Search Results

Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term in January, the United States has been on the right track to ending human trafficking. Several states are following the administration’s lead and are taking action to not only end human trafficking but also provide support for victims at the state level.   Arkansas, its state legislature and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is one of the best examples of this progress.     Human trafficking is a multi-faceted issue. The first step to addressing these horrific crimes is ending this modern-day slavery through a secure border that makes trafficking more difficult and enforcing laws that hold traffickers accountable for their crimes.     The next step is just as important – supporting the victims of this egregious crime. Not only are victims often left with trauma, mental struggles, and limited to no resources for restarting their lives, but many are also left with a criminal record. 62% of trafficking victims will be arrested and 80% of those arrests occur while they are under the influence of their trafficker.     Trafficking victims are often cited, arrested, and detained by law enforcement for crimes, such as prostitution, truancy, and curfew violations, that they are coerced into by their traffickers and would not otherwise commit. Victims’ encounters with the justice system that are a direct result of their trafficking often cause distrust of the justice system, throw them into a cycle of crime, and prevent them from receiving the help they need to escape trafficking and embark on a productive and safe life.     Thankfully, Arkansas’ Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Restoration Act aims to remedy this.     Introduced by State Senator Missy Irvin (75% CPAC Lifetime Rating), this conservative-led, but bipartisan effort would provide relief for victims of child trafficking who are coerced into other crimes and face significant financial and physical challenges after years of abuse.  The bill seeks to view those who committed crimes as a direct result of their trafficking as victims and consider their circumstances and trauma when evaluating their cases.     CPAC’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking has been working with the lawmakers, law enforcement leaders, and partner organizations like Human Rights for Kids to get this commonsense policy passed.  The act would make tremendous progress toward helping victims break free from trafficking and the cycle of crime to pursue a meaningful life as a free individual.    Our Center is prioritizing policies that provide support for the survivors of these horrific crimes which have exploded after years of the Biden administration neglecting our border crisis and refusing to prosecute traffickers. Laws like these give legal relief to survivors and provide resources so these incredible young men and women can repair their lives.   CPAC’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking is proud to join victim advocates, law enforcement, and survivors of human traffickers in supporting the Child Trafficking Victims Protection and Restoration Act in the Arkansas state legislature and look forward to advancing similar proposals around conservative states across our country.

In a major win for regulatory freedom, EPA Secretary Lee Zeldin announced on March 12 that the EPA will be initiating the largest deregulation in history.   “The Environmental Protection Agency is initiating 31 historic actions to fulfill President Trump’s promise to unleash American energy, revitalize our auto industry, restore the rule of law, and give power back to the states. The EPA will be reconsidering many suffocating rules that restrict nearly every sector of our economy and cost Americans trillions of dollars,” said Secretary Zeldin in a video statement.   As part of this historic deregulation, the Trump EPA will be rolling back woke climate policies of the Biden administration that bogged down the American energy industry and drove up prices of goods for consumers.   “Today, the green new scam ends as the EPA does its part to usher in the golden age of American success,” stated Zeldin.  The EPA is starting by terminating the Biden-Harris electric vehicle mandate that would have required the majority of light-duty vehicles to be electric by 2032. The Trump EPA plans to reevaluate two other regulations, the Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles regulation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles, restrictions that cost the country an estimated $700 billion.   Zeldin also announced his intention to end the environmental justice and DEI programs of the EPA and the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Social Cost of Carbon” that promoted exaggerated statistics to justify denying permits, discourage the use of fossil fuels, and overall, stall the American economy and energy industry.    Just the elimination of these regulations will make strides to open up the American economy, but the Trump EPA is not stopping there. It also plans to rework regulations that inhibited coal-fired plants, oil and gas development, and domestic manufacturing.    ”Our actions will lower the cost of living by making it more affordable to purchase a car, heat your home, and operate a business. Jobs will be created, especially in the U.S. auto industry and our nation will become stronger for it,” promised Zeldin.   In a policy brief, CPAC’s Center for Regulatory Freedom urged that the 2009 Endangerment Finding be one of those regulations reconsidered and ultimately, rescinded by the EPA. The 2009 Endangerment Finding is an unscientific and climate alarmism-driven finding that was the basis for the Biden-Harris administration’s “Social Cost of Carbon” and has been used to justify unnecessary regulations on emissions.   In addition to reconsidering and rescinding existing regulations like these, CPAC urges Secretary Zeldin and the EPA to put a freeze on new rulemaking. Many rules that are currently in the pipeline are left over from the Biden-Harris administration and would only further promote climate alarmism and put shackles on domestic industry. Halting the rulemaking process is imperative to ensure the EPA’s historic deregulation efforts are not undermined.   With the current plans for deregulation and CPAC’s recommendations for rescinding radical regulations and pausing rulemaking, the EPA will be on the right track to serve the interests of the American people. The agency was the largest contributor to the Biden-Harris administration’s regulatory costs, spending a whopping $1.3 trillion on climate change.   Now, it’s Congress’ turn to take action that supports the deregulatory work in the EPA. Congress needs to revisit existing legislation, specifically the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, and clarify terms such as “hazardous air pollutants” and “waters of the U.S.” It also needs to use checks and balances to establish clear parameters for the EPA and rein in the administrative state.   States, too, need to cooperate with the deregulation effort and accept the power the EPA is handing back to them by establishing committees to oversee water and air quality and set environmental standards based on each state’s needs.    Secretary Zeldin and the EPA’s latest announcement is a major step in the right direction. Now, Congress and the states need to follow suit.

