Policy Papers
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An Update on Drone Policy
KEY TAKEAWAYS The Federal Aviation Administration expects the number of commercial drones to triple by 2023, given their many uses in industries such as agriculture, energy, and construction. Current rules limit how and where people can fly drones, though businesses and governments can apply for waivers. The administration is working on several initiatives, including creating a system for managing increased drone traffic and amending the rules so drones can routinely fly under more... Continue Reading
October 4, 2019
September 2019 Jobs Report
Unemployment Rate: 3.5 percent Jobs Created: 136,000 Employment and Unemployment The Department of Labor reported the unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage point to 3.5% in September. Nonfarm jobs grew by 136,000 in September. Economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal had expected 145,000 jobs. Combined job growth for July and August was stronger than originally reported. Labor revised the job creation numbers up for those months by a combined 45,000 jobs. The U-6... Continue Reading
September 26, 2019
Fixing America's Bridges
KEY TAKEAWAYS Bridges, and the roads they connect, are considered the backbone of America’s vast transportation system. National bridge conditions have improved, though an estimated 47,054 bridges were considered to be in “poor condition” in 2018. Most bridges are owned by state and local entities; the federal government and private sector own only 2%. America’s network of bridges and roads are essential to the economy. In 2017, drivers logged 3.2 trillion miles, and... Continue Reading
September 24, 2019
Eugene Scalia: Secretary of Labor Nominee
KEY TAKEAWAYS Eugene Scalia is an experienced lawyer in the areas of labor, employment, and regulation. He has a distinguished record in the private sector and in public service. Mr. Scalia has been commended for his familiarity with labor laws, his intellect, and his demonstrated leadership qualities. The Labor Department needs a capable, skilled leader as it enforces laws to protect workers and supports programs to grow and strengthen the American workforce. Eugene Scalia has built a... Continue Reading
September 24, 2019
Nationwide Injunctions from District Courts
KEY TAKEAWAYS The Supreme Court recently reversed nationwide injunctions against new asylum rules and the use of nonemergency funding for the border wall. Federal district courts have already imposed almost twice as many nationwide injunctions against the Trump administration as against the Obama administration. According to legal historians, nationwide injunctions have become common only over the past decade. Partisan district court judges are increasingly issuing nationwide injunctions,... Continue Reading
September 19, 2019
Investing in Americans' Health at the NIH
KEY TAKEAWAYS Republicans have led a bipartisan congressional effort to make substantial investments in the National Institutes of Health to address the most expensive and life-threatening diseases. These investments can help relieve human suffering and potentially reduce future health care costs. The NIH will continue to play a key role in modernizing the health care system and customizing the treatments patients receive. The National Institutes of Health is the government’s... Continue Reading
September 17, 2019
Border Security: Walls and Enforcement Work
KEY TAKEAWAYS Illegal border crossings in August, July, and June were down significantly from the record apprehensions earlier this year, though they are still at crisis levels. Enforcement from Mexico and new border walls contributed to the decline. Yuma, Arizona, saw an 85% drop in border crossings in August versus May after new wall construction. The Supreme Court reversed lower court stays against President Trump’s rule on asylum and his use of non-emergency military funding to build... Continue Reading
September 16, 2019
Is It Time to Update the Internet’s “Legal Cornerstone”?
KEY TAKEAWAYS The law provides broad immunity for online service providers, such as social media companies, for content their users post online. Congress has also protected the companies’ voluntary, good faith actions to limit material that is “obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable.” Recently, some people have proposed altering the broad immunity that the law grants. The internet has democratized the spread of knowledge... Continue Reading
September 11, 2019
Economic Boom for Inland Waterways
KEY TAKEAWAYS Inland waterways and water resources infrastructure provide a crucial competitive advantage for American farmers and manufacturers. Businesses transported 608 million tons of goods on inland waterways in 2018, a 21st-century high. Congress and the Army Corps of Engineers are continuing to identify and promote infrastructure development. The strength of America’s water resources infrastructure is an unsung success story of the booming economy. Inland waterways such as... Continue Reading
September 6, 2019
August 2019 Jobs Report
Unemployment Rate: 3.7% Jobs Created: 130,000 Employment and Unemployment The Department of Labor reported the unemployment rate remained at 3.7% in August. Nonfarm jobs grew by 130,000 in August. Economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal had expected 150,000 jobs. Combined job growth for June and July was lower than originally reported. Labor revised the job creation numbers down for June and July by a combined 20,000 jobs. The U-6 unemployment rate, a measure that also includes... Continue Reading
August 2, 2019
July 2019 Jobs Report
Unemployment Rate: 3.7 percent Jobs Created: 164,000 Employment and Unemployment The Department of Labor reported the unemployment rate remained at 3.7 percent in July. Nonfarm jobs grew by 164,000 in July. Economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal had expected 165,000 jobs. Combined job growth for May and June was less than originally reported. Labor revised the job creation numbers down for May and June by a combined 41,000 jobs. The U-6 unemployment rate, a measure that also... Continue Reading
August 1, 2019
Myth vs. Fact on "Medicare for All"
KEY TAKEAWAYS Under Democrats’ so-called Medicare for All plans, long wait times and rationing of care will replace the kind of access, quality, and choice American patients expect. Medicare for All will cut payments to hospitals and doctors, leaving patients struggling to find care. When Americans hear the details on Medicare for All, support drops. Democrats have released a slew of plans to have Washington take over health care for every American. The plans differ in small... Continue Reading
July 31, 2019
What's Happening with Automated Vehicles?
KEY TAKEAWAYS Partially automated vehicles already are available to consumers, and eventually vehicles may be able to handle all driving that humans do today. Cities and states largely have set the rules for automated vehicle development and testing. The federal government, which regulates vehicle safety standards, is taking steps to facilitate the safe development and deployment of increasingly automated vehicles. As carmakers develop automated vehicles, the federal government will have a... Continue Reading
July 30, 2019
On the Cusp of Energy Independence
KEY TAKEAWAYS In 2018, the U.S. had its best single-year increase in energy production. American energy exports surged 64% from 2015 to 2018. For the first time since 1973, the U.S. was a net energy producer for two consecutive months, in September and October 2018. Thanks to a historic increase in energy production, the United States has very nearly achieved energy independence. U.S. energy producers broke records in 2018, including: most electricity produced by natural gas, most crude oil... Continue Reading
July 25, 2019
Understanding Pell Grants
KEY TAKEAWAYS Pell Grants are the main federal grant to help lower-income students pay for college. In 2017, Congress reinstated a provision that restored year-round Pell Grants and is designed to help students afford to remain enrolled in classes throughout the year and graduate in less time. As part of reauthorizing higher education programs, Congress may consider changes that further expand access to Pell Grants. Federal Pell Grants, which provide need-based aid to help low- and... Continue Reading
July 24, 2019
The Patchwork of Federal Data Protection Laws
KEY TAKEAWAYS There is no comprehensive federal law governing data privacy and data security; we rely on a patchwork of federal laws enacted at different times that regulate certain industries and types of data. Several Senate committees divide jurisdiction over these privacy statutes. In contrast to the European Union, the United States has no comprehensive law governing data protection. Instead, there are a number of laws that regulate specific industries and categories of data. These... Continue Reading
July 23, 2019
Registered Apprenticeships
KEY TAKEAWAYS Registered apprenticeships are one way American workers get work experience and technical skills they need for jobs that are in high demand. There were 585,000 apprentices in federal registered apprenticeships as of fiscal year 2018; and 71,700 completed a program that year. Apprenticeships help employers attract and retain workers, and they help workers certify their skills, find jobs, and increase their earnings. The U.S. economy’s unprecedented growth means more... Continue Reading
July 18, 2019
Mark Esper: Nominee for Secretary of Defense
KEY TAKEAWAYS Mark Esper has a record of service to his country and a wide range of experiences that have helped prepare him to serve as secretary of defense. A decorated veteran, he served on active duty in the Army for more than a decade, including service in the Gulf War with the 101st Airborne Division, and then served 11 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve. The Department of Defense needs a qualified and capable Senate-confirmed leader at its helm. Mark Esper has served his... Continue Reading
July 18, 2019
Balancing Drug Innovation and Marketing Competition
KEY TAKEAWAYS Patents and other protections for pharmaceutical innovation give inventors the incentive to develop new drugs, improving the health of American patients. Patents last for 20 years, beginning at the date the manufacturer files the application. Drug makers sometimes use tactics to delay less expensive alternatives from entering the market. The HELP and Judiciary committees have advanced bills to address anti-competitive behavior and encourage generic drug competition. The... Continue Reading
July 16, 2019
Judges Confirmations Update
KEY TAKEAWAYS As of today, the Senate has confirmed 42 circuit court judges, 83 district court judges, and 2 Supreme Court justices appointed by President Trump for a total of 127 judgeships. A little under a quarter of all active circuit judges are Trump appointees. By the end of this week, the Senate will likely have confirmed 37 judges since the change in post-cloture debate time on April 3 – far more than the 7 judicial confirmations in the same period of time before the change. The... Continue Reading