November 21, 2008
The Next SCHIP Debate: The Case for Honest Numbers
By Dennis G. Smith
(WebMemo #2140)
Reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) will take on new and heightened importance early next year. Congress cannot deliver last year's legislation ...
November 20, 2008
Does Detroit Really Need a Bailout? Lessons from Britain
By Nigel Hawkins
(WebMemo #2137)
Britain's experience with two major industries—shipbuilding and automobiles—shows why governments should hesitate to provide heavy subsidies in an effort to "save" firms with serious management ...
November 20, 2008
Inaugural Tickets for Sale? Overcriminalization Strikes Again
By Andrew M. Grossman
(WebMemo #2138)
A new bill introduced by Senator Diane Feinstein (D–CA) would criminalize the sale of inaugural tickets. This sort of knee-jerk criminalization has led to the ...
November 20, 2008
Europe Anti-Missile Defense System: Standing Up to Russia's Threats
By Ariel Cohen
(WebMemo #2139)
The Obama Administration should reject Russia's missile threats and resist Russian pressure, if only to avoid the appearance of weakness and to discourage Russia's strategic ...
November 20, 2008
Reforming U.S. Public Diplomacy for the 21st Century
By Tony Blankley, Helle C. Dale, and Oliver Horn
(Backgrounder #2211)
U.S. government institutions tasked with strategic communications have lacked the leadership and resources necessary to do their job and have operated with virtually no interagency ...
November 20, 2008
Executive Summary: Reforming U.S. Public Diplomacy for the 21st Century
By Tony Blankley, Helle C. Dale, and Oliver Horn
(Executive Summary #2211)
U.S. government institutions tasked with strategic communications have lacked the leadership and resources necessary to do their job and have operated with virtually no interagency ...
November 20, 2008
Defense Spending Fraud, Waste, and Abuse: Hype, Reality, and Real Solutions
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Eric Sayers
(Backgrounder #2212)
Government should take every responsible measure to eliminate fraud, waste, and ...
November 19, 2008
Auto Bailout Ignores Excessive Labor Costs
By James Sherk
(WebMemo #2135)
Detroit autoworkers have substantially more benefits than most Americans. These benefits have been a major force driving the Detroit automakers' current fiscal woes.
November 19, 2008
China Gets Greener? Power and Growth Data Cannot Be Trusted
By Derek Scissors, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2136)
In October, China's power consumption declined for the first time this decade. The data supporting such a conclusion are slippery, to say the least. Consequently, ...
November 18, 2008
British Defense Cuts Threaten the Anglo-American Special Relationship
By Ted R. Bromund, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2210)
The Blair and Brown governments have reduced British defense spending as a share of GDP to its lowest point since 1933. The forces are being ...
November 18, 2008
Executive Summary: British Defense Cuts Threaten the Anglo-American Special Relationship
By Ted R. Bromund, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2210)
The Blair and Brown governments have reduced British defense spending as a share of GDP to its lowest point since 1933. The forces are being ...
November 18, 2008
Extended Unemployment Insurance--No Economic Stimulus
By James Sherk and Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D.
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-13)
Many Members of Congress support a second economic stimulus package, including extending the time period over which workers can collect unemployment insurance (UI). A comprehensive ...
November 17, 2008
The Automaker Bailout: Questions Congress Must Ask the Automakers
By Andrew M. Grossman
(WebMemo #2134)
For Congress to be a wise steward of the public purse and responsibly evaluate the need for a bailout, it requires an unvarnished account of ...
November 16, 2008
The Detroit Bailout: Unsafe at Any Cost
By James L. Gattuso and Nicolas D. Loris
(WebMemo #2133)
Should Washington bail out the Big Three automakers? A far better approach is to restructure through a formal bankruptcy process if necessary. Bankruptcy—and the prospect ...
November 15, 2008
Automakers Need Bankruptcy, Not Bailout
By Andrew M. Grossman
(Legal Memorandum #33)
For the Big Three, staying the course (the only alternative to reorganization in bankruptcy) guarantees failure. Outside of bankruptcy, the automakers will have neither the ...
November 14, 2008
The Relationship Between Family Structure and Adolescent Sexual Activity
By Samuel W. Sturgeon
(Special Report #25)
Families remain one of the most powerful socializing influences on the sexual attitudes and behaviors of adolescents. Adolescents from intact family structures are less likely ...
November 14, 2008
Omnibus Lands Bill Restricts Energy Exploration
By Nicolas D. Loris
(WebMemo #2130)
The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 would result in a huge expansion in ownership of land in the United States. This would restrict ...
