Search Results
991 results found with an empty search
- Mamdani Ditches Nice-Guy Act: CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp on Rob Schmitt Tonight
After last week’s election, the Democratic Party has taken an even more radical turn—electing an Attorney General in Virginia who has openly expressed a willingness to commit violence against political opponents, and elevating a self-proclaimed democratic socialist to lead our nation’s largest city and economic hub. Less than a year ago, then–New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani was relatively unknown, but he has since risen to stardom within the Democratic Party. Running a viral social media campaign built on a polished “nice guy act,” Mamdani presented himself as an approachable champion of the working class, successfully defeating the establishment in the New York City Democratic primary. He was ultimately elected mayor with the party’s support—showcasing the concerning direction the party is heading. CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp commented on the rise of socialism within the Democratic Party during an appearance on Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax, highlighting how the party is increasingly embracing democratic socialism and even elements of political violence while promising expansive government programs and handouts to remain competitive. “Socialism has never worked, anywhere, at any time—except for the people who run it,” Schlapp said, emphasizing that socialism consistently benefits those in power at the expense of the working class. He warned that the strain on and exodus of low- and middle-income workers will only grow under the costly government programs and handouts Mamdani is promising. “All the things he talks about will supposedly make your life better. The government can come in and set a price, but as you know, every time they do that, you get less of that commodity. Anything the government comes in and controls or taxes, you get less of.” It has become clear that with endorsements from establishment figures such as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Mamdani is now fully embraced by his party’s leadership—further signaling the Democratic Party’s drift toward violent radicalism and socialism. “Between this radical Attorney General promoting violence in Virginia and this mayor of New York City, I think we’re going to see a perfect example of what this new progressive-socialist Democratic Party is all about,” Schlapp warned. America’s future depends on confronting this rise in political violence and socialism—because, as Schlapp said, everywhere these destructive policies have been tried, they have failed. All Americans must remain vigilant, stand firm in defense of our shared values, and work together to safeguard the nation’s economic prosperity and freedom.
- Welcome to CPAC HQ
Welcome to the new CPAC HQ located in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria ! Whether you’re visiting for the day or settling in for a longer stay, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your time in the area—from transportation and parking to the best local dining and entertainment. CPAC HQ 515 King Street, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22314 Located just blocks away from the scenic Potomac River, our office is surrounded by the charm of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, boutique shops, and cultural landmarks. Parking Information Old Town Alexandria offers several convenient parking options near CPAC HQ: On-Site Garage Parking is available at 515 King Street. The garage entrance is located next to 105 N St Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314. This garage offers all day and hourly parking rates. Additional Garage Parking is available at the Alexandria Courthouse, and The Alexandrian hotel. Both these garages offer all day and hourly parking rates. Street Parking is available on and around King Street with most meters offering, coins, credit cards, or mobile payments via Park Mobile. We suggest that you use Park Mobile for added convenience. Download the app on Google Play or Apple App Store . Metro & Public Transit The CPAC HQ is easily accessible via Washington, D.C.’s metro system and other public transport options. By Metro: Take the Blue or Yellow Line to King Street–Old Town Metro Station . From there, it’s a 15-minute walk or a short ride on the King Street Trolley . King Street Trolley: Free hop-on-hop-off service. Runs every 15 minutes along King Street from the metro to the waterfront. Look for the vintage-style trolleys—it’s a fun and easy way to reach our office. Ride Share & Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis operate throughout Alexandria and the greater D.C. area. The drop-off point is right in front of our building, along King Street. Accommodations There are several wonderful hotels within walking distance of our office: The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection (Preferred Partner) Stylish and located right on King Street 1 block from our