Highlights from the Week
On April 20th, 2024, the United States House of Representatives failed to pass the End the Border Catastrophe Act. This bill, which failed on a vote of 215-199 (this bill needed a two-thirds vote due to it being brought to the floor under suspension of the rules), establishes criminal penalties for certain conduct that interferes with United States Border control measures. Essentially, it would have reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy that was instituted by the Trump administration during the coronavirus pandemic as well as end catch-and-release policies, and resume construction of the border wall, among other things. To read more about the bill, as well as how your representatives voted, click here. To read a statement from the bill sponsor, Representative Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, click here. To read a statement by Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona, click here. To read a statement by Representative Chip Roy of Texas, click here. To read a statement from Representative Jerry Nadler of New York, click here. To read a statement from Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, click here. Lastly, to read a statement from Representative Tom Suozzi of New York, click here.
On April 29th, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed the Fire Weather Development Act of 2023. This bill, passed by a vote of 341-48, would establish several programs and requirements to address wildfire forecasting, detection, and management (particularly with respect to interagency collaboration), among other things. It now moves on to the United States Senate for consideration. To read more about the bill, as well as how your representatives voted, click here. To read a statement from the bill sponsor, Representative Mike Garcia of California, click here. To read a statement from Representative Young Kim of California, click here. Lastly, to read a statement from Representative Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, click here.
On April 29th, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed the Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act. This bill, passed by a vote of 354-36, would require certain federal agencies to support research and development of technology that better protects individuals’ privacy with respect to data collection. To read more about the bill, as well as how your representatives voted, click here. To read a statement from the bill sponsor, Representative Haley Stevens of Michigan, click here. Lastly, to read a statement from Representative Tom Kean Jr of New Jersey, click here.
On April 29th, 2024, an armed suspect identified as Terry Clark Hughes Jr, in Charlotte, North Carolina, opened fire using a high-powered rifle on law enforcement officers of the Mecklenburg Police Department, Deputy US Marshals, and officers working for the state’s Department of Adult Correction. Officers were attempting to serve active felony warrants on the male subject. During this attempt they were struck, resulting in some officers being rushed to nearby hospitals. Eight officers were shot, four officers deceased, and the suspect also deceased. The investigation continues with processing evidence anticipating more than 100 gunfire rounds of casings and projectiles, according to sources. Firstly, to read a statement from President Joe Biden, click here. To read a statement from Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, click here. To read a statement from Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina, click here. To read a statement from Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina, click here. To read a statement from Representative Alma Adam of North Carolina, click here. To read a statement from Representative Jeff Jackson of North Carolina, click here. Lastly, to read a statement from Representative Deborah Ross of North Carolina, click here.
Elections
By the Elections Research team: Nick, Olin, Caleb, Seth, Max, and interns Isabella, Elsie, Jun, Braden, Ashlyn, and Maddie.
Biographies & Elections:
Here are the results from the presidential primary elections we had this week. Click on the state below to view the results for the presidential contests from Tuesday:
Click on the state below to view the results for down-ballot (non-presidential) races:
Want to learn more about candidates running for elected office in 2024? Click on the states below to see the full list:
Want to learn more about elected officials in your state? You can see the full list here:
Want to learn more about the leadership in each state legislature? You can see the full leadership rosters here:
Want to learn more about which committees elected officials are a part of? You can see the full list of committees for each state here:
Officials
By the Officials Research team: Sam, Johanan, Neal, Thomas, and Quinn. Interns: Ethan.
Public Statements: 120 statements were added this week. See highlights from the week for notable statements.
Key Votes:
States: 70 new votes were added.
Colorado House Concurrence Vote passed HB 24-1348 - Requires Firearms be Kept in Lock boxes when in Vehicles
Wisconsin Governor signed SB 822 - Increases Various Election Security Protections
West Virginia Governor signed HB 4782 - Requires Municipalities Regulate Zoning Ordinances Equally for All Businesses
Ohio House passed HB 230 - Increases Penalties for Drug and Human Trafficking
Nebraska Senate passed LB 1167 - Amends Provisions Relating to Individuals Arrested Without a Warrant
U.S. Congress: 3 new votes were added.
President signed HR 815 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes
House passed HR 4866 - Fire Weather Development Act of 2023
House passed HR 4755 - Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
This year to date, the SIGs team has entered 58,022 ratings and 10,596 endorsements for candidates.