On Friday, February 21st, 2025, attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) gathered to discuss one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of conservative governance: regulatory reform. Moderated by conservative commentator Scottie Nell Hughes, the panel included myself (Andrew Langer, Director of the CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom), Wayne Crews, Fred L. Smith Fellow in Regulatory Studies at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), and Matthew Jensen, Director of the Office for Fiscal and Regulatory Analysis at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). The panel focused on the economic burden of government regulation, the urgent need for substantial deregulation, and specific strategies for restoring congressional authority over our bloated administrative state. Scottie Nell Hughes kicked off the panel by highlighting Governor Doug Burgum’s powerful statement that "we need to embrace innovation over regulation to solve the challenges of the 21st century." This set the tone for an invigorating conversation focused squarely on the imperative for reducing federal overreach to reinvigorate economic freedom and prosperity. Early in the discussion, Wayne Crews, an authority in the field, emphasized the growth and danger of “regulatory dark matter,” a term he coined referring to the countless guidance documents, notices, bulletins, and informal interpretations issued by federal agencies without congressional oversight or adequate transparency. As Crews outlined, regulatory dark matter is often far more pervasive than formal regulations and insidiously bypasses established procedures like notice-and-comment rulemaking required by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This undermines democratic accountability and has severe economic consequences. As the conversation unfolded, we addressed the enormous fiscal impact of regulations. Matthew Jensen presented alarming data indicating that federal regulations impose an annual cost between $2 to $4 trillion, significantly hindering GDP growth, employment opportunities, and innovation. Jensen emphasized the hidden "opportunity cost" of regulations—how every dollar or hour businesses spend complying with bureaucratic mandates detracts significantly from productive investment and innovation. Citing research, Jensen noted that regulations potentially reduce GDP by at least 25%, equating to more than a trillion dollars annually in lost economic output and revenue. Building on Jensen’s points, I stressed how the Biden administration had aggressively expanded regulations using a "whole-of-government" approach, embedding regulatory agendas in traditionally unrelated agencies. From energy regulations handled by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to infringements on religious freedom managed by the Department of Education, the regulatory state metastasized under Biden. I specifically criticized recent Biden-era offshore drilling regulations designed explicitly to stifle economic growth, suggesting these regulations are prime targets for immediate rollback. The panel also delved into the landmark Supreme Court decision overturning the Chevron Doctrine—a ruling that historically granted extensive deference to federal agency interpretations of law. This ruling, known as Looper Bright, restores legislative authority explicitly back to Congress. I explained how overturning Chevron opens opportunities for Congress to reassert its constitutionally mandated legislative powers, curb excessive regulatory interpretations by unelected bureaucrats, and reinstate democratic accountability in government decision-making. Wayne Crews contributed valuable insights into President Trump’s ambitious regulatory reform initiatives. He highlighted Trump’s powerful new executive order—"one in, ten out"—which mandates that for every new federal regulation implemented, ten existing regulations must be repealed. Additionally, Trump expanded the scope of regulatory review to include historically independent agencies like the FCC and FTC, drastically limiting their unilateral regulatory power. Such measures represent monumental steps forward in limiting the regulatory state and bolstering economic liberty. Our conversation recognized that the regulatory battle extends beyond mere reduction—it requires the abolition of certain agencies and permanent curtailment of regulatory authority. Crews articulated this clearly, warning that temporary deregulation measures alone cannot guarantee lasting freedom from government overreach. Instead, the complete dismantling of unnecessary agencies, along with the legislative repeal of enabling statutes that empower bureaucratic expansion, remains imperative. The REINS Act—requiring explicit congressional approval for significant regulations—was highlighted as a crucial legislative tool for maintaining deregulatory gains. At this juncture, it's crucial to highlight the groundbreaking framework recently outlined by Wayne Crews on the CEI blog, titled "Let the Deconstruction Commence." Crews' innovative "Hierarchy of Deconstruction" details a strategic roadmap that Congress should follow to dismantle the entrenched administrative state systematically. His hierarchy emphasizes crucial initial actions such as immediately freezing regulatory pipelines, using the Congressional Review Act to reject recently enacted major regulations, and aggressively rolling back Obama-era "regulatory dark matter." Crews emphasizes targeting so-called "sub-major" rules, underscoring the pervasive and often underestimated economic impacts these minor-seeming rules impose. His framework strongly advocates placing independent regulatory agencies under direct OMB oversight, ending indirect regulatory practices via federal grants, and ultimately abolishing redundant or harmful agencies altogether. Importantly, Crews' framework aligns perfectly with President Trump’s recent executive actions aimed explicitly at empowering agency-level "Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Team Leads" to initiate agency dismantling. Crews persuasively argues that true deregulation means removing the structural foundations of the regulatory state, not merely