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The landscape of federal regulations in the United States has always been complex, but recent reports from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) highlight just how labyrinthine it has become. The Resurrection of the Regulatory Cost Report For decades, the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy produced a report every five years assessing the impact of federal regulatory costs on the American economy. However, these reports ceased under the Obama Administration when regulatory costs skyrocketed. Enter Dr. Chad Moutray, the former Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy, who, upon joining NAM, revived this crucial report, employing the original economists for renewed analysis. The 2023 NAM report's findings are as alarming as they are unsurprising, confirming projections by the Center for Regulatory Freedom: federal regulations cost the American economy over $3 trillion per year. NAM's Alarming Findings The NAM study of 2023 paints a dire picture: Federal regulations in 2022 cost an estimated $3.079 trillion, 12% of U.S. GDP. The average U.S. company spends about $13,000 per employee annually on regulatory compliance, but for manufacturers, this cost jumps to over $29,000. Small manufacturers, with fewer than 50 employees, bear the brunt with costs around $50,100 per employee per year. There's been a 26% increase in costs for manufacturing firms since 2012. CEI's 2023 10,000 Commandments Underscores The Problem Wayne Crews' report for the Competitve Enterprise Institute, titled "10,000 Commandments," provides additional context to the regulatory scene: Under President Biden, there's been an escalation of campaigns on equity, climate, and other progressive ends. The final rule count stood at 3,168 at the end of Biden’s second year, a drop from the first year but still significant compared to historical figures. The report estimates regulatory compliance and economic effects of federal intervention at least $1.939 trillion annually. U.S. households face an average hidden regulatory tax of $14,514 annually. The Unified Agenda under Biden shows a high count of 3,690 upcoming regulatory actions. The Impact and Future Trajectory The growing regulatory burden impacts business dynamics significantly. NAM's report suggests that reducing these costs could greatly enhance competitiveness, especially for manufacturers, allowing funds to be reallocated to growth initiatives. 10,000 Commandments further emphasizes the scale of this challenge, with an increasing number of rules and regulations in the pipeline. This trend, if continued, could lead to a staggering regulatory cost of $7 trillion per year by 2030. Conclusion: A Call for Balance Both reports underscore the need for a critical reexamination of the regulatory framework. Policymakers and industry leaders must find a balance in regulatory practices to foster an environment conducive to economic growth and innovation. Without significant changes, the U.S. faces a future burdened by an even more massive regulatory framework, impacting all sectors, especially small businesses and manufacturers. These insights are not just a wake-up call but a clarion call for action to avoid an overwhelming regulatory landscape by 2030.

As we pass the 60 day mark since the barbaric Hamas attack on Israel’s south, this is an opportunity to reflect on how much has changed over the past two months and what still remains unchanged. First, a clearer picture has emerged of the level of atrocities committed on October 7: 1,200 dead (⅔ of them civilians), thousands wounded, and 250 were taken hostage (more on the hostages below). One motif that has emerged is an overwhelming number of stories of incredible heroism displayed by civilians and soldiers amidst the chaos. Two examples: 1. Eran Shapiro, an unarmed participant at the Nova music festival, protected a large group of fellow revelers and managed to throw 7 grenades back at his attackers before being killed by the 8th grenade. The video was caught on a dash cam and can be viewed here [link] ; 2. This video of medics repeatedly driving into the war zone with inadequate protection to save lives. [Link]. There is no doubt that this would have been even more catastrophic if not for the countless acts of heroism. While 137 hostages still remain in Gaza, Israel was successful at securing the release of over 100 hostages - mainly women, children, and foreign workers - in exchange for releasing convicted terrorists at a 3-1 exchange ratio as part of a multi-day cease fire. When Hamas broke the ceasefire and wouldn’t continue releasing more hostages, Israel renewed fighting inside Gaza and is continuing to make significant progress in destroying Hamas. After effectively gaining control of Hamas government facilities in Gaza City, the IDF is now moving on the central city of Khan Younis. Unfortunately, the military successes have come at a very steep price, with more than 80 Israeli soldiers killed and hundreds more wounded. Israel has a large reserve army, so many of those killed are middle-age men with families and careers. One example is the death of Maj. Moshe Leiter, a 38 year-old father of 6 who was on the verge of becoming a medical doctor. His father, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, addressed the CPAC Israel delegation in Summer 2022 (pictured at left). He recently appeared on the Mark Levin show to talk about the loss of his son. [Link] The Biden administration rightfully received strong kudos immediately after the attack for standing strongly with Israel. However, in recent weeks Secretary Blinken has made comments which many Israelis have perceived as unfairly tying Israel’s hands and forcing Israel to endure an impossible double standard when it comes to minimizing Palestinian civilian deaths. Hamas is responsible for all of those deaths, as was eloquently shared by Sen. Marco Rubio in this video [link] Unfortunately moral relativism has taken over many American Universities. This is not news to us at CPAC, but never has the craven behavior of leftists on University Campuses been as stark as their alliances with radical muslims who are literally on camera killing, maiming, butchering hundreds of people. Israel has vowed to hunt down and kill Hamas leadership wherever they are in the world. Hamas is just one symptom of a radical Islamist belief system which threatens the west on numerous fronts, most orchestrated by the state sponsor of terrorism, Iran. As Americans, let’s pray that Israel succeeds in sending a strong message to the radical islamists that terror doesn’t pay and that good will prevail over evil.

