Email from Vote Smart Research: Last Week Today   We’re always evolving to serve voters better. In 2024, we surveyed over 20,000 individuals to understand how real people use Vote Smart. Conducted by Oregon State University, this survey revealed unprecedented insights. 🔎 See what we discovered: Read a letter from Vote Smart President Kyle Dell and explore the full report here. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports: On February 10, the U.S. government announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, impacting major trading partners such as Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Initially, there was consideration of an exemption for Australian imports, but it was later clarified that no exceptions would be made. The decision has sparked discussions on its potential effects on both international trade relations and domestic industries. Department of Government Efficiency Initiatives: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has launched efforts to restructure federal operations, including reviewing agency functions, evaluating contracts, and proposing workforce reductions through buyouts. Supporters view these measures as a way to streamline government operations, while others have raised concerns about potential impacts on federal programs and services. Legal challenges and policy debates are ongoing regarding the scope and effects of these initiatives. Initiation of Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations: Following a phone conversation between U.S. and Russian leadership, negotiations were announced to work toward ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This diplomatic development marks a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy and carries potential implications for international relations and regional stability. (Glossary) Tariff: A tariff is a tax or duty that a government places on imported (or sometimes exported) goods. Tariffs make foreign products more expensive, giving an advantage to domestically produced goods by making them relatively cheaper. Governments use tariffs to influence trade, raise revenue, or protect domestic industries. Think of it like an extra fee that businesses have to pay when they import products from another country.   Congress Congress - House passed HR 27 - Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act (HALT Fentanyl Act) Congress - House passed HR 26 - Protecting American Energy Production Act Congress - House passed HR 692 - China Exchange Rate Transparency Act State Idaho (ID) - House passed H 37 - Establishes Firing Squads as the Primary Method of Execution Virginia (VA) - Senate passed SB 1098 - Prohibits Healthcare Professionals from Out of State Extradition for Providing Legal Services California (CA) - Senate & House passed SB 2 - Appropriates $25 Million to Defend Cases Against the State in California State Courts (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. HB: Used in State Legislatures: Refers to bills introduced in the House of Representatives or State Assembly at the state level. 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 Jim Tressel was confirmed as the next Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, succeeding Senator Jon Husted. Tressel, a Republican who had a long career in coaching football for Youngstown State University and the Ohio State University before serving as the former’s president, was confirmed by the Ohio State Legislature this week. He will serve out the remainder of Senator Husted’s term, which ends in January, 2027. Independent Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed this week as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by a 52-48 vote by the U.S. Senate. Gabbard is a former Democratic member of the U.S. House representing Hawaii and ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020. She then left the party and declared as an independent. She will now oversee the entirety of the intelligence community, which includes 18 agencies, including the CIA and FBI. Independent Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Confirmed by a vote of 52-48 Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer and candidate for president in 2024, will now oversee the public health infrastructure of the country, including all entitlement programs handling assistance for the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income Americans, among many other such programs. This Saturday, February 15th, there are a set of special elections in Delaware and Louisiana. Click on the links below to view the candidates running:  Delaware State Senate Special Elections: Districts 1 and 5 Louisiana State Senate Special Elections: Districts 14 and 23 (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.   Each week, we’ll challenge you with a quiz to sharpen your civic skills and empower you to make a difference in your community. Quiz here!   Be the first to subscribe to our new weekly Civic Education email, delivered every Monday. Yes, please! No, thank you. 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