Email from Vote Smart Research: Last Week Today   We’re powered by everyday people—voters who value facts. Your small donation helps us continue to educate and inform you. Support us, so we can keep supporting you. Donate to Fuel Facts Elon Musk Plans to Launch New Political Party: Elon Musk announced the formation of the "America Party," a new political entity aimed at challenging the traditional two-party system in the United States. Musk criticized the existing political structure as a "Republican/Democrat Uniparty" and emphasized the need for alternative voices. The announcement has sparked discussions about the potential impact on future elections and the broader political landscape. Source 1: CNN, Source 2: Fox News Supreme Court Allows Federal Workforce Reductions: The U.S. Supreme Court lifted a lower court injunction, permitting the Trump administration to proceed with extensive federal workforce reductions. The administration argues that these measures aim to enhance efficiency by reducing bureaucracy. Critics express concern over the potential loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on public services. The decision affects various departments, including the NIH, EPA, and HUD, with some agencies opting for voluntary attrition while others plan formal layoffs. Source 1: PBS News, Source 2: Breitbart President Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports Amid Bolsonaro Trial: President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, citing the ongoing legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro as a politically motivated "witch hunt." Trump demanded the trial be halted, but Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva rejected both the demand and the trade justification, emphasizing Brazil's judicial independence. Source 1: Reuters, Source 2: NBC News Subscribe to our weekly civic education email, "Civic Currents" Yes, please! No, thank you.   Congress Congress – President Signed HR 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act Congress – Senate Cloture Invoked PN 12-20 – Nomination of Preston Griffith to be Under Secretary of Energy Congress – Senate Cloture Invoked PN 55-6 – Nomination of Bryan Bedford to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration State Vermont (VT) Governor Signed S 28 - Establishes Legal Cover for Patients and Providers of Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care Oregon (OR) – Governor Signed SB 916 – Authorizes Striking Workers to Receive Unemployment Pay Texas (TX) – Governor Signed SB 31 – Exempts Certain Cases in Which the Life of the Mother is Threatened From Existing Abortion Bans     Republican Congressman Mark Green of Tennessee will resign from his seat in the United States House of Representatives on July 20th. Green, who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, is resigning early in order to take a job in the private sector following his vote on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” After the 20th, Governor Bill Lee will schedule a special election for this fall to replace Green. Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has called a special session of the Texas legislature to begin on July 21st. This session, which lasts 30 days, will include a wide range of subjects to decide on, from congressional redistricting to providing disaster relief to victims of the floods in Kerr County and improving early-warning systems for flood-prone areas of the state. Next week, there is a special primary congressional election in Arizona. Click on the link below to view the candidates running: Arizona Special Congressional Primary Election, District 7 (Glossary) Cloture Invoked: A procedural action in the U.S. Senate used to end debate on a bill or nomination and move to a final vote. Invoking cloture requires a three-fifths majority (typically 60 votes) and is most commonly used to overcome a filibuster or extended debate. Once cloture is invoked, further debate is limited to 30 additional hours.   🎉 This Week’s Quiz Spotlight! 📍 James O'Barr – Washington 📍 Margaret Hornick – Massachusetts 📍 Karen – Iowa  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