Are you still looking for the perfect, USA-made gift for your patriotic friends and family this holiday season? Look no further than CPAC. CPAC has you covered in our guide below with top gift picks for all the conservatives in your life or even a gift for yourself. If your conservative loved one loves coffee as much as they love America, then our made in America Awake Not Woke Coffee Mug is the perfect gift for them. The Awake Not Woke Coffee Mug helps start the morning off on the right side...of the political spectrum, that is. A morning cup of coffee in this 15 oz. ceramic mug wakes you up ready to take on wokeness. For the conservative history buff in your life, consider the Reagan at CPAC book. The book features the wit and wisdom of President Ronald Reagan from his many speeches at CPAC conferences. It also includes notes and contributions from other popular conservative leaders including, CPAC’s Chairman Matt Schlapp, K.T. McFarland, Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Shapiro, and Katie Pavlich. Our Freedom Bumper Sticker from our new Freedom Collection makes an easy stocking stuffer while adding a touch of patriotism to your loved ones’ stockings. These vinyl and American-made stickers come in a set of two that is convenient for sharing and for proudly displaying your love for your country. Our CPAC Red Performance Polo is for the friends and family who like to wear their conservative values on their sleeve. Made of a snag and wrinkle resistant fabric with the iconic CPAC logo in crisp white lettering on the sleeve, our made in the USA polo is a great way to represent the conservative movement from the golf course to the office desk or at your next CPAC conference! Speaking of CPAC conferences, surprise your patriotic loved one with the best gift of all: tickets to our next conference in Washington, D.C. February 21-24, 2024! They’ll love the opportunity to meet their favorite conservative leaders and experience the nation’s capital with thousands of fellow patriots from all over the country and the world. Plus, purchasing tickets now secures a limited time discount on our General Admission tickets that gets your favorite patriot access to Main Stage, CPAC Central, and Activism Training. Explore all of our ticketing options for CPAC 2024 and our full range of merchandise now at cpac.org.