November 14, 2008
TARP and the Treasury: Time to Allow Markets to Work
By James L. Gattuso, David C. John, and J. D. Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2131)
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson recently announced yet another change in direction of the “Troubled Asset Relief Program” (TARP), sowing more uncertainty and confusion in the ...
November 14, 2008
The Baucus Health Reform Plan: A Starting Point for Serious Discussion
By Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2132)
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) has just unveiled a comprehensive health plan. This is a welcome development in that it puts some flesh on ...
November 13, 2008
Consumer Direction in Medicaid and Opportunities for States
By Dennis G. Smith
(WebMemo #2129)
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services published a final Medicaid rule that permits Medicaid recipients to self-direct their own health care and supportive services. ...
November 13, 2008
Getting the Big Ideas Right: The Strategic Concepts that Helped Achieve Substantial Progress in Iraq
By General David Petraeus
(Heritage Lecture #1101)
U.S., coalition, and Iraqi forces have made substantial and durable progress in providing security and stability for the Iraqi people; but security alone is an ...
November 12, 2008
Why Government Spending Does Not Stimulate Economic Growth
By Brian M. Riedl
(Backgrounder #2208)
Washington has already spent hundreds of billions of dollars on economic stimulus bills that have failed to revive the economy. Tax rebates do not help ...
November 10, 2008
Why the U.S. Should Oppose "Defamation of Religions" Resolutions at the United Nations
By Steven Groves
(Backgrounder #2206)
The U.N. has passed several "defamation of religions" resolutions over the past 10 years seeking to establish an international ban on speech that disparages religion. ...
November 10, 2008
Washington Subsidies Not Necessary to Rebuild U.S. Nuclear Industry
By Jack Spencer and Nicolas D. Loris
(Backgrounder #2207)
The private sector has already begun to invest in the nuclear industry without federal government subsidies. Congress should take steps that promote industrial independence, not ...
November 10, 2008
The Global Response to a Terror-Generated Energy Crisis
By William W. Beach, James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D., Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D., and Hopper Smith
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-11)
In June 2008, The Heritage Foundation invited energy scholars and policy experts to participate in a computer simulation and gaming exercise assessing the economic effects ...
November 10, 2008
EPA-Mandated CO2 Reductions Will Lower U.S. Industries' Return on Equity
By Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D.
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-12)
The global warming policy debate is increasing the calls for reduction of carbon-dioxide and other greenhouse-gas emissions. The proposal to allow the EPA to broadly ...
November 10, 2008
Emergency Spending: $333 Billion Tab Busted the Budget in 2008
By Brian M. Riedl
(WebMemo #2127)
Congress and President Bush enacted at least $333 billion in "emergency" spending in the just-completed 2008 fiscal year. While some of this spending may have ...
November 10, 2008
China's Stimulus Plan: Repackaged and Misdirected
By Derek Scissors, Ph.D
(WebMemo #2128)
On November 9, China launched a widely anticipated stimulus program comprising no less than 16 percent of China’s annual GDP, or $586 billion. This percentage ...
November 9, 2008
Stand by Indonesia in its Struggle for a Just and Civilized Humanity
By Walter Lohman
(WebMemo #2126)
The executions of the 2002 Bali Bombers are a grim milestone in Indonesia’s struggle against extremism and terrorism. The decision to impose capital punishment was ...
November 7, 2008
Crisis in Congo and the Challenge for the International Community
By Thomas M. Woods
(WebMemo #2124)
African leaders are heading to Nairobi to discuss Congo's troubles. Continued failure to address the root causes of the crisis in eastern Congo only ensures ...
November 7, 2008
Heritage Employment Report: October Report Shows Fall in Jobs
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr.
(WebMemo #2125)
The October jobs report shows the American economy is in bad shape. Consequently, the federal government should take steps to improve the economy with policies ...
November 5, 2008
Impact of CO2 Restrictions on Employment and Income: Green Jobs or Gone Jobs?
By David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2122)
Those pushing restrictions on carbon dioxide have tried to repackage global-warming legislation as jobs bills. As appealing as the repackaging seems on the surface, the ...
November 5, 2008
The Importance of Reviving the Doha Round
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #2123)
Now that the economic storm has spread from the U.S. to much of the world, the need to keep the nation's trade and investment barriers ...
November 4, 2008
Low Expectations for Secretary of State Rice's Middle East Trip
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #2121)
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is slated to travel to Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, and Egypt November 5–9 in another effort to reinvigorate the ...
October 31, 2008
North Korea Nuclear Verification: Has the U.S. Blinked?
By Bruce Klingner
(WebMemo #2120)
A rigorous verification protocol is of critical importance to ensuring that North Korea does not again cheat on an international denuclearization agreement.
