Political Awareness

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National 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. 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. 14: John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025
The bill was reintroduced in the House on March 5, 2025, and a companion version was introduced in the Senate on July 29, 2025. It may be considered during the current legislative session, particularly as the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 approaches.

Summary of bill:
This legislation seeks to restore and strengthen key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that were struck down by the Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder (2013). It re-establishes a modernized federal preclearance process for states and localities with recent histories of voting rights violations. Under this system, those jurisdictions would need federal approval before making changes to voting laws or procedures.

Key provisions include:

• Modernized preclearance formula: Jurisdictions with repeated voting rights violations in the past 25 years would be subject to DOJ or federal court oversight for a 10-year period.
• Expanded scope of covered voting changes: Includes redistricting, switching election systems, and boundary changes that reduce minority voter representation.
• Voter protections: Prohibits voter roll purges based on inactivity, allows same-day voter registration, and strengthens legal tools for voters to challenge discrimination.
• Stronger DOJ enforcement: Grants investigative authority to the Department of Justice and requires courts to consider histories of discrimination in relevant cases.

The bill is intended to combat voter suppression and protect against discriminatory practices in election systems. Especially in areas with documented civil rights violations.

Support:
Supporters include civil rights groups, voting rights advocates, and Democratic lawmakers. They argue the bill is essential to protect voting access—especially for communities of color—and to restore tools that previously prevented discriminatory practices. Many consider it a vital update to one of the country’s most significant civil rights laws.

Opposition:
Opponents, primarily Republican lawmakers, argue the bill gives the federal government too much control over state-run elections. They claim it could allow partisan interference in election law and impose unnecessary oversight on states. Critics also question whether the preclearance criteria are fairly applied or still necessary in the current voting landscape.

Sponsor:

•  Terri Sewell: Representative for Alabama’s 7th congressional district. Democrat.

 

H.R.: Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

This bipartisan bill was introduced in July 2025 by representatives from Pennsylvania and New York. It is currently under review by the House Agriculture Committee and may be considered during the current session due to increasing concern over invasive species threats.

Summary of bill:

The bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to award competitive grants for research and development aimed at controlling and eradicating the spotted lanternfly. This invasive insect, originally from Asia, has spread rapidly across the Northeastern United States, posing a severe threat to agriculture—especially crops like grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood trees.

The legislation would:

• Fund university and public research institutions focused on biological, chemical, and environmental control strategies for the lanternfly.
• Support development of monitoring tools and best practices for managing infestations.
• Encourage collaboration between federal agencies, state departments of agriculture, and academic researchers.
• Provide grants that prioritize regions currently impacted by the insect, while also supporting preventative research for areas at risk of future spread.

The goal is to proactively address the growing agricultural and ecological damage caused by the lanternfly, which has already harmed vineyards and disrupted ecosystems in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and beyond.

Support:

Supporters include bipartisan lawmakers from affected states, agricultural industry groups, researchers, and local governments. They emphasize the urgent need for federal resources to protect economically vital crops and reduce long-term costs associated with invasive pest management. The bill is seen as a strategic investment in sustainable agriculture and food security.

Opposition:

There is currently limited organized opposition to the bill. However, some fiscal conservatives may raise concerns about federal spending and argue that pest management should be handled at the state or local level. Others may push for broader invasive species strategies rather than species-specific funding.

Sponsors: 

• Rep. Chrissy Houlahan: Representative for Pennsylvania’s 6th congressional district. Democrat.
• Rep. Marc Molinaro: Representative for New York’s 19th congressional district. Republican.

 

Legislation of Note from the Supreme Court~

North Dakota Voting Rights Act Redistricting Order

Issue:

Can private parties—specifically Native American tribes—sue under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. To challenge redistricting maps, or is enforcement limited solely to the U.S. Department of Justice?

Facts:

• The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe filed a lawsuit arguing that North Dakota’s new legislative district maps unlawfully diluted Native American voting power, violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA).
• A lower court ruled that private parties do not have the authority to bring lawsuits under Section 2, limiting enforcement power to the federal government.
• This decision would have blocked the tribes’ ability to challenge discriminatory redistricting practices.

