiency initiatives, with ongoing discussions about their potential effects on operations and services.

Senate Confirmation of FBI Director: The U.S. Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with a 51-49 vote. Patel, who has held previous roles in the Justice Department and executive branch, is expected to oversee changes within the bureau. His confirmation has generated debate over his qualifications and the potential implications for the agency’s future direction.

Supreme Court Review of Agency Head Dismissal: The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to review a case concerning the removal of Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of the Special Counsel (OSC), an independent agency responsible for protecting government whistleblowers. The request follows a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block the dismissal, raising legal questions about the president’s authority to remove leaders of independent agencies. The case could have broader implications for executive influence over federal regulatory bodies.

(Glossary)

A: Assembly Bill (particularly in states like New York or California). Assembly Bills address state issues such as education, health care, transportation, taxation, or environmental policies.

Con Res: A concurrent resolution is a type of legislative measure used to address matters affecting both the House of Representatives and the Senate, express collective opinions, or make or amend rules that apply to both chambers. These resolutions do not require presidential approval and do not have the force of law.

HB: Used in State Legislatures: Refers to bills introduced in the House of Representatives or State Assembly at the state level.

HR: Used in the U.S. Congress: Refers to bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives at the federal level.

PN: Presidential Nomination.

S: S stands for Senate, meaning the bill originated in the U.S. Senate.

SB: SB stands for Senate Bill. Meaning the bill originated in the State Senate rather than State House or Assembly.

Republican Brach Meyers and Democrat Larry Selders both won special elections in Louisiana’s 23rd and 14th State Senate Districts last Saturday. Meyers won the election to replace former State Senator Jean-Paul Coussan, who took a seat on Louisiana’s Public Service Commission. Selders won a seat vacated by now-Congressman Cleo Fields, who resigned to take a seat in the United States House of Representatives.



Democrats Dan Cruce and Raymond Seigfried won special elections last Saturday for Delaware’s 1st and 5th State Senate districts. Cruce won the election to replace Sarah McBride, who took a seat in the United States House of Representatives, and Seigfried ran to succeed Kyle Gay-Evans, who is now Delaware’s Lieutenant Governor.

Next Tuesday, February 25th, there are a set of special elections in California and Maine. Click on the links below to view the candidates running:

• California State Assembly District 32 and State Senate District 36 Primary Elections
• Main State House District 24 Election

(Glossary) Special Election: is an election scheduled outside the regular electoral calendar to address specific issues or fill vacancies in public offices. These elections are typically held when an incumbent official resigns, passes away, or is otherwise unable to continue in office. Special elections can also be called to vote on urgent matters, such as referendums or specific legislative proposals.

🔥 CHALLENGE ALERT: Think you can ace this quiz? The top three fastest and highest scorers will get a special shoutout in next week’s quiz!