Email from Vote Smart Research: Last Week Today   Timely, nonpartisan insights straight to your inbox, helping you stay informed on key political facts and developments. Tip: Test your knowledge with the quiz at the bottom. Subscribe to our new weekly Civic Education email, "Civic Currents" delivered every Monday! Yes, please! No, thank you. We missed sending your Civic Currents Zine this Monday. View it Here. President Trump Signs Executive Order Designating English as the Official Language: On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order officially designating English as the national language of the United States. It rescinds Executive Order 13166 (2000), which required federal agencies to provide services in multiple languages for individuals with limited English proficiency. The order emphasizes the role of a common language in fostering national unity, streamlining government operations, and promoting civic engagement among all citizens. Source: 1: The White House, Source 2: NewsNation Supreme Court Rules on Foreign Aid Funding: On March 5, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision requiring the federal government to release approximately $2 billion in previously frozen foreign aid funds. The majority upheld a lower court’s ruling, directing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to proceed with the disbursement. The decision followed legal challenges over the executive branch's authority to withhold these funds. In the dissenting opinion, Justice Samuel Alito raised concerns about the ruling’s financial implications. Source 1: NPR, Source 2: The Daily Wire President Trump Delivers Address to Congress: On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress, outlining his administration’s policy priorities and key initiatives. He announced the United States' withdrawal from certain international agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization, as well as plans to implement new tariffs and review control of the Panama Canal. The address received mixed reactions, with some lawmakers expressing opposition through protests, including walkouts and visible demonstrations. Source 1: Fox News, Source 2: CNN   Congress Congress - House Passed H J Res 61 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing". Congress - Senate Passed S J Res 3 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service relating to "Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digital Asset Sales". Congress - Senate Cloture Failed S9 - Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 *Failed because the cloture vote did not receive the necessary 60 votes to end debate and proceed to a final vote. This means that opposition senators blocked the bill from advancing, likely due to disagreements. State North Dakota (ND) - House Passed HCR 3013 - A Concurrent Resolution Urging the U.S. Supreme Court Overturn Obergefell v. Hodges. Michigan (MI) - House Passed HB 4053 - Establishes New Law and Prohibits Legislators From Signing Certain NDAs. Alabama (AL) - Senate Passed SB 116 - Prohibits the Use of Machine Gun Conversion Devices. (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. HCR: (House Concurrent Resolution) is a legislative measure that expresses the collective opinion or intent of both chambers of a state legislature (House and Senate) but does not have the force of law and does not require the governor’s signature. HCRs are typically used to make formal requests, express positions on national or state issues, honor individuals or events, or direct internal legislative matters. 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 Linda McMahon was confirmed Monday as the next United States Secretary of Education by a vote of 52-46. A former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Administrator of the Small Business Administration in President Trump’s first term, she will now oversee a federal agency that handles federal student loans, collecting data and conducting research on America’s schools, and prohibiting discrimination in America’s educational system. Democrat Al Green is the United States Representative for Texas’ 9th congressional district, a seat he’s held since 2005. On Tuesday, during President Trump’s State of the Union address, Representative Green stood up and shouted “[Trump] doesn’t have a mandate [to cut Medicaid].” On Thursday, the United States House voted to censure Representative Green for his heckling by a vote of 224-198. On Tuesday, March 11th, there are a set of special elections in Alabama, Iowa, and Minnesota. Click on the links below to view the results: Alabama State Senate District 5 Primary Election Iowa State House District 100 General Election Minnesota State House District 40B General Election (Glossary)  Censure Vote: A censure vote is a formal way for the House to disapprove of a member’s actions or conduct, and does not remove any rights or privileges of said member. 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.   🎉 Congratulations to Last Week’s Winners! 🥇 First Place: Janis (GA) 🥈 Second Place: Connie Z (WI) 🥉 Third Place: Gail Trenfield (MT) Quiz 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