October 31, 2008
Into Africa: Bush Initiatives That Deserve Continuing Support
By Thomas M. Woods
(Backgrounder #2204)
The U.S.–Africa partnership in the fight against HIV/AIDS created a historic precedent that will inform the scope and scale of future global health and development ...
October 31, 2008
Approaching the "Invisible Red Line": Why Congress Must Act Now to Restore Military Readiness
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Backgrounder #2205)
All branches of the military are experiencing reduced readiness levels after seven years of major combat operations overseas and increased homeland defense missions in the ...
October 30, 2008
Same–Sex Marriage and the Threat to Religious Liberty
By Thomas M. Messner
(Backgrounder #2201)
Judicial decisions redefining marriage to include same-sex unions state that limiting marriage to men and women is a form of unacceptable discrimination against homosexuals. Individuals ...
October 30, 2008
Executive Summary: Same–Sex Marriage and the Threat to Religious Liberty
By Thomas M. Messner
(Executive Summary #2201)
Judicial decisions redefining marriage to include same-sex unions state that limiting marriage to men and women is a form of unacceptable discrimination against homosexuals. Individuals ...
October 30, 2008
The New Cold War: Reviving the U.S. Presence in the Arctic
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., Lajos F. Szaszdi, Ph.D., and Jim Dolbow
(Backgrounder #2202)
U.S. Arctic policy is moribund and needs a comprehensive revival. The USGS estimates that the Arctic might hold up to 13 percent of the world’s ...
October 30, 2008
Executive Summary: The New Cold War: Reviving the U.S. Presence in the Arctic
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., Lajos F. Szaszdi, Ph.D., and Jim Dolbow
(Executive Summary #2202)
U.S. Arctic policy is moribund and needs a comprehensive revival. The USGS estimates that the Arctic might hold up to 13 percent of the world’s ...
October 30, 2008
How the Obama and McCain Tax Plans Will Affect America's Small Businesses
By Guinevere Nell
(Backgrounder #2203)
While Senator Obama claims to raise taxes only on the "rich," the group he is targeting is mostly entrepreneurs. More than a third of small ...
October 30, 2008
The Idea of Change in American Politics: Meaningful Concept or Empty Promise?
By Wilfred M. McClay
(First Principles #21)
The current presidential campaign provides us with an opportune moment to revisit our misconceptions and replace them with better and more fully grounded ones, or, ...
October 30, 2008
Tackling Fraud in H–1B: Work Visas Need Sensible Oversight
By Diem Nguyen and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2119)
Congress and the Administration must work together to improve the management of the H1-B visa program and adopt reforms that will allow the program to ...
October 29, 2008
CO2-Emission Cuts: The Economic Costs of the EPA's ANPR Regulations
By David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D., and Karen A. Campbell, Ph.D.
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-10)
The EPA's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) proposes an unprecedented expansion of federal ability to regulate CO2 emissions. Its limits on CO2 emissions would ...
October 28, 2008
Democracy in Danger: Case Studies of Election Fraud
By Hans A. von Spakovsky
(Special Report #24)
The right to vote in a free and fair election is the most basic civil right, on which depends all of the other rights of ...
October 27, 2008
OPEC Redux: Responding to the Russian–Iranian Gas Cartel
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2118)
On October 21 in Tehran, the Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum (GECF) agreed to form a cartel. Russia, Iran, and Qatar announced that they intend to ...
October 24, 2008
How to Successfully Stimulate the Economy
By William W. Beach
(WebMemo #2113)
Serious work by the Congress in tax, energy, and spending policy will create greater predictability for investors and business owners and assure workers that they ...
October 24, 2008
The Obama Health Care Plan: A Closer Look at Cost and Coverage
By Greg D'Angelo and Paul Winfree
(WebMemo #2114)
Barack Obama's health care plan would reduce the number of insured, but it would not control costs in any significant way. In fact, it would ...
October 24, 2008
The McCain Health Care Plan: A Closer Look at Cost and Coverage
By Greg D'Angelo and Paul Winfree
(WebMemo #2115)
John McCain’s health care plan would reduce the number of uninsured and help control costs, yet it would, as currently designed, require considerable increases in ...
October 24, 2008
Renegotiating NAFTA and Other U.S. Trade Agreements: Fixing What Isn't Broken
By Daniella Markheim
(WebMemo #2116)
The argument that NAFTA has brought nothing but woe to the U.S. economy and America’s workers is based on anecdotes and distorted data—and has gone ...