office. Book online or contact our staff about preferred rates. Hotel Indigo Old Town Waterfront views just a few blocks away. Morrison House (Preferred Partner) A charming boutique hotel perfect for a cozy stay. Book online or contact our staff about preferred rates. Hilton Alexandria Old Town Conveniently located next to the King Street metro station. Dining Options Old Town Alexandria is a food lover’s paradise. Here are a few standout spots near our office: Casual Bites: Caphe Banh Mi – A local favorite for Vietnamese sandwiches and pho. District Taco – Fast-casual and flavorful Mexican food. Sit-Down Restaurants: The Majestic – Classic American dishes in a stylish Art Deco space. Virtue Feed & Grain – Rustic-modern dining with riverside views. Landini Brothers – A refined Italian restaurant known for steaks, pasta, and old-school charm right near the waterfront. Coffee & Treats: Misha’s Coffee – Local roastery with an artsy vibe. Dolci Gelati – Artisanal gelato just steps from our office. Tatte Bakery & Café – Trendy spot offering Mediterranean-inspired pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Starbucks – Reliable go-to with multiple locations along King Street for your caffeine fix. Things to Do in Old Town Alexandria After your visit, take some time to explore the vibrant surroundings: Alexandria Waterfront Stroll along the marina, take in views of the Potomac, or catch a riverboat to D.C. Torpedo Factory Art Center Home to dozens of working artist studios and galleries. Shopping on King Street Discover antique shops, boutiques, and local artisans. Final Tips Wear comfortable shoes—Old Town’s brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets are charming but bumpy. Plan for a bit of extra time, especially during weekends and events, as the area gets lively. Don’t forget your camera—this is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the region! We can’t wait to welcome you to 515 King Street. Whether you’re here for a meeting, event, or collaboration, we hope you enjoy everything Old Town Alexandria has to offer!
- The Fight to Preserve America's Future: DNI Tulsi Gabbard at CPAC Retreat & Gala
At the CPAC Retreat and Gala held at the Mar-a-Lago Club on November 6, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard delivered a powerful address centered on preserving America’s founding values, strengthening national security, and transcending ideological division. Speaking to an audience of top conservative leaders and activists, she reaffirmed the Trump Administration’s America First agenda, celebrated its successes over the past year, and charted a strategic course for the future rooted in unity and America's founding principles. Gabbard's remarks underscored the administration’s continued focus on issues that matter to the American people, such as border security, counterterrorism, and the defense of constitutional principles, offering a path forward against an increasingly radical left. Gabbard began by reflecting on her own political transformation—from a Democratic congresswoman to one of the most prominent figures in the Trump Administration. Her departure from the Democratic Party, she explained, was not a decision made lightly but one rooted in the conviction that the party had left America behind. “Fundamentally, the basis of our government, of our political movement must be rooted in the Constitution,” she declared. “They must be rooted in the belief that we have a commitment to defend our God-given rights and freedoms.” For Gabbard, the shift was not about partisanship but about principle—the recognition that the modern Democratic Party had abandoned working families and traded the bedrock ideals of liberty for an elitist ideology. She argued that the Left’s increasingly radical agenda now attacks the very traditions that define America, from faith and family to individual responsibility, leaving conservatives as the last guardians of those timeless truths. Gabbard praised President Trump for embodying that defense of freedom through action rather than rigid ideology. She credited his 2024 electoral victory to his ability to break through political polarization and deliver solutions that resonate with everyday Americans. “That [victory] happened because President Trump uniquely had the ability to bring people together around the issues that matter most,” she said. “He doesn’t get stuck in dogmatic lanes, views, or debates; he listens to the American people and takes the America First policy and really puts it into action.” She described his approach as pragmatic, not ideological—focused on securing borders, improving public safety, reducing crime, and revitalizing the economy. Trump’s success, she said, came from governing with the common sense that Washington had long abandoned, and from understanding that leadership means listening to the people you serve. Gabbard warned that the Democratic Party’s accelerating radicalization towards socialism poses new challenges for conservatives and for the nation’s stability. The new trend in the Democratic Party is towards democratic