Heard at Heritage

Romania, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has been a steadfast ally to the United States. It sets an example in defending NATO allies from short- and medium-range ballistic missile threats as the first Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense site in Europe became operational on May 12, 2016. In addition to being a leader in the initiative of European missile defense, Romania has made remarkable contributions to the NATO alliance, including supporting NATO-led combat missions in Afghanistan. Romania has answered President Trump’s calls for burden sharing and staying committed to the NATO target of spending 2% of its GDP on defense. The country has been instrumental in maintaining security and stability in the Black Sea as a gatekeeper to the European continent.Please join H.E. George Cristian Maior, Ambassador of Romania to the United States, for a conversation on the status of U.S. missile defense efforts in Romania and the future of missile defense cooperation between the two countries in the framework of the robust Strategic Partnership they share. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The U.S. and nations of Europe are allies across a range of issues that have kept much of the world free, secure and growing in prosperity for decades since the end of World War II. Is there a future for greater such cooperation in the Indo-Pacific – particularly in the face of challenges presented by China? In areas like international trade and investment, China presents American and European capitals a dilemma. It brings capital to the table, but capital laden with state ownership and support that distorts the global economic environment, sometimes to the detriment of domestic concerns. Politically, Beijing models a system of governance that runs contrary to centuries of Western political tradition, while its growing clout gives comfort to some of the world’s most repressive regimes. And in some areas, like international maritime law, Beijing threatens to overturn standards that have underpinned not only the region’s peace and prosperity, but its own. How can the U.S. and Europe promote their common values in the face of these challenges? What is the balance between cooperation with China and opposition to the negative byproducts of its rise, and can the U.S. and Europe agree on that balance? Please, join us as we explore these question and others with a distinguished panel of experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2017 saw several serious Hurricanes strike the United States. Harvey, Irma, and Maria left destruction in their wakes requiring massive response, cleanup, and recovery efforts. The different elements of the U.S. government, together with U.S. civil society and private individuals, were called upon to meet these large tasks. With multiple large storms coming in quick succession, the ability to respond was tested in different ways – tests that can now teach policymakers what worked well and what didn’t, thus guiding future policy changes.Join us for a discussion of the 2017 hurricane season response and areas that should be improved for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, the Supreme Court will hear a case dealing with whether states can require out-of-state retailers to collect sales tax when their residents make a purchase online. The Court previously held in North Dakota v. Quill Corp. that retailers must have a physical presence in the state in order to be required to collect state sales tax. Now many states argue that in the age of Internet shopping, they are missing out on billions of dollars in lost sales tax revenue. South Dakota passed a law mandating out-of-state retailers collect and remit sales tax, directly challenging the holding in Quill. The state sued several online retailers for failing to comply with its law. In South Dakota v. Wayfair, the Supreme Court will decide whether Quill remains good law and whether states may force businesses outside their borders to collect their taxes. Join us as a panel experts discusses the legal, policy, and constitutional implications of this case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rising religious persecution is one of many symptoms of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power. The suspicious death of Li Baiguang in February 2018 was a stark reminder that persons of faith are far from safe in China. Chinese Christians, Uighur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners have long experienced persecution, but restrictions on religious freedom in China are on the rise. Join us for a discussion on the state of religious freedom in China as we consider how the U.S. can respond to alleviate the plight of religious communities living under these dire conditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Congress is considering whether to renew 26 tax provisions that expired in 2017. These include provisions relating to energy conservation and alternative energy, targeted changes to the capital cost recovery system, and renewing the rules governing the discharge of indebtedness on primary residences, tuition expenses and empowerment zones, among others.Please join us for a discussion of whether these tax provisions should be allowed to die or be given a new lease on life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The U.S. Coast Guard has a wide range of national responsibilities, from interdicting cocaine shipments and conducting search and rescue on the high seas, to enabling commerce and securing America’s ports. It protects and defends over 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways, and safeguards the largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world. It is an asset for both national security and economic prosperity, serving as a law enforcement agency, military service and member of the Intelligence Community at all times.It does this with over 56,000 members, a fleet of 243 Cutters, 201 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and over 1,600 boats. However, the fleet is aging rapidly, with many vessels years past their intended service lives and requiring extensive maintenance to remain operational. The recapitalization of the Coast Guard’s fleet is critical to ensuring it can effectively meet the demands of the nation. For example, the President’s fiscal year 2019 budget request includes $750 million for the icebreaker program; essential funds for a currently struggling program.The urgent need for a more modern and larger Coast Guard Fleet is only increasing due to the rapidly evolving maritime security environment, which places an escalating strain on the Coast Guard’s limited resources. Melting Arctic ice has provided increased access in the region for energy exploration and potential shipping lanes, resulting rapidly increasing foreign activity in U.S. territorial waters. Organized crime in the Western Hemisphere creates instability and immigration that harm American security and economic interests. In addition, the recent return to great power competition increases the Coast Guard’s support of U.S. missions around the globe. Admiral Zukunft will discuss how the Coast Guard plans to protect America’s security and prosperity in the coming years, even as the world becomes progressively more dangerous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a few weeks, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Lucia v. Securities and Exchange Commission, a case with important implications for administering government in an accountable manner. Federal agencies wield enormous power over the lives of Americans in many respects. Instead of bringing enforcement actions against individuals or businesses in federal court, agencies often opt to commence proceedings where in-house judges preside. These administrative law judges or “ALJs” make up what is sometimes called the “hidden judiciary.” They adjudicate claims, decide what evidence is admissible, and enforce penalties and compliance. Some believe ALJs are well-suited to handle these proceedings efficiently, but others believe ALJs suffer from a lack of independence because they work for the agency that initiated the proceedings. In a few weeks, the Supreme Court will decide whether they are unconstitutional. The Court will consider whether ALJs are “Officers of the United States” within the meaning of the Constitution’s Appointments Clause. Why is this a big deal? What does this mean for government accountability? And what effect might this have on thousands of enforcement actions? Please join us as an expert panel discusses this important case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.