October 23, 2008
Treasury's Bank Capital Purchase Program: Avoiding a Dangerous Legacy
By David C. John
(WebMemo #2110)
Last week, the Treasury Department announced the direct purchase of equity stakes in U.S. banks in order to increase the capital levels of those institutions. ...
October 23, 2008
Is America's Infrastructure "Crisis" Just Another Crisis for Socialism?
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2111)
As the recent history of both federal and state transportation policy reveal, government’s ownership and operation of roads and transit have contributed to deteriorating service ...
October 23, 2008
Why an Independent Financial Markets Commission Is Needed Now
By David M. Mason
(WebMemo #2112)
An Independent Commission on Financial Markets—similar to the 1987 Brady Commission, but chartered by Congress—could provide Congress and the next Administration with the information necessary ...
October 23, 2008
Protecting Against the Terrorist Threat: Continuing the Fight and Confronting the Challenges Ahead
By the Honorable Kenneth L. Wainstein
(Heritage Lecture #1100)
The counterterrorism changes we have implemented under the President’s strong leadership over the past seven years have been comprehensive and deep. They have established a ...
October 23, 2008
Economic Recovery: Options and Challenges
By William W. Beach
(Testimony )
The stock market turmoil that has captured everyone's attention is rooted in the ongoing crisis in credit markets and aggravated by the slowdown in general ...
October 23, 2008
The 2008 Index of Government Dependency
By William W. Beach
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-08)
The first wave of baby boomers began to retire in 2008. We find ourselves on the eve of the largest retirement of people in world ...
October 22, 2008
Meltdowns and Myths: Did Deregulation Cause the Financial Crisis?
By James L. Gattuso
(WebMemo #2109)
Easy answers are seldom correct ones. That principle seems to be at work as the nation struggles to discover the causes of financial crisis now ...
October 21, 2008
Visa Waiver Reform Ready for Next Step
By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2108)
On October 17, President Bush announced that seven countries had met the requirements for admission into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This announcement is a ...
October 21, 2008
U.S.—China Economic Dialogue: In Need of Tough Love
By Derek Scissors, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2200)
The importance and multifaceted nature of the U.S.–China economic relationship call for an overarching institutional mechanism, such as the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). China’s market ...
October 21, 2008
U.S.—China Economic Dialogue: In Need of Tough Love
By Derek Scissors, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2200)
The importance and multifaceted nature of the U.S.–China economic relationship call for an overarching institutional mechanism, such as the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). China’s market ...
October 20, 2008
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack: A Preventable Homeland Security Catastrophe
By Jena Baker McNeill and Richard Weitz, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2199)
A major threat to America has been largely ignored by those who could prevent it—the U.S. Congress and the President. They should conduct research on ...
October 17, 2008
Finding Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas
By Daniella Markheim and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2103)
Beleaguered supporters of market-oriented democracies can take some solace from the announcement by the Bush Administration of “Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas,” an attempt ...
October 17, 2008
Bridge Repair Mismanagement Undermines Highway Safety
By Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2104)
In the months since the fatal collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, safety concerns about the nation’s 600,000 bridges have become a leading symbol ...
October 17, 2008
Job Creation from the Obama and McCain Tax Plans: A State-by-State Analysis
By Shanea J. Watkins, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2105)
A recent Heritage Foundation Center for Data Analysis report describes the economic outcomes that can be expected based on the presidential candidates' proposed tax plans. ...
October 17, 2008
Falling Oil Prices: Useful Lessons from the Slump at the Pump
By Ben Lieberman
(WebMemo #2106)
Last summer’s record-breaking oil and gasoline prices received plenty of attention in Washington and sparked a host of proposed responses from Congress. However, the real ...
October 17, 2008
Gordon Brown's Financial Folly: The Global Economy Does Not Need More Regulation
By Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #2107)
Gordon Brown's proposal to create a new Bretton Woods system with greatly enhanced powers over international financial markets may be aimed at boosting his flagging ...
October 15, 2008
Obama's and McCain's Tax Plans: A Mixed Bag
By J. D. Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2101)
Senators John McCain (R–AZ) and Barack Obama (D–IL) have released tax plans indicating their priorities when one of them becomes President of the United States. ...
October 15, 2008
Obama's and McCain's Budget Proposals Lack Detail
By Brian M. Riedl
(WebMemo #2102)
Both Barack Obama and John McCain have produced budget plans that focus on short-term goals, and both their plans lack detail on how to achieve ...
October 15, 2008
The Obama and McCain Tax Plans: How Do They Compare?
By William Beach, Karen Campbell, Ph.D., Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and Guinevere Nell
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-09)
The results in this paper are based on the specific tax policy proposals of Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain. The economy improves under ...