trimming around its edges. His blog meticulously illustrates that meaningful reform demands Congress reclaim its law-making authority decisively and permanently, rejecting the status quo of regulatory creep. Back at CPAC, Matthew Jensen’s perspective complemented Crews’ framework by emphasizing the need to consider regulations' fiscal impact when leveraging legislative strategies like budget reconciliation. Jensen articulated a nuanced strategy that not only makes a compelling economic case for deregulation but also strategically employs legislative maneuvers to achieve sustainable regulatory reforms. This combination—of executive orders, legislative precision, and fiscal justification—creates a formidable front for conservatives seeking lasting regulatory freedom. The panel concluded on a crucial acknowledgment: achieving lasting deregulation requires vigilance, political courage, and a willingness to confront the entrenched interests benefiting from regulatory bloat. Behind every harmful regulation lies a lobbying group or special interest profiting from government intrusion. Breaking these chains necessitates persistent efforts, continuous public education, and unwavering commitment to restoring constitutional governance. At its heart, the CPAC 2025 Regulatory Panel wasn’t merely an academic debate—it was a clarion call for sustained action. As I concluded at the conference, conservatives must seize the moment afforded by President Trump's recent executive orders and Supreme Court victories to embed lasting regulatory reform. Combining Wayne Crews’ strategic "Hierarchy of Deconstruction," Matthew Jensen’s fiscal rigor, and the political determination emphasized by Scottie Nell Hughes, we have a clear, actionable blueprint for change. As conservatives, our mandate moving forward is crystal clear: We must aggressively reclaim congressional authority, abolish unaccountable bureaucratic power, and institutionalize permanent constraints on the administrative state. The roadmap articulated at CPAC 2025 provides us not merely with hope—but a realistic strategy to restore the constitutional governance and economic liberty America was founded upon. Now is the time for bold action. The regulatory state will not dismantle itself, nor will entrenched interests quietly surrender their privileges. By working together to follow the roadmap detailed at CPAC—and powerfully reinforced by Wayne Crews' insightful "Let the Deconstruction Commence" blog—we will reclaim American prosperity, restore government accountability, and ensure lasting freedom from regulatory tyranny. The future of our economic liberty depends on it.

Trump approval numbers are through the roof with Democrats. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is poised to challenge Chuck Schumer in four years. A Minnesota candidate and waiter compares a 10% tip to slavery. Matt and Mercedes Schlapp react to all this and more on this edition of Schlapp Down.  “It takes a few years longer sometimes for it to really become clear to people how crazy they are and now the cake has been baked on the fact that socialism wokeism, DEI, it really wasn’t about helping those people they said needed an extra kind of like boost or needed some special treatment,” said Matt Schlapp on the Trump’s high approval numbers among Democrats. “It was really all about them ripping apart this whole American fabric, and I think it took a while for the voters to get that, but man, have they figured it out.”  Some Democrats, however, are holding on to their extremism as demonstrated by unhinged personalities on social media advocating for mandatory tips for servers and for the assassination of President Trump. Watch the Schlapps’ full reaction to these issues and more on social media @CPAC.

A trend is sweeping social media reporting that Gen Z and the following generations are unable to read. Statistics from the National Report Card back this up, showing that only 1/3 of students are doing reading and math on grade level. But is this reality truly surprising when public school curriculum is focused on DEI, LGBTQ, and anti-America propaganda rather than reading, writing, and arithmetic? Education reform activists Erika Donalds and Jack Brewer and Senior Vice President of Communications at the Alliance Defending Freedom Billy Atwell weighed in on the state of the American education system and what needs to be done to fix it on a panel at CPAC in DC 2025. "The public education system in America has literally failed the American people," stated Donalds. "It hasn't lived up to the promise where we, parents, were told, 'If you send your child to this school for eight hours a day, we're going to teach them to read and do math and achieve their own American Dream.' That was a lie." Instead, public schools are actively inhibiting students' abilities to succeed by peddling the woke ideology of victimhood. "I have a little girl in one of my programs, she literally went to class, she got an F on a math exam, and the teacher told her that it's ok because she's a little black girl and that she doesn't have the ability to do this math, telling the girl that math is racist," recounted Brewer. So, what can be done? Brewer and Donalds called the audience to “testify” and “talk about these things in the public square” and pointed to a larger problem at the root of the education crisis: not a political issue, but a spiritual issue. “Donald Trump can only do so much,” concluded Brewer. “We need the Church to take a stand." The future of a competent and effective education system lies in the hands of parents who believe in traditional, family values and advocate for their children's needs. "You need to take care of your own children first," urged Donalds. "Then, do things for your community. Run for school board." As taxpaying citizens whose hard earned money is funding the corrupt and incompetent public schools, even parents who are homeschooling their children or sending their children to private school have a place on school boards across the country. The American education system is badly broken and it's up to parents to advocate for their children's future, for school choice, and education reform. Watch the full panel from CPAC in DC 2025 on Rumble @CPAC.