The covid-19 pandemic exasperated pre-existing, deeply imbedded flaws of the U.S government, causing an over-crowded federal prison system to burst at the seams. Amidst this over-crowding, violence and infections grew exponentially at the onset of the pandemic and nationwide lockdowns. With a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) already failing on multiple fronts to safely house their inmates with staffing shortages and the in-ability to separate infected inmates from healthy ones, the potential of months-long lockdowns proved detrimental and life-threatening. Under the leadership of the Trump Administration, Attorney General William Barr offered an innovative approach that not only remedied the over-crowding of our federal prisons but saved individual taxpayers thousands of dollars per year. The CARES Act Home Confinement rule allowed non-violent, low-risk, medically vulnerable inmates with no history of violence within prison, who had served most of their sentence, to spend the remainder of their sentence under home confinement. Since March of 2020 under the CARES Act rule, the BOP successfully placed 13,204 inmates in home confinement with nearly 3,000 inmates in the program remaining today. Since its implementation, individual taxpayers have saved $65.33 per inmate, per day and those sent to home confinement under the program have made significant steps towards rehabilitation with a recidivism rate of only 0.2% (compared to the 43% rate of people leaving federal prison). Now, some Members of Congress are looking to send the remaining 3,000 individuals back to prison for no other reason than a political ploy. The CARES Act home confinement rule slowed the spread of COVID-19 in our federal prisons, protected BOP staff and their families from infection and violence caused by overcrowding and saved the taxpayer a pretty penny while reuniting families without causing a threat to public safety. Sending these people back to prison now is a waste of Congressional time, taxpayer money, and earns us nothing in public safety. Read more about the issue here: There’s no reason to send these 3,000 people in home confinement back to federal prison | The Hill

In the fight against human trafficking, Americans often wrongly believe that these crimes occur far from the safety of their own communities. Unfortunately, just this week in DuPage, Illinois, we saw that this terrible reality exists right at home. Acting on a random tip received about an 18-year-old woman allegedly held against her will, authorities led by state law enforcement and a local prosecutor arrested a 46-year-old ringleader who was holding four different victims to be abused throughout the state. This rescue was made possible by an anonymous online tip service that local law enforcement had made available and then was used by one of the victims being held by the alleged criminal. There’s a clear lesson to be learned: yes, the horror of modern-day slavery is happening here at home. But by building trust between the community, survivors, and law enforcement agencies, we can take crucial steps towards stopping human trafficking networks and ensuring justice for victims. To achieve this, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies adopt survivor-centered approaches, prioritizing the well-being and safety of those who have endured the horrors of human trafficking. Through fostering an environment that values survivors' voices and protects their rights in perilous situations like those faced by the victims in Illinois, we can create a system that effectively dismantles the criminal networks operating daily within our country.

CPAC is proud to introduce We Are Not Enemies, an initiative of CPAC’s dear friend and host of It’s Not About Us, Elaine Beck. We Are Not Enemies is a year-long program running from November 26, 2023 to November 26, 2024 with the goal of uniting the country in forgiveness. The program calls for a national season of forgiveness to cast out the hate, anger, and division taking hold in Americans’ hearts today. Participation is simple. You can pledge to pray individually every day or with a prayer group. You can promote the program by word of mouth or social media or provide We Are Not Enemies supplies to your local prayer group, friends, and family. No matter how you choose to participate, you will be spreading the message of God’s mercy and sowing greater unity in America. Make your pledge to pray with this grassroots movement and find more information on how you can get involved at wearenotenmies.com.

This week, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the "End COVID Tyranny Act," comprehensive legislation aimed at reforming the oversight of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The objective is to limit the authority of these government agencies, preventing them from imposing draconian measures in the future. Read more in the New York Post: “Mandates, vaccine passports, forced lockdowns, and further overreach imposed by Joe Biden and his army of federal bureaucrats during the COVID pandemic set an extremely dangerous precedent that still persists to this day,” -Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) Details: Limits public health powers: Bans Mask Mandates for Head Start Programs. Limits the scope of public health authorities to disease control. Prevents vaccine status from effecting eligibility for organ transplantation. Requires congressional approval for public health emergencies lasting longer than ninety days. Requires hospitals to inform patients of their visitation rights. Reforms the CDC And NIH: Requires immediate congressional; appointment of the CDC Director and adds term limits for the CDC and NIH Directors. Ensures public health authorities are only used for disease control and not for non-health related administrative overreach. Requires the CSC Director’s Advisory Committee members be appointed by Congressional leadership and the Comptroller General of the United States. Transfers non-disease control offices from the CDC to the NIH. Requires all NIH-funded foreign laboratories to meet the same animal welfare and cleanliness requirements as domestic laboratories to qualify for NIH funds. "Sen. Eric Schmitt’s ‘End COVID Tyranny Act' is necessary legislation to prevent wannabe tyrants like the next Anthony Fauci from creating new mask mandates on preschoolers, discriminating against those who said no to the COVID jab, and from installing never-ending lockdowns and emergencies.” – CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp CPAC strongly supports this measure and will mobilize our grassroots activists to encourage their Senators to co-sponsor this legislation.