October 15, 2008
The Obama Health Care Plan: More Power to Washington
By Robert E. Moffit, Ph.D., and Nina Owcharenko
(Backgrounder #2197)
Senator Barack Obama's health care plan is laden with new regulations and government authority that would leave Americans with even less control of their health ...
October 15, 2008
Executive Summary: The Obama Health Care Plan: More Power to Washington
By Robert E. Moffit, Ph.D., and Nina Owcharenko
(Executive Summary #2197)
Senator Barack Obama's health care plan is laden with new regulations and government authority that would leave Americans with even less control of their health ...
October 15, 2008
The McCain Health Care Plan: More Power to Families
By Robert E. Moffit, Ph.D., and Nina Owcharenko
(Backgrounder #2198)
Senator John McCain has proposed an ambitious health care reform agenda that focuses on four key objectives: making health insurance innovative, portable, and affordable; ensuring ...
October 15, 2008
Executive Summary: The McCain Health Care Plan: More Power to Families
By Robert E. Moffit, Ph.D., and Nina Owcharenko
(Executive Summary #2198)
Senator John McCain has proposed an ambitious health care reform agenda that focuses on four key objectives: making health insurance innovative, portable, and affordable; ensuring ...
October 9, 2008
Forging a New Era in the U.S.—Japan Alliance
By Bruce Klingner
(Backgrounder #2196)
Bilateral U.S.—Japan security ties have expanded significantly during the past 10 years, resulting in more integrated military operations and a broader international role for the ...
October 9, 2008
Securing Global Supply Chains: 10 Plus 2 Container Security Ruling Needed
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2099)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is about to issue a rule implementing its “10 plus 2” security initiative. It is about time. This rule ...
October 9, 2008
Highway Trust Fund Inequities Will Get Worse in Future Years
By Ronald D. Utt
(WebMemo #2100)
As a consequence of flaws in the highway trust formula, many states consistently receive less than they pay in while others consistently receive more. There's ...
October 8, 2008
Don't Let E-Verify Perish in the Next Congress
By Jena Baker McNeill and Matt A. Mayer
(WebMemo #2097)
On September 27, Congress voted to fund E-Verify through March 2009. This is certainly a positive step for the program, but it has put the ...
October 8, 2008
Taiwan Arms Sales: Less Than Meets the Eye
By John J. Tkacik, Jr.
(WebMemo #2098)
After more than seven years of waiting, there is reason to celebrate the final approval of a $6.4 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan. Unfortunately, ...
October 8, 2008
Shaping the NATO—EU Relationship: What the U.S. Must Do
By Sally McNamara
(Backgrounder #2195)
The threat of traditional military confrontation in Europe has not disappeared. Key European allies must rebuild their militaries to undertake both conventional and asymmetric military ...
October 8, 2008
Executive Summary: Shaping the NATO—EU Relationship: What the U.S. Must Do
By Sally McNamara
(Executive Summary #2195)
Executive Summary: The threat of traditional military confrontation in Europe has not disappeared. Key European allies must rebuild their militaries to undertake both conventional and ...
October 7, 2008
Reducing Illegal Immigration Through Employment Verification, Enforcement, and Protection
By Robert Rector
(Backgrounder #2192)
The E-Verify system accurately authenticates the personal information given by prospective employees. In most cases, verification occurs almost instantly. Congress should reauthorize E-Verify in its ...
October 7, 2008
Executive Summary: Reducing Illegal Immigration Through Employment Verification, Enforcement, and Protection
By Robert Rector
(Executive Summary #2192)
Executive Summary: The E-Verify system accurately authenticates the personal information given by prospective employees. In most cases, verification occurs almost instantly. Congress should reauthorize E-Verify ...
October 7, 2008
Changing Course on Navy Shipbuilding: Questions Congress Should Ask Before Funding
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Backgrounder #2193)
After a decade designing and testing the DDG-1000 Zumwalt multimission destroyer as a “warfighting imperative,” Navy officials now recommend that Congress limit Zumwalt procurement because ...
October 7, 2008
Executive Summary: Changing Course on Navy Shipbuilding: Questions Congress Should Ask Before Funding
By Mackenzie M. Eaglen
(Executive Summary #2193)
Executive Summary: After a decade designing and testing the DDG-1000 Zumwalt multimission destroyer as a “warfighting imperative,” Navy officials now recommend that Congress limit Zumwalt ...
October 7, 2008
Teen Sex: The Parent Factor
By Christine C. Kim
(Backgrounder #2194)
The statistics on teen sexuality in the United States are troubling. Two-thirds of 12th graders have engaged in sexual activity and one in five will ...