socialism, with a self-proclaimed socialist now elected the mayor of America's largest city and economic hub. “You can see the results of the elections that just played out a couple of days ago to understand how the dynamic is shifting,” she observed. “The conversations that we are having need to recognize that shift and understand that we can win these arguments by providing a superior debate. So whether you’re talking about how we solve domestic problems or Islamist extremism, we have the superior solutions. This is how we continue to win in a way that exceeds any politics but ensures that we, as Americans, have a future that’s rooted in the foundations of this country that we love.” Gabbard's message was clear: to remain competitive, conservatives must combat an increasingly radical left by focusing on the successes of the Trump Administration, which addresses the issues that matter to the American people. Drawing from her experience leading the national intelligence community, Gabbard outlined the administration’s proactive approach to national security and how this success is the key for conservatives to remain competitive in the future. “There are a number of threats we face. President Trump talks about them all the time, and the approach that he’s taking is a very practical one of how to keep us safe,” she said. “The National Counter Terrorism Center is working front and center on his number one priority. Yes, securing our borders, but also tackling those threats here within.” Her comments highlighted a central theme of the evening: that America’s defense must be strong, strategic, and uncompromising. She emphasized that the administration’s approach to counterterrorism and border integrity reflects not only a commitment to safety but also a moral duty to protect the rights and security of American citizens. Gabbard called on conservatives to fight the left's ideology of open-border policies and support for terrorists that denigrate the founding principles of liberty and security that have made America great. Gabbard offered conservatives a roadmap for the 2026 midterms and beyond—one forged through her own journey and grounded in traditional American principles and pragmatism. She called on conservatives to stay unified, focused, and bold in advancing the issues that matter most to Americans: secure borders, safe streets, affordable living, and unapologetic patriotism. Her message carried both urgency and optimism: that despite the Left’s drift toward socialism and ideological division, America’s future remains bright so long as its people stand firm in defense of their God-given freedoms. For Gabbard, the fight to preserve America's liberty is not just political—it is moral and generational. And as she reminded the audience in closing, the task before conservatives is nothing less than ensuring that the nation’s founding ideals endure.
- A Global Call to Action on Nigeria
A moral emergency and a strategic threat, Nigeria’s persecution crisis requires direct and decisive confrontation by international partners through a coordinated strategy. Now is the time to act: urge the U.S. and international bodies to promptly reinstate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under religious freedom frameworks. Press for greater diplomatic leverage and targeted sanctions on institutions and officials who enable persecution. Urge legislatures in the U.S., Europe, and other democracies to introduce and champion bills and resolutions demanding reform. At the multilateral level, the United Nations must move from words to action. Issuing statements condemning violence is not the same as supporting the persecuted. Highlighting the targeting of Christians and religious minorities in Nigeria and prioritizing protection for internally displaced persons is the first step to forging a path for their return home. Establishing protective missions by appointing a dedicated envoy for religious freedom in West Africa would further coordinate efforts, elevating the crisis on the global agenda while maintaining pressure on Nigeria’s government to act. The urgency of this crisis cannot be overstated, as every month of inaction allows extremist groups to dig their claws deeper, expand their reach, recruit more child soldiers, and hoard and exploit Nigeria’s mineral wealth to fund terror networks. Small victories exist, such as the recent acquittal of Christian mother Rhoda Jatau from blasphemy charges. These wins demonstrate that advocacy and sustained pressure are effective. Yet such progress remains fragile and insufficient to adequately address the ongoing tragedy. Immediate, coordinated action from policymakers, civil society, and the international community is essential to truly confront and resolve this ongoing crisis. The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a defining test of the world’s willingness to defend faith, freedom, and human dignity against religious genocide in the 21st century. Losing momentum now would threaten us all, emboldening extremist forces and abandoning millions of innocent souls to violence.
