Political Awareness

Policy Roundup

Policy roundup is a section to explain what legislation is currently being considered in Congress, the cases held by the Supreme Court, and actions taken by the Executive branch each week. Additionally, the goal of this column is to break down the important legislation to help our readers better understand how current happenings in the federal government can and will affect their lives, as well as what they can do to help influence their representatives’ actions. 

Bills of Note Coming to the Floor in Congress

H.R. 875: Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025

The House Majority Leader indicated on June 18, 2025, that this bill may be considered in the week ahead.

Summary of bill: 

This bill makes driving while intoxicated or impaired grounds for:

• (1) barring a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) from admission into the United States, or 
• (2) deporting the individual.

Specifically, the bar to admission shall apply to an individual who has been convicted of the offense or has admitted to having committed the acts which constitute the elements of the offense. Importantly, the individual must have been convicted of the offense before being deported.

If enacted, H.R. 875 would:

• Bar non-citizens with DUI convictions from entering the U.S.
• Enable the deportation of non-citizens convicted of DUI.
• Apply to all levels of DUI infractions, regardless of felony/misdemeanor status or jurisdiction.
• Consequently, under H.R. 875, tourists and other non-citizens could be denied entry to the U.S.

Sponsor:

• Barry Moore: Sponsor. Representative for Alabama’s 1st congressional district. Republican.

H.R. 275: Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025

The House Majority Leader indicated on June 18, 2025, that this bill may be considered in the week ahead.

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report every month on non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who attempt to unlawfully enter the United States and who potentially pose a national security risk. DHS must report on

• (1) the number of individuals, 
• (2) the nationalities or countries of last residence of these individuals, and 
• (3) the location of the encounters.

Supporters Say:

• The bill enhances transparency and Congressional oversight of border security.
• DHS currently does not systematically publish this data. As a result, officials rely on piecemeal releases or leaks.

Opponents Warn:

• The legislation could inadvertently reveal sensitive operational details, aiding smugglers or national security threats.
• Further, data release may tip off adversaries about DHS monitoring practices.

Sponsor: 

• Marjorie Taylor Greene: Sponsor. Representative for Georgia’s 14th congressional district. Republican.

Legislation of Note from the Supreme Court

Department of Homeland Security v. D.V.D.

Facts:

• D.V.D., a noncitizen, entered the U.S. and expressed fear of returning to his home country due to the risk of torture or persecution.
• Under current federal law (and international treaties like the Convention Against Torture), individuals cannot be removed to a country where they are likely to face torture.
• However, DHS had planned to remove D.V.D. to a third country (not his home country), but refused to disclose which one, even to D.V.D. or his attorneys.
• Hastily, lower courts blocked DHS from removing noncitizens like D.V.D. without revealing the destination and allowing them a chance to object on humanitarian grounds.
• In response, the government appealed to the Supreme Court on an emergency basis.

Legal Questions: 

• Does DHS have the authority to deport noncitizens to a third country without disclosing that country to the individual?
• Does due process require that a noncitizen be informed of their removal destination? Further, should individuals be given a chance to contest it under anti-torture and asylum protections?

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court granted the government’s request, lifting the lower court’s injunction.
• In effect, this allows DHS to proceed with deporting certain noncitizens to undisclosed third countries, without informing them in advance or allowing them to object.
• The Court did not issue a full opinion, as this was an emergency order (shadow docket). However, Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissented.

Dissent Highlights (Justice Sotomayor)

• Argued the ruling “strips thousands of noncitizens of due process protections.”
• Criticized the government for withholding life-or-death information (the destination country) from the people it seeks to deport.
• Further, warned that this violates the Convention Against Torture and basic principles of fairness under U.S. law.

Implications:

• The ruling sets a dangerous precedent by allowing DHS to remove migrants in secret, bypassing legal protections.
• Additionally, critics argue it undermines international human rights agreements and weakens the role of judicial oversight.
• However, supporters argue it gives DHS flexibility to manage border and security operations without judicial delays.