October 3, 2008
Averting Disaster in Argentina: The Case for Economic Freedom
By James M. Roberts
(Backgrounder #2191)
The Kirchner government has pursued irresponsible economic policies since Argentina's 2001–2005 sovereign debt default and restructuring, as illustrated in Argentina's steadily declining scores in the ...
October 3, 2008
Executive Summary: Averting Disaster in Argentina: The Case for Economic Freedom
By James M. Roberts
(Executive Summary #2191)
Executive Summary: The Kirchner government has pursued irresponsible economic policies since Argentina's 2001–2005 sovereign debt default and restructuring, as illustrated in Argentina's steadily declining scores ...
October 3, 2008
Heritage Employment Report: September's Job Report is Grim
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and James Sherk
(WebMemo #2096)
The September jobs report is not surprising in light of the overall downturn of the economy. The economy is slipping off the edge and could ...
October 2, 2008
SEC Makes Mark-to-Market Accounting Markedly Better
By David C. John and James L. Gattuso
(WebMemo #2095)
The SEC and FASB clarifications on mark-to-market accounting rules both address shortcomings in the application of the existing rule and will help to ensure that ...
October 1, 2008
Congress Should Support the U.S. Africa Command
By Brett D. Schaefer and Mackenzie Eaglen
(WebMemo #2092)
Africa is increasingly important to U.S. economic, military, and political interests. AFRICOM is a critical step in recognition of the region's rising stature among U.S. ...
October 1, 2008
The Economic Case for Drilling Oil Reserves
By David W. Kreutzer, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2093)
Energy is critical to the operation of our economy and the maintenance and improvement of our standard of living. Restricting access to energy hurts the ...
October 1, 2008
Action on Financial Rescue Plan Urgently Needed
By Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D., and Edwin Meese III
(WebMemo #2094)
A revised so-called "bailout" package is being readied for a Senate vote and subsequent action in the House. Action on this rescue package is urgently ...
September 30, 2008
Next Steps for Immigration and Border Security Reform: Restructuring the Work Visa
By James Sherk and Diem Nguyen
(Backgrounder #2190)
True immigration reform should include: enforcing the law, regaining control of the southern border, supporting economic development in Latin America, and emphasizing legal immigration opportunities. ...
September 30, 2008
The Nature of Rights in American Politics: A Comparison of Three Revolutions
By Charles R. Kesler, Ph.D.
(First Principles #18)
Conservatives should not be wary of adherence to the natural rights creed of the American Founders, moderated as it was by the temperamental virtues of ...
September 29, 2008
Reforming State Transportation Policy: Washington State’s Efforts to Implement Performance-Based Policies
By Michael Ennis
(Backgrounder #2189)
In 2005, voters in Washington State passed an initiative authorizing the State Auditor’s Office to conduct independent performance audits on several major aspects of the ...
September 29, 2008
The Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties with the United Kingdom and Australia Advance the American Interest
By Ted R. Bromund, Ph.D
(WebMemo #2090)
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) announced last week that it was delaying consideration of bilateral defense trade cooperation treaties between the United States and ...
September 29, 2008
The Bailout Package: Vital and Acceptable
By Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D., and Edwin Meese III
(WebMemo #2091)
Financial markets in the United States and around the world face a dire emergency requiring urgent and decisive action. The package of emergency steps now ...
September 28, 2008
An Initial Review of the Bailout Agreement
By Alison Acosta Fraser and Todd F. Gaziano
(WebMemo #2089)
Administration and congressional negotiators reached agreement early Sunday on a package of actions to address the alarming financial situation facing the U.S. economy. Although several ...
September 27, 2008
Taiwan’s Defense Hobbled by U.S. Arms "Freeze"
By John J. Tkacik, Jr.
(WebMemo #2088)
As Taiwan engages Beijing directly with new initiatives across the Taiwan Strait, its leaders now lack the single most important asset they need to negotiate ...
September 26, 2008
Chinese Investment (Mostly) Welcome
By Derek Scissors Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2081)
If transparency can be achieved, China’s outward investment could be a large net positive for business, reintroducing capital otherwise tucked away. Without transparency, the world ...
September 26, 2008
Putin's Navy, Chávez's Ambition, and the Caribbean Adventure
By Ray Walser, Ph.D., and Mackenzie Eaglen
(WebMemo #2082)
Almost half a century after the Cuban missile crisis, the Russian navy is coming to the Americas. While the mood in Washington is far from ...
September 26, 2008
State Medicaid Reform First - Before Payment Increases
By Dennis G. Smith
(WebMemo #2083)
Congress needs to get serious about Medicaid. To borrow a medical analogy: If a state is the patient, and Congress is its doctor, giving states ...
