Email from Vote Smart Discover the Truth Behind Recent Tariff Hikes and Election Shifts.   Trump Administration Broadly Raises Tariffs, Targeting Multiple Countries The Trump administration enacted sweeping increases in import tariffs—which now average around 18.3%, levels not seen since 1934—affecting over 100 countries. Specific measures include 50% tariffs on goods from India and Canada and 10–20% on goods from the EU, Japan, South Korea, and others. The administration cited national manufacturing goals; critics warn of inflation and supply‑chain disruptions. Simultaneously, China‑Ukraine diplomatic developments continued, with the U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff meeting Putin amid ongoing war‑pressure dynamics. Source 1: Breitbart, Source 2: CNN   Democrats Flee Texas to Block GOP Redistricting, Prompting Counter‑Moves in Blue States In Texas, over 50 Democratic state legislators departed the state to deny quorum, preventing a GOP‑backed congressional redistricting plan. Texas authorities responded by issuing civil arrest warrants—largely symbolic—targeting absent legislators. Blue‑state Democrats, including in New York and California, responded by considering or advancing similar partisan redistricting efforts, challenging independent commissions.  Source 1: POLITICO, Source 2: Fox News   Congress Heads into August Recess Amid Heightened Funding and Nomination Disputes With Congress now in its August recess, friction over federal funding and Trump administration nominations is intensifying. House Republicans are pushing sharp non‑defense spending cuts, while the Senate favors more bipartisan approaches. At the same time, Republicans are frustrated by Senate Democrats’ slow pace in confirming nominees—raising the possibility of procedural rule changes.  Source 1: AP News, Source 2: PBS News     Vote Smart provides easy access to congressional and state voting records and maintains a collection of key votes grouped by issue. Vote Smart uses the following criteria to select key votes: The vote should be helpful in portraying how a member stands on a particular issue. The vote should be clear for any person to understand. The vote has received media attention. The vote was passed or defeated by a very close margin.   Congress Senate Nomination Confirmed PN 25-26 – Nomination of Nicholas Kent to be Under Secretary of Education Congress – Senate Nomination Confirmed PN 26-5 – Nomination of Brian Burch to be Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican City) Congress – Senate Nomination Confirmed PN 26-39 – Nomination of Andrew Puzder to be Representative of the United States of America to the European Union (EU) State Maryland (MD) – House & Senate Gov Signed HB 853 – Authorizes Certain Incarcerated Individuals to Have Early Release Hearings Alabama (AL) – Governor Kay Ivey Signed SB 158 – Prohibits Using Foreign National Driver's Licenses as a Form of Identification when Voting Virginia (VA) – Governor Glenn Youngkin Signed SB 746 – Expands the Definition of Felony Homicide to Include Fentanyl Distributors in Lethal Overdoses       Democrat Stefano Famiglietti won a special election Tuesday to fill a vacancy for Rhode Island’s 4th state senate district. Famiglietti, a lawyer and former North Providence councilman, won the election to succeed former Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who passed away in June. This district covers North Providence, Woodville, and Rivers Beach. Democrat Alonna Berry won a special election Tuesday to fill a vacancy for Delaware’s 20th state house district. Berry, who is Executive Director for the Delaware Center for Justice, won the election to fill a vacancy created by Stell Selby, who resigned in July after missing the entire 2025 legislative session following a stroke. This district covers Milton and part of Lewes in the southern part of the state. This week, there were a series of elections all across the country, from Washington State to Mississippi. Click on the links below to view the results: Delaware Special State House General Election, District 20 Mississippi Special State Legislative Primary Elections Rhode Island Special State Senate General Election, District 4 Washington Special State Legislative Primary Elections Next week, there will be primary elections in Alabama and Minnesota: Click on the links below to view the candidates running:  Alabama Special State House Primary Runoff Election, District 12 Minnesota Special State House Primary Election, District 34B     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