Email from Vote Smart Stay Informed on the Latest Political Moves and Their Implications.   President Trump Federalizes D.C. Police and Deploys National Guard On August 11, 2025, President Trump invoked emergency powers under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to assume federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The order also authorized the deployment of roughly 800 National Guard personnel to Washington, D.C., with between 100 and 200 on active duty at any given time. According to the administration, the action was intended to address what it described as rising concerns over crime, public disorder, and homelessness in the nation’s capital. Source 1: Reuters, Source 2: Newsmax   White House to Conduct Review of Smithsonian Exhibits Ahead of 250th Anniversary On August 12, 2025, the White House announced it would lead an internal review of certain Smithsonian museums and exhibitions in advance of the United States' 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that exhibits reflect what the administration described as “historically accurate” and “inclusive” portrayals of the nation’s heritage. Within 120 days, as stated by the letter, museums are expected to take corrective action, “replacing divisive or ideologically driven language with unifying, historically accurate, and constructive descriptions”. The Smithsonian, which operates with congressional funding but maintains independence in decision-making, confirmed it is reviewing the directive and plans to engage constructively with both the White House and Congress. Source 1: CNN, Source 2: Breitbart   Senate Democrats Ramp Up Recess Campaign Against Trump Legislation Beginning in early August, Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, kicked off a vigorous “summer warpath” strategy during the congressional recess. They organized over 100 events across the country to highlight opposition to President Trump’s sweeping budget and tax package, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This effort underscores Democratic ambitions to regain momentum ahead of the 2026 midterms by casting the legislation as harmful to working Americans. Source 1: Axios, Source 2: Fox 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 State Texas (TX) – Governor Greg Abbott Signed SB 8 – Requires Local Law Enforcement Assist the Federal Government in Deportation Efforts Texas (TX) – Governor Greg Abbott Signed SB 24 – Requires Public Schools in the State to Include Lessons on Communism and its Ideologies Louisiana (LA) – Governor Jeff Landry Signed SB 100 – Requires State Agencies to Track and Report the Services Received by Undocumented Immigrants to Determine the Amount of Tax Dollars Spent on Them State Connecticut (CT) – Governor Ned Lamont Signed HB 7042 – Authorizes Lawsuits Against the Firearm Industry Massachusetts (MA) – Senate Passed S 2561 – Requires All Public School Districts to Adopt Cell Phone Bans by the Beginning of the 2026-27 School Year Illinois (IL) – House Concurrence Vote Passed HB 1806 – Prohibits the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Services         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