- America's $4.9 Trillion Healthcare Paradox: Unprecedented Spending and Ineffective-Reactive Treatment
In 2023, the United States spent $4.9 trillion on healthcare—$14,570 per person, nearly double the average of other developed nations—yet Americans are not healthier for it. Life expectancy lags, chronic diseases soar, and workforce productivity suffers as millions cycle through costly treatments that are merely reactive. Nearly 18% of GDP now flows into a system projected to consume 20.3% by 2033, not because care is universally better, but because the model is structurally reactive: it excels at intervening after illness strikes, not preventing it from emerging. This isn’t just inefficiency—it’s a national economic drag that undermines competitiveness, burdens families with rising premiums, and diverts resources from education, infrastructure, and innovation. The spending breakdown reveals a system tilted heavily toward high-cost, low-prevention interventions. Hospital care alone accounted for $1.5 trillion (31.2% of total spending), while prescription drugs consumed another $450 billion—together dwarfing the paltry 3.3% allocated to preventive and public health activities. Chronic conditions, largely tied to preventable problems like poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and unmanaged stress, now drive the majority of costs. Yet the infrastructure to address these root causes—community wellness programs, nutritional education, early screening, and behavioral health support—remains chronically underfunded. The result is a never-ending cycle of expensive treatments: Americans pay more to manage diseases that could have been prevented, trapped in a cycle that enriches providers while eroding personal and national vitality. At the core of this dysfunction are misaligned incentives baked into insurance and payment models. Coverage prioritizes expensive procedures and pharmaceuticals over preventative investments in holistic care, leaving employers and individuals to absorb spiraling costs while administrative overhead exceeds $300 billion annually (6.2% of spending). Insurers profit when hospital beds are filled and prescriptions are refilled, not when Americans stay well. Until incentives reward outcomes—longer healthy lifespans, lower chronic disease incidence, higher workforce participation—the system will continue to inflate costs without delivering proportional value. Shifting to prevention isn’t just a health imperative; it’s an economic one, essential for restoring fiscal discipline and building a more productive, prosperous America. America’s healthcare system stands at a crossroads: spending more than any other developed country, but this has not purchased either superior longevity or robust national vitality, but rather a costly apparatus for managing preventable chronic diseases. The evidence is unequivocal: hospital and pharmaceutical expenses dominate, holistic care is sidelined, and incentives reward intervention over prevention. Without reform—reprioritizing upstream investments, realigning insurance toward measurable health improvement, and measuring success by lives extended in vigor rather than profit gained—this trajectory will erode economic competitiveness and deepen fiscal strain. The path forward demands a disciplined shift from reactive expenditure to strategic prevention, ensuring that America’s immense resources finally translate into genuine, sustainable prosperity.
- Making Your Kitchen Healthy Again
Every family deserves a clean, safe, and toxin-free space to prepare their food. As the CPAC Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Coalition reminds us, intentional choices made at home can have a powerful impact on both personal health and the environment. The message is simple but profound: what we use to cook, clean, and store our food can either harm us or help us heal. Too often, “sustainable” products marketed as eco-friendly carry hidden risks. Black plastic kitchenware, often made from recycled electronics, can contain toxic flame retardants that leach into food when heated. Non-stick coatings on some cookware may chip or release harmful chemicals over time, while microplastics from degraded utensils can find their way into what we eat. Even “natural” cooking methods can pose dangers, using solid fuels like wood or coal releases indoor air pollutants linked to respiratory illness and heart disease. Creating a truly healthy and sustainable kitchen means choosing materials and methods that protect families first. Replace non-stick pans with stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware to prevent harmful chemicals from seeping into your meals. Choose bamboo or wooden utensils instead of plastic to avoid microplastic exposure, and use natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda to keep your home toxin-free. Install a reverse osmosis water filter to remove heavy metals and microplastics, cook with clean fuels like electricity or natural gas , and store food in glass or food-grade containers to keep it fresh and safe. This effort reflects the mission of the MAHA Coalition, which is to address the root causes of disease rather than simply managing symptoms. The coalition promotes a shift from short-term fixes and reliance on medication toward prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility. It calls for policies that emphasize better nutrition, cleaner environments, and science-based care that strengthens individuals and communities alike. MAHA’s goal is to create a culture that values health, vitality, and independence while restoring confidence in the choices families make every day. The kitchen is the foundation of that mission. Every home that chooses safer cookware, cleaner water, and natural alternatives contributes to a healthier, freer nation. By reducing toxins and embracing wellness, Americans can reclaim control of their health and push back against the growing tide of chronic illness. Through education, advocacy, and daily action, the CPAC MAHA Coalition is leading this movement starting in the place that nourishes both body and spirit: the kitchen.