It’s happening again. Somewhere in the halls of Washington, a group of bureaucrats is once again deciding they know better than the American people. This time, they’re targeting something as American as apple pie: soda. And in doing so, they’re threatening to unravel the very coalition that made Donald Trump’s movement a force to be reckoned with. For those who have been paying attention, this is nothing new. The administrative state has been eroding personal freedom for decades, chipping away at individual choice under the guise of “public health.” From Michelle Obama’s school lunch fiasco to the left’s relentless war on red meat, the political class loves to tell regular Americans what they can and cannot consume. But what’s shocking this time is that some Republicans —yes, the supposed party of freedom—are pushing for restrictions on what people can buy with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, particularly when it comes to soft drinks. This move is not just bad policy; it’s a political disaster in the making. This issue was front and center at CPAC 2025 , where I joined a panel with Guy Bentley, a fierce advocate for consumer freedom, and Gabriella Hoffman, a leading conservative voice on economic liberty . We broke down why this push to police grocery carts is not just bad policy—it’s politically suicidal for the Republican Party . Trump Built a Winning Coalition—And This Move Undermines It Donald Trump didn’t win in 2016 by catering to the GOP’s traditional country club base. He won by bringing in working-class Americans, the very people that the political class ignored for decades. Truck drivers, construction workers, suburban moms juggling three jobs—they all rallied behind Trump because he spoke their language. He understood that government’s job isn’t to micromanage people’s lives but to empower them  to make their own choices. The left spent decades trying to convince Middle America that it needed Washington’s permission to live their lives. Trump shattered that narrative, giving people their dignity back.  Now, some, including nominal Republicans, want to snatch that away, telling hard-working Americans that they can’t buy a Coke with their own government benefits—benefits, mind you, that they’ve paid into through taxes for years. This isn’t about fiscal conservatism or fighting wasteful spending. It’s about control. It’s about a handful of out-of-touch politicians deciding that working-class Americans aren’t responsible enough to make their own dietary decisions. And if we let them get away with this now, what’s next? A ban on burgers? Limits on how much red meat you can buy per month? If that sounds far-fetched, just look at the kind of food mandates being pushed in Europe. The “War on Soda” is a Trojan Horse for More Government Control Anyone who has been following the steady creep of the nanny state knows exactly how this works. First, they push through a “reasonable” restriction—like banning the use of food stamps for soda. Then, they expand the scope, going after anything they deem “unhealthy.” Soon enough, you’re living in a world where government bureaucrats decide your grocery list. We’ve already seen how this plays out. Remember New York City’s infamous soda tax? The government swore it was about public health, but in reality, it was nothing more than a money grab. The same thing happened with tobacco. Once the government got a foothold, they never stopped expanding their reach. Even worse, restrictions on SNAP spending won’t solve  any of the issues the bureaucrats claim they will. Study after study has shown that soda bans do nothing  to curb obesity. People just shift their purchases to other sugary products. If a person wants a soda, they’ll find a way to get one. The only real impact will be more government interference in people’s lives—something that Trump’s movement was built to fight against, not promote. This is a Gift to the Left—and They Know It There’s a reason supposed anti-establishment figures are seizing on this issue.  They know that every time the government overreaches, they have an opportunity to gain support from everyday Americans. And if Republicans hand them this talking point on a silver platter, they will  use it--and there's nothing more "establishment" than expanding government power. Take a look at what’s happening in the media. The Wall Street Journal  has already pointed out how some are weaponizing this issue against Trump and the GOP, positioning themselves as the champions of personal freedom and consumer choice, a move that could siphon working-class votes away from the Trump coalition in this year's off-cycle elections and beyond. This is exactly how the Democrats play the long game. They bait Republicans into supporting what they tout as benign, well-intentioned policies, knowing full well that the public will see it for what it is—another example of big government telling them how to live.  Then, when the backlash comes, they will try to peel off support from independents, disaffected Republicans, and working-class voters who feel betrayed. We cannot  afford to let them win this messaging war. Warnings Laid Out at CPAC 2025 At CPAC 2025 , the panel featuring CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom Director Andrew Langer, Guy Bentley from Reason, and Gabriella Hoffman from IWF  tackled the growing debate over government control in food policy, particularly the push to restrict soda purchases for SNAP recipients . The discussion centered on the broader implications of bureaucratic overreach , with panelists warning that such policies mirror the nanny-state tactics of the Left . They emphasized that conservatives should resist government-imposed choices , arguing that these restrictions not only undermine personal freedom but also alienate the very working-class voters who helped reshape the Republican Party under Trump . The elitist effort to regulate food aid purchases, they pointed out, is part of a larger trend toward government micromanagement that conservatives should reject . The panelists highlighted the political risks of supporting SNAP restrictions , explaining that such policies erode the MAGA coalition  by targeting lower-income and working-class Americans—many of whom are core Trump supporters. While some GOP officials, including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, have expressed interest in these restrictions , the panel argued that this approach could hand the Democrats a populist argument against Republicans . Rather than dictating consumer choices, they suggested that conservatives should advocate for policies that expand access to better food options  rather than penalizing people for their purchases. The discussion also critiqued the growing trend of government interference in markets and consumer behavior , using examples like previous soda taxes and bans on menthol cigarettes  as evidence that these top-down interventions consistently backfire . The panelists made it clear that the conservative movement must remain committed to individual choice and free-market principles , warning that embracing progressive-style food regulations would undermine the very ideology that fuels the Right’s success . They urged the audience to push back against these restrictions before they become entrenched in conservative policymaking , ensuring that the Republican Party stays true to its populist, pro-freedom roots . The Real Conservative Approach: Get Government Out of the Way If Republicans are truly serious about fixing issues related to public health and personal responsibility, here’s a radical idea: let people make their own choices. Rather than banning soda from SNAP, how about encouraging economic policies that reduce dependency on government programs altogether?  Instead of micromanaging grocery purchases, why not focus on job creation, economic growth, and lowering the cost of living  so that fewer people need food assistance in the first place? Trump’s economic agenda—cutting taxes, bringing back jobs, deregulating industries—was wildly successful in achieving exactly that. The fastest way to get people off of food stamps isn’t through restrictions and mandates ; it’s by empowering them with real economic opportunity.

President Trump is doubling down on his tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, imposing a 25% tariff on all aluminum and steel imports. He is even threatening a 200% tax on alcohol from European Union countries in response to the EU’s tariffs on American textiles, beef, bourbon, and more. By doubling down, Trump is showing the kind of leadership Americans have been starved for over the last four years.   These tariffs are America First tariffs. They are the President of the United States standing up for the American people on the world stage for the first time since Trump’s first term.   For decades, America has acted as the world’s piggy bank. Thanks to the Washington establishment, we’ve been taken advantage of and our hard-earned tax dollars given away to foreign nations who squander it and fail to return to the support when we need it.   Trump’s tariffs are shaking up the status quo. They are challenging Canada and Mexico to be supportive neighbors and countries like Ireland to be good allies while putting our enemies, like China, in check.   Securing our borders was one of the many reasons the American people put President Trump back in the White House. The drug epidemic that resulted from the open border is not just an American problem. It’s an international problem. Mexican cartels are smuggling China- and Canada-made fentanyl over our borders to claim the lives of more victims.   Trump’s tariffs are putting overdue pressure on the countries complicit in this tragedy to contribute to the solution.   At the same time, the tariffs are poised to be the catalyst for an American industrial boom.   Swamp leaders have not only sent American funds overseas for decades but American jobs too. Trump’s tariffs put a stop to that while ending unbalance trade agreements. Corporations are moving to the United States to avoid the tariffs, bringing jobs and economic opportunity.   Current trade agreements are upside down. Many disproportionately favor other countries while disadvantaging the United States. Trump’s tariffs are an effort to correct these agreements and advocate for free, fair, and reciprocal trade.   In doing so, President Trump is fulfilling his promise of standing up for the American worker, making American communities safer, and strengthening the United States’ position on the world stage.  Trump’s tariffs are the America First solution that will make America safe, strong, and prosperous again.

CPAC is proud to introduce its latest issue-based center, the CPAC Center to Combat Antisemitism.   CPAC has long been a supporter of a close U.S.-Israel relationship and Israeli independence. When pro-Hamas protests broke out on college campuses, CPAC was one of the few organizations to publicly condemn the protests and called for the defunding of universities that allowed antisemitic activities. When big corporations like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks made major donations to the antisemitic Black Lives Matter Inc., CPAC petitioned for the leaders of these corporations to immediately disavow and cut off their support of Black Lives Matter groups.  At CPAC in DC 2025 and this year’s International Summit, we welcomed Israeli Minister for the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, who spoke on the importance of U.S.-Israel relations and Israel winning the war with Hamas. We also welcomed family members of Israeli hostages at CPAC in DC 2025. They shared the horrific truth of Hamas and the threat the Israeli people face from terrorist groups.   The CPAC Center to Combat Antisemitism is a natural addition to the work CPAC already does to end hate and bigotry. In the coming weeks, CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp and CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp will be speaking at the International Conference on Combatting Antisemitism hosted by Minister Chikli in Israel where they will send the message of solidarity between the American conservative movement and Israel.

For conservatives across America, few issues are more pressing in 2025 than the need to extend and make permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a panel discussion titled Keeping More of What You Earn: Trump’s Tax Cuts for America  addressed this critical issue. Moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes, the panel featured insights from Andrew Langer , Director of the Center for Regulatory Freedom at CPAC; Pete Sepp , President of the National Taxpayers Union; and Sandra Asuncion , Government Affairs Director at the American Principles Project. The discussion underscored the necessity of extending the TCJA before its key provisions expire on December 31, 2025 , and the risks of negotiating away essential tax relief measures in the reconciliation process. Why the TCJA Matters for American Families and Businesses Sandra Asuncion opened the discussion by highlighting how the TCJA significantly benefited working families. She pointed out that the child tax credit doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 , standard deductions increased, and tax rates were cut across the board—providing the average American an additional $1,400 in take-home income  annually. She emphasized that a failure to extend these provisions would lead to a significant financial burden on millions of Americans , particularly those already struggling with inflation and rising costs of living. Andrew Langer focused on the business impact of the TCJA , explaining that the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%  led to increased business investment, job creation, and wage growth. He noted that many small businesses took advantage of the 20% pass-through deduction , allowing entrepreneurs to reinvest in their businesses and their employees. If Congress fails to act, these businesses will face higher tax burdens, stifling innovation and economic growth. Pete Sepp detailed why the TCJA was temporary, explaining that it was passed under budget reconciliation rules , meaning key provisions had to expire after ten years unless extended. He warned that if the tax cuts are not renewed, individual tax rates will revert to their pre-2017 levels , leading to a massive tax hike for middle-class Americans. The Economic Risks of Letting the TCJA Expire The panelists all agreed that failing to extend the TCJA would be economically disastrous : For individuals:  Every tax bracket would increase, leaving families with less disposable income and increasing their financial strain. For businesses:  Corporate tax rate hikes and the loss of small business deductions would result in reduced hiring, layoffs, and higher prices for consumers. For the economy:  A recent National Association of Manufacturers study  found that failing to extend the TCJA would cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion in lost GDP and 5.9 million fewer jobs. Sandra Asuncion warned that while many Americans do not realize the tax cuts are set to expire , they will feel the impact in early 2026  when they file their tax returns. She called on conservatives to raise awareness and pressure lawmakers to act. The Role of Budget Reconciliation in Extending the TCJA Andrew Langer and Pete Sepp addressed the political strategy  for extending the tax cuts, specifically through budget reconciliation . Since Republicans control both chambers of Congress, reconciliation would allow them to extend the TCJA with a simple majority vote, avoiding a Democratic filibuster . However, both panelists warned that some lawmakers may seek to compromise by rolling back key provisions  to gain bipartisan support. Dangerous concessions could include: Raising the corporate tax rate above 21% , hurting American businesses and workers. Weakening or eliminating the small business 20% deduction , increasing taxes on millions of entrepreneurs. Rolling back the R&D tax credit , harming U.S. innovation and global competitiveness. Reducing the scope of the Child Tax Credit , taking thousands of dollars away from families. The panel strongly advised against these compromises, arguing that Republicans should not negotiate away tax relief that has fueled economic growth . Debunking the Myth: Did the TCJA Increase the Deficit? A common criticism of the TCJA is that it increased the deficit. However, Pete Sepp refuted this claim, stating that federal revenues actually increased after the passage of the TCJA . He emphasized that the real issue is out-of-control government spending—not tax cuts. In 2024, the federal government collected over $5 trillion in revenue , yet Congress continued to spend at record levels, with a budget exceeding $7 trillion . Sepp argued that rather than raising taxes, lawmakers should focus on cutting unnecessary government spending and prioritizing fiscal responsibility. What Conservatives Can Do to Protect the TCJA The panel concluded with a call to action , urging conservatives to mobilize support for the TCJA’s extension. Pete Sepp emphasized that lawmakers need to hear from their constituents now , before negotiations are finalized. He encouraged attendees to: Call and email their representatives  to demand tax certainty. Spread awareness  about the impending tax hikes. Support advocacy groups  fighting to keep the TCJA in place. Sandra Asuncion stressed that 94% of Americans are unaware  that the TCJA will expire soon, but 100% will feel the impact if nothing is done. She urged conservative activists to educate their communities and hold Congress accountable . Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now The 2025 CPAC tax panel made it clear: Congress must extend and make permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to prevent a devastating tax increase on American families and businesses . The panelists provided compelling evidence that the TCJA has fueled economic growth, increased wages, and strengthened small businesses. However, they also warned that the fight is far from over—conservatives must push back against compromises that would water down the effectiveness of the tax cuts . With millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in economic activity at stake, Republicans must prioritize tax relief and economic certainty . The future of the U.S. economy depends on it.