The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court on an emergency basis.

On July 24, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction blocking the lower court’s ruling and preserving the right of private groups to sue under Section 2 while the full case continues.

Questions:

• Do private individuals and groups have legal standing to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act?
• Would restricting Section 2 enforcement to the Department of Justice violate longstanding interpretations of the VRA and weaken civil rights protections?
• Does the lower court’s ruling undermine the ability of minority communities to seek legal remedies for vote dilution?

Ruling:

• In a temporary order, the Supreme Court blocked the lower-court decision from taking effect. This preserves the legal precedent that private parties can sue under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The Court has not yet issued a final ruling on the merits, but it has allowed ongoing challenges by Native American tribes to proceed while full appellate review is pending, likely in 2026.

Broader Implications:

• The Court’s order maintains a key civil rights enforcement mechanism, used for decades by minority groups to challenge racial discrimination in voting and redistricting.
• If the lower court’s decision were to stand in the future, it could sharply limit the ability of private citizens and organizations to use the VRA as a legal tool.
• Supporters of the injunction argue it protects democratic access for vulnerable communities, especially those historically underrepresented like Native Americans.
• Critics may argue that limiting lawsuits to the Department of Justice would streamline enforcement, though opponents warn it would effectively neutralize grassroots efforts to defend voting rights.

Executive Actions of Note~

Broad Tariff Hike for Dozens of Countries

What happened:

On July 31, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order imposing steep new tariffs—ranging from 10% to 41%—on imports from approximately 68–69 countries, including the EU, India, South Korea, and Taiwan. These will take effect on August 7, 2025, and aim to enforce reciprocal trade practices. Brazil faces a specific 50% tariff, and Canadian goods not compliant with USMCA face 35% tariffs. Mexico received a 90‑day exemption period.

Critics say:

Economists and trade groups warn the move could disrupt global supply chains. Raising consumer prices, and provoke retaliatory actions, while markets responded negatively.

Suspension of Duty-Free “De Minimis” Treatment

What happened:

On July 30, 2025, Trump signed an executive order that suspended duty-free treatment for all low-value imports (the “de minimis” exemption). Meaning packages under a certain value will now be subject to standard customs duties across all countries.

Critics say:

Small business and consumer advocates argue this change will raise costs for cross-border e-commerce. Disproportionately affecting retailers and buyers of low-value imported goods.

Higher Tariffs on Canada Linked to Drug Influx

What happened:

Also on July 31, 2025, Trump issued an executive order increasing the tariff on Canadian imports from 25% to 35%, with a 40% transshipment penalty for rerouted goods. This measure is justified by the administration as a response to Canada’s perceived failure to address fentanyl trafficking into the U.S., and is effective August 1, 2025.

Critics say:

Canadian officials condemned the move as economically harmful and diplomatically confrontational, affecting key sectors like lumber, steel, and autos.

Reinstating Presidential Fitness Test in Schools

What happened:

On July 31, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order reviving the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools—a program last used in 2013—to encourage youth physical fitness and wellness. The test includes traditional activities like push-ups, sit-ups, and a one-mile run.

Critics say:

Education and health experts question the test’s appropriateness, arguing it may impose outdated standards, create performance pressure on students, and neglect modern fitness approaches.

Executive Order on Homelessness and Forced Treatment

What happened:

On July 28, 2025, Trump issued an executive order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets”, aimed at removing homeless encampments and enabling involuntary treatment for people with severe mental illness or addiction. The order allocates federal funds to support cities enforcing.

Critics say:

Civil rights, disability advocates, and local officials have raised serious objections, citing concerns over forced institutionalization, violation of civil liberties, elimination of harm reduction principles, and potential underfunding of treatment infrastructure.

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.

✅ 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. To 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. It can amplify your impact and connect you with others working for change.

✅ Spread the Word

By speaking up on social media, in conversations, or at community events, 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.