Political Polarization Shapes U.S. Legislative Landscape

Research from NYU, Harvard and UCLA finds that Americans increasingly view the opposing party as a national threat. Intra-party criticism, avoiding dehumanizing jokes, and limiting repeated misinformation can lower affective polarization, even though most citizens agree on major policy issues.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Donald Trump claimed Democrats were “stealing” California’s primary to rally support for the SAVE America Act, which would require citizenship proof, a photo ID and ban vote-by-mail. John Rose’s franking-funded ad stresses that “only U.S. citizens should vote” and cites 83 percent support. The bill cleared the House three times but is blocked by a Senate filibuster.

John Rose's radio ad pushes for SAVE America Act passage

Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson (CA) and Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL) introduced the America Bikes Act (H.R. 9041) to fund cyclist and pedestrian safety, add bike-safety education in schools, and incentivize U.S. bicycle manufacturing. The League of American Bicyclists and PeopleForBikes praised it as a major step for public health and the bike industry.

'Reduce congestion, improve mobility and keep cyclists safe' — lawmakers introduce bipartisan America Bikes ActDOJ Announces $300 Million Model Cities Initiative to Reduce Crime Across America

The Justice Department’s Model Cities Initiative could award nearly $300 million to 2-4 cities with at least 100,000 residents. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche frames it as part of the “Make America Safe Again” mission, funding law-enforcement hiring, crime-center technology, forensic tools, mental-health services and re-entry programs. Applications close September 1, 2026.

DOJ Announces $300 Million Model Cities Initiative to Reduce Crime Across America

Trump’s Truth Social post framed California’s vote count as theft to push the SAVE America Act. Rose’s ad warned only citizens should vote, urging an end to Senate filibuster. Blanche highlighted Model Cities Initiative’s goal of restoring law and order. Voting-rights groups caution that SAVE America Act’s ID and citizenship-proof rules could disenfranchise married women and others, and note non-citizen voting is already illegal.

Democracy Docket

Trump’s vote-stealing claim conflicts with explanations that California’s mail-in system merely delays final tallies. The 83 percent support figure for the SAVE America Act lacks independent verification. No cities have yet been named for the Model Cities Initiative, leaving selection criteria opaque.

Democracy Docket

• “Look what’s happening in California, the Dumocrats, right before our very eyes, are stealing the Vote,” — President Trump, Truth Social

Democracy Docket

• “Cycling is good for people and good for our planet. It just makes sense that we’d invest in expanding bike access and road safety so more Americans can benefit from cycling,” — Rep. Thompson, statement

'Reduce congestion, improve mobility and keep cyclists safe' — lawmakers introduce bipartisan America Bikes Act

• “According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the initiative is part of the administration’s “Make America Safe Again” mission focused on restoring law and order in communities across the country.” — AG Blanche

DOJ Announces $300 Million Model Cities Initiative to Reduce Crime Across America

The SAVE America Act faces a Senate filibuster vote, the America Bikes Act moves to committee, and the DOJ will name Model Cities awardees later in 2026, all as the nation approaches the November general election.

Democracy Docket