For decades, conservatives have focused on spending cuts, tax reform, and budgetary discipline as the primary levers to rein in the federal deficit and drive economic growth. However, one of the most significant, yet frequently overlooked, factors affecting both federal spending and economic performance is regulation . Regulations don’t just impose compliance costs on businesses; they also have profound fiscal consequences for government spending, procurement, and revenue collection . During a recent episode of my Federal Newswire Lunch Hour podcast , AFPI's Matthew Jensen and I discussed the fiscal burden of regulatory overreach  and how deregulation can be a powerful tool for deficit reduction. More importantly, we explored how Congressional reconciliation  presents a unique opportunity to roll back costly regulations while achieving spending reductions. The Fiscal Cost of Overregulation When people talk about regulations, they often focus on how they increase compliance costs for businesses, slow job growth, and hinder innovation . What’s often ignored is the fact that federal regulations impose direct costs on government spending . Agencies must enforce and oversee  these rules, which means hiring more bureaucrats, developing new reporting systems, and allocating resources to compliance and enforcement efforts. The Biden administration’s unprecedented regulatory expansion  has compounded these costs, driving federal outlays even higher. During our conversation, Jensen agreed with the CPAC Center for Regulatory Freedom's assessment that federal regulatory costs have doubled from $2.25 trillion to over $4 trillion annually  under the Biden administration. That’s a massive drain on the economy, and a significant portion of this burden falls on the federal budget itself . Regulatory requirements drive up the cost of government procurement, inflate entitlement expenditures, and reduce economic activity that would otherwise generate tax revenue. Regulation and the Federal Deficit At a time when federal spending continues to outpace revenues , cutting unnecessary regulations can provide a much-needed fiscal boost. Currently, the federal government collects around $5 trillion annually in revenue  but spends over $7 trillion , creating a $2 trillion deficit  that will only grow larger if spending isn’t brought under control. Eliminating costly and redundant regulations can have two immediate effects : Reduce direct government spending  – Fewer regulations mean fewer bureaucrats needed to enforce them, lower procurement costs, and streamlined government operations. Boost revenue through economic growth  – Cutting excessive regulations spurs job creation, innovation, and investment, leading to higher tax revenues without raising rates. Using the Reconciliation Process to Achieve Regulatory Reform A major takeaway from our discussion was how budget reconciliation  can serve as a vehicle for meaningful regulatory reform . Reconciliation is a powerful legislative tool  that allows Congress to pass budget-related measures with a simple majority vote , bypassing the filibuster in the Senate. Traditionally, reconciliation has been used to address tax and spending policies , but as there is a strong case for including regulatory rollbacks in future reconciliation bills . Here’s why: Regulations impose direct fiscal costs  by increasing government spending—making them budgetary in nature . The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)  should be tasked with evaluating the fiscal impact of regulations , providing data that supports their inclusion in reconciliation efforts. Deregulation stimulates economic growth , which directly affects federal revenues—a clear budgetary consideration. The Opportunity for a Pro-Growth, Pro-Taxpayer Agenda With President Trump back in the White House and a Republican-controlled Congress, there is an unprecedented opportunity  to use reconciliation to not only extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)  but also pursue aggressive deregulation . Trump’s second term has been framed around cutting red tape, reducing regulatory burdens, and unleashing economic potential . The same reconciliation bill that extends tax cuts can and should include provisions to eliminate wasteful regulations . Key Deregulatory Priorities for Congress Eliminating Outdated and Costly Regulations  – Many regulations currently on the books were upheld under the old Chevron deference standard , which allowed federal agencies broad discretion  in interpreting laws. Now that Chevron is being reconsidered by the courts, it is time for Congress to revisit and repeal regulations that lack a strong statutory foundation . Reducing Regulatory Dark Matter  – Trump’s first term took significant steps toward limiting the impact of so-called “regulatory dark matter” —guidance documents, memos, and informal agency rules that have the force of law but bypass Congressional oversight. Congress should codify Trump’s reforms into law  to permanently restrain bureaucratic overreach. Streamlining Environmental Permitting  – Major infrastructure projects have been stalled due to excessive environmental regulations. Congress should use reconciliation to overhaul the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)  and related statutes that create unnecessary delays and increase costs. Aligning Regulatory Cuts with Fiscal Goals  – Congress should mandate that OMB include cost-benefit analyses of regulations in budget reports . This would make it easier to identify and repeal rules that drive up federal spending . Research from AFPI and the Case for Action An incredibly important and helpful development in the push for regulatory reform is the fiscal modeling work  being done at AFPI’s Center for American Prosperity . Matthew Jensen and his colleagues have developed new methodologies to quantify the exact fiscal impact of regulations , making it easier for lawmakers to justify including deregulation in reconciliation packages. This research has already provided compelling evidence  that cutting excessive regulations could shrink the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade —all without raising taxes or cutting essential services. Deregulation is not just about reducing bureaucracy , but also about reducing government waste and improving budgetary efficiency . A Path Forward As Congress prepares its next reconciliation package , conservatives must ensure that regulatory reform is front and center . Eliminating wasteful regulations is one of the most effective ways to reduce federal spending, shrink the deficit, and grow the economy —all while restoring individual liberty  and reducing government interference in the private sector . The Biden administration left us with an unprecedented regulatory state , one that has doubled in cost and is dragging down economic productivity. Now is the time to reverse course . By using the reconciliation process to pair tax relief with targeted deregulation , conservatives can deliver real results  for American families, businesses, and taxpayers. Conservative scholars have provided the research and framework  necessary to make this happen. Now, it’s up to Congressional leaders to seize this opportunity  and enshrine pro-growth, pro-taxpayer policies into law . If they do, they won’t just be cutting taxes or balancing the budget—they’ll be restoring America’s economic freedom  for generations to come.