December is an excellent month to consider plans for charitable gifts. These gifts could include an IRA charitable rollover, a gift of cash or a gift of appreciated stock or land. 1. IRA Charitable Rollover — The IRS refers to the IRA charitable rollover as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). An individual age 70½ or older is permitted to make a transfer directly from his or her IRA custodian to a qualified nonprofit. The transfer is not included in taxable income. If the IRA owner is over age 73, the distribution may fulfill part or all of the required minimum distribution (RMD). Because many individuals have invested their IRAs in stocks, bonds or other securities, it may be necessary to exchange the IRA stock or bond accounts for a money market fund prior to the distribution. Most custodians require a QCD to be paid from a money market account or similar fund. There are some limits for the IRA rollover. The IRA owner must be at least age 70½ and the maximum transfer in 2023 is $100,000 ($105,000 in 2024). The transfer must be to a qualified exempt nonprofit and may be for a designated purpose or field of interest fund. However, it may not be to a donor advised fund or supporting organization. In addition, it may not be for a nonprofit dinner or other event that involves a partial benefit to the donor. The entire QCD must be for a qualified charitable purpose. 2. Gifts of Cash — Individuals who itemize deductions may deduct gifts of cash up to 60% of their contribution base, which is usually adjusted gross income (AGI). A couple with $100,000 in income may give and deduct up to $60,000 this year. While the 60% of AGI limit is substantial, some generous individuals give more than this and may carry forward and deduct the excess gift amounts during the next five years. 3. Gifts of Stock — With the increased value of many technology stocks in 2023, many donors find that a gift of appreciated stock is attractive. A gift of appreciated stock provides two benefits. A charitable contribution deduction is based on the fair market value of the stock and there is a bypass tax on the capital gain. If a donor purchased stock five years ago for $10,000 and it is now worth $30,000, the donor could pay capital gains tax on $20,000 if the stock is sold. By giving the stock to a nonprofit, a donor receives a deduction for the $30,000 in value and bypasses the tax on the $20,000 of potential gain. 4. Gifts of Land — With substantial increases in value for real property, many donors will find that a gift of appreciated property is attractive. A gift of appreciated land provides two benefits for the donor. First, the donor may receive a charitable contribution deduction for the fair market value of the land. Second, the donor can bypass tax on the capital gain. If the donor purchased development land 10 years ago for $50,000 and it is now worth $250,000, the donor would pay capital gains tax on $200,000 if he or she sold the property. However, by giving the land to a nonprofit, the donor may receive a deduction for the $250,000 in value and bypass the tax on the $200,000 of potential gain. Because the donor is receiving both the deduction and capital gain bypass benefits, this type of charitable deduction is permitted to 30% of adjusted gross income (AGI). If the gift value is in excess of this limit, it may be carried forward for five additional years. For example, Mary Smith has adjusted gross income of $100,000 this year and makes a gift of appreciated land with fair market value of $80,000. She is able to deduct $30,000 this year, carry forward $50,000 and deduct that amount over the following five years. Editor's Note: Many donors make their largest gifts in November or December. This is a good time to plan ahead and consider options for gifts this year.

Japan was the first international country to welcome a CPAC conference in 2017, and now, we are thrilled to once again bring CPAC to this beautiful country starting December 2, 2023. Each year, for the last six years Japan has embraced CPAC and the conservative message. This year will feature CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp, CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp, CPAC board member Gordon Chang, and many other knowledgeable speakers as the conference tackles the issues of family, politics, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

