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National Policy Roundup

The National Policy Roundup explains the legislation currently being considered in Congress, the cases taken up by the Supreme Court, and the actions of the Executive branch each week. The goal of this column is to break down important developments so our readers can better understand how current events in the federal government affect their lives—and what they can do to influence their representatives.

Legislation of Note from the Supreme Court

Kristi Noem, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, ET AL v. Pedro Vasquez Perdomo, ET AL

Decision date: September 8, 2025

What happened: The Supreme Court granted a stay of a lower-court injunction that had blocked certain immigration enforcement actions in Southern California.

Summary of case: The Trump administration moved to resume DHS operations that a district court had previously halted. The Court’s stay pauses the injunction while appeals move forward.

Context: This ruling is part of a pattern of emergency (“shadow docket”) decisions that give the executive branch broader authority in immigration matters.

Status: The stay remains in effect, and the underlying litigation will continue in lower courts.

Donald J. Trump v. Rebecca Kelly Slaughter (FTC Removal Stay)

Decision date: September 22, 2025

What happened: The Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s request to stay a lower-court order that would have reinstated FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. At the same time, the Court agreed to hear the case directly on the merits.

Summary of case: The issue is whether statutory protections that limit the president’s ability to remove FTC commissioners violate the separation of powers. Slaughter argued that her removal was unlawful under the FTC Act and under precedent such as Humphrey’s Executor. The stay keeps her out of office while the case proceeds.

Context: This case could reshape how much power presidents hold over independent agencies. It even raises the possibility of overturning Humphrey’s Executor (1935).

Status: Slaughter remains out of office. The Court has accepted the case for full briefing and will hear oral arguments in December 2025.

Executive Actions of Note

Designating Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization

Decision date: September 22, 2025

What happened: President Trump signed an executive order that designates “Antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization.

Summary of action: The order directs federal agencies to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any illegal or terrorist activities linked to Antifa or individuals acting in its name. It also requires agencies to coordinate their actions.

Context: The move comes during a period of political tension and debate about political violence. Critics argue that Antifa is not a formal group but rather a decentralized movement, making the designation legally and practically complex.

Status: The order is now in effect, and legal challenges are likely.

Establishing an Emergency Board for the Long Island Rail Road

Decision date: September 16, 2025

What happened: President Trump signed an executive order creating an emergency board to resolve a labor dispute between the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and its unions.

Summary of action: The board will investigate the conflict and recommend solutions to help resolve disputes between management and workers. This is a standard tool under the Railway Labor Act that helps prevent strikes and service disruptions.

Context: The action highlights ongoing tensions in labor relations across critical infrastructure sectors. The administration intervened to ensure stability for one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the country.

Status: The board is established and already working.

Extending TikTok Enforcement Delay

Decision date: September 16, 2025

What happened: President Trump issued an executive order extending the delay of enforcement actions against TikTok over national security and foreign ownership concerns.

Summary of action: The order postpones restrictions, such as bans or divestment requirements, that were about to take effect. This extension allows more time for review, negotiations, or restructuring of TikTok’s U.S. operations.

Context: The decision reflects the administration’s ongoing struggle to balance national security concerns about TikTok’s ties to China with the reality that millions of Americans use the platform daily.

Status: Agencies will continue reviewing TikTok while the enforcement delay remains in place.

What You Can Do

Your Voice Matters in Our Federal Government!
Democracy works best when people get involved. Whether you care about climate action, education, healthcare, or civil rights, your participation matters.

✅ Contact Your Representatives
Call, email, or write to your senators and House representative. Share your opinions, ask questions, and urge them to act on issues you care about.
✅ Stay Informed
Follow Political Awareness’s newsletter, track legislation, and watch committee hearings. You can also use resources like Congress.gov or GovTrack to follow bills and see how your representatives vote.
✅ Vote in Every Election
Local, state, and federal elections all shape laws and policies. Register to vote, learn about the candidates, and participate—either in person, early, or by mail.
✅ Join Civic Organizations
Get involved with advocacy groups, nonprofits, or political organizations. By joining others, you amplify your impact and connect with people who share your goals.
✅ Spread the Word
Speak up on social media, in conversations, or at community events. When you share, you motivate others to get involved.
✅ Take Action Today
Find your representatives at house.gov and senate.gov. Reach out and let them hear from you. Remember: democracy doesn’t end at the ballot box—it begins with you raising your voice.

Political Awareness