The public outcry in Washington over Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ order last week directing federal prosecutors to charge defendants with the most serious crimes possible is growing.

This week, a bipartisan group of Senators, Rand Paul (R-KY), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jeff Merkley(D-OR) have reintroduced the Justice Safety Valve Act in response to Sessions’ order. Paul highlighted this effort on Twitter Tuesday evening, calling Congress to "come together in a bipartisan way."

https://twitter.com/RandPaul/status/864664489534398465

But seriously, why on earth do we have the Electoral College? Something about having to travel in carriages?

It's a question a lot of people are asking after an election with a pretty big gap between the popular vote and the outcome.

So why on earth does it exist? What's the point? Is it fulfilling its purpose? What alternatives are there, and how would we get to them?

Learn all this and more, including why you don't kill your admirals, on today's episode!

It’s Not What You Believe. It’s How You Believe It

Have you heard? A radical, superstition-fueled insurgency has taken root in America. No, I'm not talking about ISIS or “creeping sharia.” I'm talking about Texas — a state which seems to pride itself on the amount of extremist policies its government can pass in the shortest amount of time.

Texas has a long history of being late to the progressive party (and sometimes, never arriving at all). However, it’s worse now than it has been in a while. In just the past year, Texas has made even stronger efforts than usual to restrict the rights of minorities and marginalized groups.

IVN is excited to bring you this unique opportunity: a powerful new survey “What’s Your American Dream?” that will bring your voice to Washington.

The survey grew out of discussions with former members of Congress and everyday Americans, all frustrated with being out of touch with each other. In this era of political divide and confusion, a nonpartisan coalition has launched the survey for Americans to express their values and goals to lawmakers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPLUfyeUhTM

Fair Districts PA has proposed a constitutional amendment that would change the way electoral districts are drawn after the decennial census by establishing an independent citizens commission.

Responding to a firestorm of controversy that began with a Washington Post article, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster said Tuesday, “What the president discussed with foreign minister was wholly appropriate."

A bill that better aligns San Diego County elections with local, state, and federal elections passed the California State Assembly Monday. Assembly Bill 901, authored by Assemblymembers Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) and Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), and supported by the Independent Voter Project, was approved on the floor, 51-24.

One group is working hard to bring comprehensive election reform to New Mexico, including open primaries, independent redistricting, and ballot access reform. However, due to the limited paths to success, its only recourse may be through successful lawsuits against the state.

Last week's memo released by Attorney General Jeff Sessions may place him in direct conflict with public opinion as well as a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers.