Heard at Heritage

In 2018, The Trump Administration left the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), better known as the Iran nuclear deal, because it enabled the rogue regime’s support of terrorism, failed to address its ballistic missile program, and paved the way for Iran to have nuclear weapons in the near future.Despite Iran’s repeated violations of its commitments under the agreement, the other parties have resisted triggering provisions in U.N. Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231 to restore sanctions on Iran. Under the timeline set forth in UNSCR 2231, the U.N. arms embargo on Iran is set to expire this October. Please join us as Special Representative Brian Hook explains the dire urgency of this matter and how the U.S. can use its authority under UNSCR 2231 to trigger “snapback” sanctions and ensure that international pressure on Iran continues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2005 the United States and India signed a historic civil nuclear deal. The agreement, and the ten-year defense partnership that accompanied it, provided a major boost to the emerging strategic partnership with India nurtured by the George W. Bush administration. It also jump-started the long process of welcoming India into the international club of accepted nuclear powers. Fifteen years later, join us as we look back on the consequences and implications of that landmark agreement and review the ongoing challenges and opportunities in India-U.S. nuclear cooperation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Socialism appears to be on the rise, increasingly appealing to younger generations as both an economic and moral ‘solution.’ Despite the proven economic benefits from capitalism, socialism is being touted as more virtuous. How can we re-frame and show that free markets aren’t just better for the economy, but they are key to the pursuit of happiness, freedom, and prosperity? Join us for an engaging conversation with two leading experts on how to defend free markets and combat socialism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For over 25 years, The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom has been a mainstay in policy discussions in Washington D.C. and around the world. It is a clear example of why free markets and liberty matter when it comes to building a flourishing society. Using the Index’s metrics, Heritage has produced a new report that spells out what the U.S. needs to do to not only increase its ranking, but also to increase the quality of life for families across the country. This Special Report offers state and federal policymakers a blueprint for returning America from a ranking of “Mostly Free” to “Free.” Join us for a discussion where we will hear perspectives from lawmakers, grassroots, and policy makers in Washington, D.C., as they determine which reforms provide the biggest opportunity for increased economic freedom and prosperity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China’s growing role in Latin America and the Caribbean has been magnified and accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis, but even before the pandemic, China was moving beyond economic ties to advancing a comprehensive agenda for engagement. Now, urgent questions are being asked about China’s role in regional recovery, and the shape of post-pandemic hemispheric relations. Is China the savior some are hoping for, even promoting? What are the regional implications for economic recovery, democracy, and the rule of law of an increasing Chinese profile? And what can the United States do to support long term prosperity and security in the Americas? Join us as we explore these and other pressing matters addressing the China challenge in the Americas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rise of China is the most persistent and consequential challenge that will confront the United States for the next several decades. Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, China served as an irresponsible global actor, who destabilized and undermined the peace and prosperity of the free world. Evidence for this was seen day-to-day on a range of American interests, stretching from freedom of the seas to the security of its allies and even security at home, particularly in cyberspace. Moving forward, U.S. policymakers will have to manage the U.S. response to China in concert with America’s other global priorities, interests, and responsibilities. Join us for a discussion on how the U.S. can keep Americans free, safe and prosperous, while also pushing for world-wide transparency of the Chinese Communist Party’s mendacious actions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To help fight and rapidly respond to the coronavirus pandemic facing our nation, the Trump administration and state and local governments have suspended over 400 rules and regulations. These have included lifting rules to streamline testing, allowing state reciprocity for medical licenses, relaxing HIPAA requirements to allow for telemedicine, permitting non-hospital sites to be used for patient care, and even waiving restrictions for distilled spirits companies to produce much needed hand sanitizer. These are just a handful of the many burdensome rules and regulations that have been waived. Perhaps we ought to consider whether many of them were necessary in the first place. As we hopefully move beyond the current crisis in the near future, we must reconsider regulatory policies that have been proven to reduce innovation and efficiency.Join us for a conversation with two esteemed United States Senators, as we discuss the possibility of permanently removing some of these regulatory barriers, especially in the areas of healthcare and occupational licensing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hong Kong made headlines last year as ordinary citizens took to the streets to defend their basic liberties against infringements from Beijing. While the protests have faded, China’s attacks continue—this time against the backdrop of the distractions of COVID-19. Just this week, pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of the Hong Kong Legislative Council because they objected to a proposed bill that would criminalize disrespect for the Chinese national anthem. Like the extradition bill that sparked 2019 protests, current legislation could further erode the independence of Hong Kong’s key institutions and values. Join us for a discussion with some of Hong Kong’s key pro-democracy leaders to learn more about the current situation and what the U.S. can do to preserve liberty in Hong Kong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Heritage Foundation is leading the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission and recently made a set of recommendations—one of which includes ensuring that front line clinicians are able to share emerging information in real time. Each day, these clinicians are developing new understandings about the disease and how best to treat it, but are struggling to get the information out to other providers in real-time to help fight this crisis. What have these frontline clinicians learned? How are these clinicians sharing their experiences with one another? How can this information be collected, disseminated and used to update “best practice” treatment guidelines? Are there immediate steps the government can take to make an impact with COVID-19? Please join us for a discussion with frontline and clinical experts in the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

States are facing severe fiscal pressures stemming from the unprecedented self-imposed economic freeze, with many quickly depleting rainy day funds. To help states and municipalities avoid the immediate consequences of the plunge in tax revenue, the Federal Reserve is purchasing massive amounts of state and local debt. The federal government has stepped in to help with the jump in state health care spending. Now, some state politicians are warning of steep budget cuts without a massive federal government bailout. Left unsaid is that even a 10 percent cut in state government budgets would leave many with higher inflation-adjusted, per capita spending than before the last recession. Join us as our experts examine the situation facing the states, the problem of local government insolvency, and the repercussions of increased involvement by the federal government and the Federal Reserve. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.