This week’s guide to government and politics in under 10 minutes

Happy Monday. If you’re a college student interested in an internship with ASP this fall, scroll below to apply. 

I BIPARTISAN HOUSING BILL BECOMES LAW

The ROAD to Housing Act became law at midnight on Saturday. The new law limits institutional investors’ ability to buy single-family homes, creates incentives for state and local governments to adjust zoning laws to encourage more affordable housing, streamlines environmental reviews for new housing, expands access to small-dollar mortgages, and strengthens rural housing programs. The bill became law at midnight without President Donald Trump’s signature after he said he would not sign it “in PROTEST” over the Senate’s failure to pass the SAVE Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. 

>> ASP breaks down the different scenarios for what could happen if a president doesn’t sign a bill here.

I FDA REJECTS PETITION TO LIMIT PFAS IN FOODS

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected a petition calling for limits on PFAS in food. PFAS are a type of synthetic chemical also called “forever chemicals” because their chemical bonds make them nearly indestructible. There are about 16,000 different PFAS chemicals, and they’re used to make water-, stain-, and grease-resistant products. Studies have linked some PFAS to cancer, birth defects, immune system problems, high cholesterol, and other health concerns. The FDA says it plans to issue nonbinding "action levels" instead of mandatory limits. Recent agency testing found PFAS in about 70% of seafood samples.

>> Learn how states are regulating forever chemicals here.

 I TRUMP FIRES ELECTION OFFICIALS

President Trump fired the remaining Democratic members of the independent Election Assistance Commission (EAC) last Thursday. The White House said the president “reserves the right to remove individuals that may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections.” Congress created the bipartisan commission to help states administer elections, assist voters, and maintain the national mail voter registration form. The move follows a recent Supreme Court decision that expanded the president’s authority to remove officials from agencies Congress intended to operate independently. 

>> Dig into the Court decision here.

I APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS ASSAULT WEAPON BAN

An Illinois ban on semiautomatic weapons will remain in effect after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld the law. The court found the measure is "consistent with our regulatory tradition" and does not violate the Second Amendment. Illinois passed the law after the 2022 Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooting. The shooter in that case used a legally purchased semiautomatic weapon. It bans the sale of more than 100 types of semiautomatic firearms and limits magazine capacity.

>> Find out about federal assault weapons laws here.

I SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM DIES AFTER “BRIEF AND UNEXPECTED ILLNESS”

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) passed away suddenly on Saturday evening at the age of 71. Senator Graham had just returned from a trip to Ukraine. South Carolina’s Republican Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a new Senator to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on January 3. Whoever McMaster appoints is expected to have an advantage in a special August 11 primary election to fill Graham’s place on the November ballot, which he won after beating out five primary challengers in June.

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