Executive Actions of Note

Strike on Iran – Operation Midnight Hammer

• What happened: On June 22, 2025, Trump ordered the bombing of three major Iranian nuclear sites (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan) using B‑2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles.
• Purpose: Delay Iran’s nuclear weapons development and show U.S. strength in the region.
• Effect: Trump called it a “spectacular success.” However, U.S. intel says it may only delay Iran’s progress by a few months. Iran responded with missile fire; the region remains tense.

Limited Congressional Briefings

• What happened: After the strike, the administration refused to fully brief Congress, even excluding key members like Sen. Tulsi Gabbard.
• Date: Reports emerged on June 24–25, 2025.
• Why it matters: Critics say this violates the War Powers Resolution of 1973. In short, this requires the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of military action.

Environmental Rollbacks – Forest Protections

• Action: On June 25, 2025, the Trump administration proposed ending the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 59 million acres of national forests from logging and development.
• Impact: Would open forests in California, Alaska, and other states to more commercial activity.
• Criticism: Environmentalists say it threatens ecosystems and accelerates climate damage.

Ending DEI Programs in Government

• Order: Executive agencies are carrying out Executive Order 14285 (signed earlier in the term). Essentially, this mandates the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and related training.
• Date of enforcement push: Stepped up this week (June 24–26, 2025), as agencies received specific instructions to remove DEI content from websites.
• Why it matters: Supporters say it cuts “woke bureaucracy.” However, opponents say it’s an attack on the civil rights infrastructure.

Withholding Federal Spending – Budget Maneuver

• Action: Trump’s budget office began impounding (delaying or withholding) funds already approved by Congress for agencies like NIH, NSF, and HHS.
• Date: Disclosed in a report on June 25, 2025.
• Why it matters: May violate the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. In effect, the act prohibits presidents from ignoring Congress’s budget decisions.
• Purpose: May be used to defund programs the administration opposes without congressional approval.

Revoking Security Clearances from Legal Critics

• Action: The administration revoked clearances for dozens of lawyers at firms like Perkins Coie, Covington & Burling, and others linked to past investigations of Trump.
• Date: Announced in internal memos dated June 24, 2025.
• Why it matters: Critics call it retaliation against political opponents. However, the White House says it’s about rooting out “weaponized legal interference.”

Aggressive Immigration Measures

• Fast Deportations: ICE expanded expedited removal nationwide, meaning undocumented immigrants are open to deportation without seeing a judge.
• Date of implementation: June 24, 2025
• Family Detention Reinstated: Reopened the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, TX, to detain migrant families with children.
• Operator: CoreCivic (private prison firm)
• Reopened on: June 25, 2025
• Critics’ View: These actions reverse protections established under previous administrations.

What You Can Do

Your Voice Matters in Our Federal Government!

Crucially, democracy works best when you participate. Whether you’re passionate about climate action, education, healthcare, or civil rights, your voice has power—and it starts with getting involved.

✅ Contact Your Representatives
Call, email, or write to your senators and House representative. Share your opinions on legislation, ask questions, and urge them to act on issues that matter to you. They work for you.

✅ Stay Informed
Follow Political Awareness’s newsletter, current legislation, committee hearings, and policy debates. To take it a step further, websites like Congress.gov or GovTrack make it easy to track bills and see how your representatives vote.

✅ Vote in Every Election
Federal, state, and local elections all shape the laws and policies that affect your life. To participate, register to vote, learn about the candidates, and show up on Election Day, or vote early or by mail.

✅ Join Civic Organizations
For example, whether it’s advocacy groups, nonprofits, or political organizations, joining a cause you care about can amplify your impact and connect you with others working for change.

✅ Spread the Word
Speak up on social media, in conversations, or at community events. Through this, others will be motivated to get involved.

Take Action Today

Find your representatives at house.gov and senate.gov, and let them hear from you. Remember, democracy doesn’t end at the ballot box—it begins with you raising your voice.