September 26, 2008
House Tax Extenders Bill Is Bad for Business and the Economy
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., and Nicolas Loris
(WebMemo #2084)
The tax extenders legislation that passed the House 257–166 on September 26 has significant problems. The tax cuts and increased spending in the bill are ...
September 26, 2008
Mbeki's Ouster Opens the Door for Enhanced U.S.–South Africa Cooperation
By Thomas M. Woods and Ray Walser, PhD
(WebMemo #2085)
South African President Thabo Mbeki has finally been ousted by his political rivals in the ruling African National Congress, and for many the move comes ...
September 26, 2008
The Housing Bailout: Constitutional Infirmities Remain, but a Ray of Hope
By Andrew M. Grossman, Robert Alt, Todd Gaziano
(WebMemo #2086)
Congress can put together a plan that does not violate our fundamental law. Those who, for reasons of economic policy, favor the leadership/White House proposal ...
September 26, 2008
U.S. Strategy Must Address Afghan-Pakistan Tension
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #2087)
Heightening tensions between U.S. and Pakistani forces along the Afghan-Pakistani border threaten to play into al-Qaeda’s agenda of fueling anti-American sentiment among the Pakistani population ...
September 26, 2008
COPS Reform: Why Congress Can't Make the COPS Program Work
By David B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D., and Brian W. Walsh
(Backgrounder #2188)
The COPS program has an extensive track record of poor performance and should be eliminated. Some Members of Congress propose resuscitating it with COPS 2.0. ...
September 26, 2008
Executive Summary: COPS Reform: Why Congress Can't Make the COPS Program Work
By avid B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D., and Brian W. Walsh
(Executive Summary #2188)
Executive Summary: The COPS program has an extensive track record of poor performance and should be eliminated. Some Members of Congress propose resuscitating it with ...
September 25, 2008
Europe, Missile Defense, and the Future of Extended Deterrence
By Baker Spring
(WebMemo #2080)
During the Cold War, the U.S. supported the security of its allies by threatening a possible nuclear response to an attack on them by the ...
September 24, 2008
Visa Waiver Program Hearing Should Consider DHS Progress toward Increased Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2076)
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report criticizing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) implementation of the new congressional security measures aimed at ...
September 24, 2008
President Bush's Farewell to the U.N.: A Call for Reform and Action
By Brett D. Schaefer
(WebMemo #2077)
The President's final speech before the General Assembly was a call for the U.N. and the member states to take the steps necessary to make ...
September 24, 2008
Under Aso, Prospects Bright for U.S.-Japan Strategic Relationship, but Challenges Remain
By Bruce Klingner
(WebMemo #2078)
On September 24, Taro Aso became the new Japanese prime minister and the country's fourth ruler in three years. Aso’s foreign policy views are more ...
September 24, 2008
All Deliberate Speed: Constitutional Fidelity and Prudent Policy Go Hand in Hand in Fixing the Credit Crisis
By Todd F. Gaziano and Andrew M. Grossman
(WebMemo #2079)
For sound policy and constitutional reasons, Congress should not recess until it acts on a solution to the credit crisis, but it should also be ...
September 23, 2008
China: Wealthy State, Strong Army—and a Powerful Party
By John J. Tkacik
(WebMemo #2073)
Unless the next president of the United States adopts greater skepticism towards China’s future intentions; reaffirms America’s commitment to like minded economic, political, and security ...
September 23, 2008
Iranian President Ahmadinejad's Vexing Visit Exposes U.N. Failures
By James Phillips
(WebMemo #2074)
The impending visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to address the opening of the U.N. General Assembly dramatically underscores the weakness of the U.N. in ...
September 23, 2008
Financial Cleanup Steps for Congress—The Next Steps and Beyond
By J. D. Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2075)
Congress is working toward passage of legislation requested by the Administration that would create a new financial entity as part of the federal government to ...
September 23, 2008
Building Infrastructure Resiliency: Private Sector Investment in Homeland Security
By Jena Baker McNeill
(Backgrounder #2184)
America’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repair and lacks resiliency—the ability to keep the country running after a disaster has struck. Rather than spending ...
September 23, 2008
The Perils of Judicial Policymaking: The Practical Case for Separation of Powers
By Joshua Dunn, Ph.D.
(First Principles #20)
Critics of the judiciary’s ever-growing role in American politics usually focus on how it erodes self-government or, most severely, leads to judicial tyranny. If, as ...
September 22, 2008
Academic Success Begins at Home: How Children Can Succeed in School
By Christine C. Kim
(Backgrounder #2185)
Social science research demonstrates a strong link between the intact family structure, parental involvement, and educational outcomes, from school readiness to college completion. The intact ...