You don’t have to experience CPAC just once a year at the annual conference. With CPAC Circle Memberships, you will be part of the CPAC experience all year-round, 365 days a year.   Circle Members are integral supporters of CPAC’s work to defend freedom and your constitutional rights. They become part of the CPAC family and stay the most up-to-date on our efforts to combat communism and globalism around the world. Circle members have the opportunity to participate in special events, such as, the annual CPAC summit, movie premieres, like last year’s God’s Not Dead and Average Joe premieres, and more.   As a Circle Member, you not only contribute to the fight for freedom but you also gain a whole, supportive community who is right there in the fight with you. It’s good to know you’re not alone!   Explore the options for Circle Memberships today at CPAC.org/circle .

CPAC 2025 was a bonanza of incredible speeches and panels, rich networking, and all-around conservative exuberance. The air was permeated by a sense of optimism, as the victory of President Trump has brought so many of CPAC’s core issues to the forefront of public consciousness. In recent months, President Trump has appointed many longstanding CPAC friends to positions in his administration, and this conference highlighted the dawn of this exciting new era in American politics. In my role as Senior Fellow for Israel & Jewish Affairs, I am tasked with serving as the bridge between the American Jewish conservative community and CPAC, as well as connecting CPAC with conservative voices in Israel. This year, Jewish involvement in CPAC reached record levels, and a larger-than-ever delegation of Israeli conservatives joined their counterparts from many other countries in participating in the conference. Arguably the most moving element of CPAC was seeing the wall-to-wall embrace of Israeli hostage families by speakers and attendees at the conference. These brave family members spoke on the main stage in an emotional conversation with Mercedes Schlapp ( video ). They also were acknowledged by numerous speakers, including Vice President JD Vance and President Trump ( Video ). They were swarmed by rank and file CPAC attendees who hugged them, prayed with them, and offered them comfort and support. The CPAC International Summit which convened the night before the conference formally opened, also began with a prayer led by Gal Gilboa Dalal, brother of hostage Guy Dalal. Speaking of the International Summit, Israeli Cabinet Minister Amichai Chikli joined counterparts from around the world in representing the conservative movements in their countries. At the end of the summit, CPAC Board member and former Deputy National Security Advisor KT McFarland read out loud a resolution on Israel, which was unanimously adopted by those present. This resolution (video  here ), made waves in Israel for being a significant statement of solidarity and for calling for Israeli sovereignty in Judea & Samaria (link here .) Minister Chikli also spoke about Antisemitism in a main stage conversation with Josh Hammer. See this link for an excellent video montage made by Chikli’s team about CPAC. Additional members of the Israeli delegation who spoke at breakout sessions were: Education Minister Yoav Kisch; members of the Israeli parliament Simcha Rothman and Ohad Tal, and Governor Yisrael Gantz. On Friday night and Saturday, 175 participants attended the Shabbat program at CPAC. Aside from the Israeli notables, the following other visitors attended: Mark Levin, Matt & Mercedes Schlapp, Sebastian Gorka, RNC Chair Michael Whatley, Sarah Carter, GA Attorney General Chris Carr, journalist Katie Pavlich, and many others. Shabbat candles were lit on Friday evening in a moving musical ceremony with the Israeli hostage families.  In short, under the leadership of Matt & Mercedes Schlapp CPAC 2025 sent a robust message of support for Israel to the thousands of CPAC attendees. Additionally, the  growing community of Jewish conservatives here in the United States were embraced and welcomed.