April 11

Written By DSEANTE PARKS

This week in MORE POWER:

Limiting Judges

Access to Voting

Budget in the Balance 

Bills for the Brave

Caine Clears Senate Hurdle

Limiting Judges

Since President Trump took office, federal judges have issued more than 15 nationwide injunctions, court orders that temporarily block government policies across the country. In response, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) introduced H.R. 1526, The No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA). This bill seeks to stop federal judges from issuing these broad, nationwide orders and instead limit them to decisions that only affect the parties directly involved in a case. The House passed the bill with a 219-213 vote Wednesday. Critics, like Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.), say this bill could weaken the courts' ability to check the executive branch, especially if a president’s actions are possibly illegal. The bill now heads to the Senate.

Access to Voting

Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 22, The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, kicking off a big debate in Congress and around the country about who should be allowed to vote and how we protect elections. This bill would require people to show official proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote in federal elections. Supporters argue that this measure is necessary to ensure election integrity. However, opponents warn that the legislation could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly marginalized groups such as women who have changed their names, the elderly, rural residents, and low-income individuals who may lack immediate access to the required documents. Opponents also argue that the bill imposes unnecessary barriers, as existing laws already prohibit noncitizens from voting, and instances of noncitizen voting are exceedingly rare. The bill now moves to the Senate. If enacted, the SAVE Act would significantly alter voter registration processes, potentially impacting millions of eligible voters' ability to participate in federal elections.

Budget in the Balance

Congress checked one major item off its to-do list, but the real budget battle is just beginning. The House passed a Republican-led budget plan yesterday by a narrow 216-214 vote. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and President Trump spent days trying to win over Republican opposition but failed to sway them. The plan calls for $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, but Senate leaders haven’t fully agreed to that amount. Now, lawmakers must write the actual bill, which could be tough due to big disagreements within the Republican party. Some want deep cuts, while others want to protect programs like Medicaid and clean energy tax credits. House Republicans aim to finalize the legislation by Memorial Day.

Bills for the Brave

The House passed a slate of veterans-focused bills this week, aiming to improve health care, education, and support services for those who have served. Now, it’s up to the Senate to vote on them. 

Caine Clears Senate Hurdle

The Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a 60-25 vote held early Friday. Thursday, Senate Democrats pushed back against the nomination, delaying votes. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized the nomination, claiming it was prompted by President Trump's racially motivated firing of Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who had served in the role since 2023. Caine's appointment is part of a broader shake-up in military leadership, with President Trump aiming to refocus the military on core missions. Caine brings extensive experience, including combat in Iraq and work with the CIA, and has pledged to remain apolitical and uphold legal responsibilities.

Bills Congress Passed

Nothing.

What The President Signed Into Law

Nothing.

You made it to the end! You’re the MVP!

DSEANTE PARKS
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