As we approach the fifth anniversary of the First Step Act, CPAC’s Nolan Center for Justice wants to reflect on the transformative impact this criminal justice legislation has had on the American prison system. Enacted by the 115th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in December 2018, the First Step Act represents a significant shift towards a more rehabilitative approach to federal incarceration. One of the key provisions of the act mandates the development of a risk and needs assessment system by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), enabling a more individualized and targeted approach to inmate rehabilitation. According to the First Step Annual Report on January 28, 2023, over 13,500 individuals have been released from various facilities, including Residential Reentry Centers and home confinement, through credits earned under the First Step Act. By incentivizing success and offering time credits and benefits, the legislation encourages prisoners to engage in programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior, ultimately aiming to reduce recidivism rates. Five years into the implementation of the First Step Act, the positive outcomes are becoming increasingly evident with a recidivism rate of only 12.4%. Additionally, the act has allowed inmates to earn increased good conduct time, fostering a culture of rehabilitation within the prison system. Judges now have greater flexibility in imposing mandatory minimum sentences, promoting fairer and more just outcomes. The act's emphasis on housing inmates closer to home not only facilitates family connections but also supports successful reintegration into society upon release. While challenges persist, the First Step Act stands as a testament to creating a criminal justice system that is not only punitive but also focused on rehabilitation and second chances. As we celebrate its fifth anniversary, it is crucial to recognize the strides made and continue advocating for further reforms that prioritize justice, compassion, and the well-being of all Americans.

For decades, every five years the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy would produce a report assessing the impact of federal regulatory costs to the American economy. When those costs skyrocketed under the Obama Administration, the federal government stopped producing such reports. Thankfully, when Dr. Chad Moutray, the former Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy, joined the National Association of Manufacturers, he resurrected this report--and contracted with two of the economists responsible for the analysis to start conducting it for NAM once again. NAM recently released their 2023 report, and the results are both alarming and unsurprising at the same time. Alarming, because of the sheer amount that we are talking about, but unsurprising because the NAM report confirms the assessments and projections of the Center for Regulatory Freedom: that federal regulations currently cost the American economy over $3 trillion per year. When added to the data CRF currently uses for regulatory projections, it adds to our concern that without significant changes to our regulatory trajectory, regulatory costs will be at $7 trillion per year by 2030. NAM's Alarming Findings: NAM's study reveals a startling cost of federal regulations in 2022, estimated at $3.079 trillion, or 12% of the U.S. GDP. This figure surpasses the total economic output of the entire manufacturing sector. Manufacturers, especially smaller ones, face a disproportionate share of this regulatory burden: The average U.S. company spends approximately $13,000 per employee per year on regulatory compliance. For manufacturers, this cost more than doubles to over $29,000 per employee annually. Small manufacturers, with fewer than 50 employees, face the highest costs at an estimated $50,100 per employee per year. The Growing Regulatory Burden: The study indicates a 26% increase in the cost for manufacturing firms since 2012, with the total regulatory burden on this sector now larger than the economies of 29 American states. This highlights the escalating challenge that regulations pose to the sector's sustainability and growth. The Impact on Business Dynamics: According to NAM's study, reducing regulatory costs could significantly enhance competitiveness for manufacturers. Funds saved could be reallocated to employee compensation, hiring, and other growth-oriented initiatives. Sector-Wise Regulatory Costs: The NAM study breaks down regulatory costs by sector, with manufacturing facing the most significant burden. This sectoral analysis provides crucial insights into how different industries are affected by regulatory policies, a point the CRF emphasizes. Conclusion: NAM's study confirms the underlying reasons CRF is engaged in this work and paints a clear picture of the heavy toll federal regulations take on the U.S. economy, particularly on small manufacturers. It calls for a critical reexamination of the regulatory framework, advocating for a system that achieves its intended objectives without impeding economic growth and innovation. These insights serve as a call to policymakers and industry leaders to seek a balance in regulatory practices. If we do not, we will be facing an even-more-massive regulatory burden by 2030.

We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history. CPAC is one of the few conservative organizations in the thick of the battle to save America’s soul. Now it is your time to become a warrior and support CPAC that is fighting everyday on the frontlines to protect our Constitution and our freedoms. We are focused on winning and ensuring that strong conservatives are united nationally and internationally to stop the Marxist ideology from destroying our families and children. Explore all the ways you can support CPAC’s mission here.