September 22, 2008
State Health Reform: How States Can Control Costs and Expand Coverage
By Dennis G. Smith
(Backgrounder #2183)
The rising cost of health care for states and their citizens is often assumed to be a problem solely in search of a federal solution. ...
September 22, 2008
Removing FEMA from DHS Would Be a Terrible Mistake
By Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2071)
It’s déjà vu all over again: People are arguing that the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) should be taken out of the Department of Homeland Security. ...
September 22, 2008
The Financial Bailout (and the New Resolution Trust Corp.) Must Restore the Markets and Protect the Taxpayer
By David C. John
(WebMemo #2072)
The House and Senate must have two objectives when putting together their versions of the financial bailout proposal made by the Treasury and Federal Reserve: ...
September 19, 2008
What Should Be Done About the Financial Markets?
By Stuart M. Butler, Ph.D., Alison Acosta Fraser, and James L. Gattuso
(WebMemo #2070)
Lawmakers have just been presented with the outline of an expansive and potentially costly package of proposals said to be needed to bring a permanent ...
September 19, 2008
Lower Home Heating Bills by Increasing Domestic Energy Supplies
By Ben Lieberman
(WebMemo #2067)
Gasoline prices have fallen a bit since hitting $4.00 a gallon last summer, but America’s total energy bill is going to increase in the months ...
September 19, 2008
Time to Move Iraq and Afghanistan Funding into the Regular Budget Process
By Brian Riedl and Baker Spring
(WebMemo #2068)
The U.S. military has been engaged in major combat operations overseas for seven years in Afghanistan and five in Iraq. Congress has provided annual funding ...
September 19, 2008
First Thoughts on the New Resolution Trust Corporation
By David John and J.D. Foster, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2069)
Perhaps the most important and most controversial measure amidst the financial turmoil is the suggestion that Congress create an entity similar to the Resolution Trust ...
September 19, 2008
Trade Liberalization Continuing Despite Doha Impasse
By Daniella Markheim and Ambassador Terry Miller
(Backgrounder #2187)
The 2009 trade freedom rankings developed for the Index of Economic Freedom show many countries moving ahead to lower tariffs and other barriers to trade. ...
September 18, 2008
A Second Economic Stimulus Bill Will Fail—Just Like the First
By Rea S. Hederman, Jr., Stephen Keen, and Brian M. Riedl
(Backgrounder #2186)
The new economic stimulus proposals rely on increased government spending, which is a proven failure. Highway and infrastructure projects take too long and do not ...
September 18, 2008
United Nations Peacekeeping: The U.S. Must Press for Reform
By Brett D. Schaefer
(Backgrounder #2182)
The Bush Administration and Congress need to consider carefully any U.N. requests for additional funding for a system in which procurement problems have wasted millions ...
September 18, 2008
Homeland Security 3.0: Building a National Enterprise to Keep America Safe, Free, and Prosperous
By David Heyman and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(Special Report #23)
This task force chaired by homeland security experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and The Heritage Foundation (and consisting of representatives ...
September 17, 2008
The MySpace Suicide: A Case Study in Overcriminalization
By Andrew M. Grossman
(Legal Memorandum #32)
Lori Drew faces charges under a federal anti-hacking statute and could wind up in jail, but her behavior, while obviously wrong, was not criminal. Overcriminalization ...
September 17, 2008
Time Is Ticking: Congress Must Re-Authorize E-Verify Now
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2066)
If Congress does not reauthorize E-Verify by November, the program will expire and will no longer be available to employers. There is no reason why ...
September 16, 2008
State Health Reform: Converting Medicaid Dollars into Premium Assistance
By Dennis G. Smith
(Backgrounder #2169)
State policymakers can improve Medicaid by using the flexibilities provided by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) to redesign coverage of low-income working families ...
September 16, 2008
Executive Summary: State Health Reform: Converting Medicaid Dollars into Premium Assistance
By Dennis G. Smith
(Executive Summary #2169)
Executive Summary: State policymakers can improve Medicaid by using the flexibilities provided by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) to redesign coverage of low-income ...
September 16, 2008
Free-Market Philanthropy: The Social Aspect of Entrepreneurship
By Guinevere Nell, James Sherk, and Paul L. Winfree
(Center for Data Analysis Report #08-07)
An enduring criticism of free markets is that they are based on self-centered greed. However, the philanthropic actions of entrepreneurs, measured by the size of ...
September 15, 2008
Reforming Health Care to Protect Parents' Rights
By Daniel Patrick Moloney, Ph.D.
