Email from Vote Smart Research: Last Week Today   We don’t take donations from corporations or political parties—just people like you who believe every voter deserves the truth. Even $5 helps power our research. Donate to Fuel Facts President Trump Reinstates Travel Ban and Restricts Harvard Student Visas: President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating a travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, citing national security concerns. Seven additional countries face heightened restrictions. Concurrently, the administration suspended the issuance of visas for foreign students at Harvard University, linking the decision to alleged security risks. These actions have reignited debates over immigration policies and academic freedom. Source 1: CNN, Source 2: Newsmax, Source 3: The White House Elon Musk Criticizes Trump's Proposed Tax and Spending Bill: Elon Musk publicly opposed President Trump's proposed tax and spending legislation, labeled the "One Big Beautiful Bill," urging citizens to contact lawmakers to reject the bill. Musk criticized the legislation for its potential to increase the national deficit by $2.4 trillion over a decade, despite proposed tax cuts. The Congressional Budget Office projects that the bill would reduce revenues by $3.67 trillion while cutting spending by $1.25 trillion. The debate highlights divisions over fiscal policy and economic priorities. Source 1: Fox News, Source 2: NBC News Defense Secretary Orders Renaming of Navy Ships Honoring Civil Rights Figures: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth initiated a directive to rename U.S. Navy ship that was previously named after the prominent civil rights figure, Harvey Milk. Vessels honoring Harriet Tubman and Ruth Bader Ginsburg may be next. This action is part of a broader effort to remove what the administration describes as "woke" influences from the military. The decision has sparked debate over the role of historical figures in military honors and the direction of cultural policies within the armed forces. Source 1: NPR, Source 2: New York Post Subscribe to our weekly civic education email, "Civic Currents" Yes, please! No, thank you.   Congress Congress – House Passed HR 1642 - Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025 Congress – House Passed HR 1804 - 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act Congress – Senate Cloture Invoked PN 55-9 - Nomination of Michelle Bowman to be Vice Chairman for Supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System State Colorado (CO) – Governor Signed HB 25-1040 - Defines Nuclear Energy as a Clean Energy Resource Louisiana (LA) – House Passed HB 685 - Prohibits Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in State Agencies Iowa (IA) – Governor Signed SF 491 - Prohibits Remote-Piloted Drones Over Farmstead Without Landowner's Permission     Democrat Keishan Scott won a special election to represent South Carolina’s 50th State House district. Scott, who is a 24-year-old ordained minister and former city council member from Bishopville, won the election to replace William Wheeler by a margin of 71-29%. Once he is sworn in, he will join a chamber that is Republican-dominated, with the party holding 88 seats to the Democrat’s 36. Republican John Thune, the Senate Majority Leader, is tasked with shepherding through the Trump Administration’s economic agenda, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Thune is aiming to clear the bill through the Republican-controlled Senate by July 4th. The appropriate senate committees must first clear the bill before it can go to the full Senate for consideration, and in that process it is likely the bill might ultimately differ from the House’s original bill. Next week, New Jersey will be holding its primary elections for Governor and State Assembly. Click on the link below to view the candidates running: New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary Election New Jersey State Assembly Primary Elections For information on registering to vote and how to contact your local election offices, click the following links below: Voter Registration Information (scroll to select your state) Local Election Office Contact Information (scroll to select your state) Additionally, there are special elections in Florida, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma. Click on the link below to view the results: Florida Special State Legislative General Elections, House Districts 3 and 32 and Senate District 19 Massachusetts Special State House General Election, Third Bristol District Oklahoma Special State House General Election, District 71 and 74 (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.   🎉 This Week’s Quiz Spotlight! 📍 Micki Dion – Florida 📍 Wade Jacobs – Texas 📍 Eric Kleinschmidt – Illinois  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