- Conservative Leaders in Action: Kristi Noem and Jeff Landry at the CPAC Circle Retreat and Gala
On November 4th, the CPAC Circle Retreat and Gala Dinner at the Mar-a-Lago Club spotlighted two conservative leaders at the forefront of America’s fight for stronger borders and safer communities, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. The two longtime allies discussed ongoing efforts to secure America’s borders and protect communities from the consequences of illegal immigration and the influx of crime. The conversation underscored a consistent theme: conservatives must unite, and real results come from sustained cooperation between federal agencies and state governments. Secretary Noem opened with an overview of the Department of Homeland Security’s success under the current Trump Administration, a stark contrast from the destructive open-border policies of the past Biden Administration. She reported that illegal border crossings have fallen to levels not seen in decades, a direct result of strengthened enforcement policies and cooperation between the DHS and State government officials. In major cities, DHS task forces have partnered with local police to disrupt trafficking networks, leading to significant reductions in drug-related violence and gang activity. Noem emphasized that effective security does not require sacrificing constitutional freedoms; rather, it demands precision, coordination, and respect for law and order. She credited much of this success to strong partnerships with governors like Landry, noting that their long-standing communication has enabled faster, more targeted responses to emerging threats at both the border and in urban centers. Governor Landry provided a state-level perspective rooted in his extensive experience in law and public service. A former U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer and Louisiana’s Attorney General before becoming governor, Landry has spent years challenging federal policies that weaken border enforcement and endanger communities. He highlighted several high-profile lawsuits his office led to block sanctuary city mandates and halt the release of criminal aliens into communities. Throughout his remarks, he returned to a central point: states must have a seat at the table when federal security policies are crafted. His collaboration with Secretary Noem—built through years of joint briefings, strategy sessions, and policy alignment—has been instrumental in ensuring Louisiana’s law enforcement receives the federal support it needs without surrendering local authority. Secretary Kristi Noem and Governor Jeff Landry’s appearance at the CPAC Circle Retreat and Gala showcased a winning approach to conservative leadership built on action and accountability. Their long-standing relationship, rooted in mutual trust and shared goals, has produced tangible outcomes: safer streets, stronger borders, and a more accountable government. As the nation continues to grapple with challenges surrounding immigration, human trafficking, drugs, and other crimes, their collaboration stands as proof that coordinated, principled leadership delivers results. The message was clear: when Washington and the states work in lockstep, American communities are the ultimate beneficiaries.
- How Red Light Therapy Offers a New Path to Wellness
What if the future of healing didn’t come from a pill or a procedure; but from light itself? For too long, Americans have been trapped in a healthcare system that prioritizes medication over true healing and bureaucracy over innovation. At the CPAC MAHA Coalition , we believe in restoring healthcare to its original purpose, empowering individuals to take charge of their health through freedom, innovation, and access to therapies that work. Red light therapy embodies this vision, offering a safe, science-based alternative that supports the body’s natural ability to heal from within. Also known as photobiomodulation , red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate the mitochondria , the “powerhouses” of our cells. This activation boosts cellular energy, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and accelerates tissue repair. Rather than masking pain or relying on pharmaceuticals, red light therapy helps the body correct dysfunction at the source. It represents the kind of forward-thinking, non-invasive care that aligns with the CPAC MAHA Coalition’s mission to challenge the status quo in healthcare, replacing dependence with self-determination. The benefits are wide-ranging and well-documented: patients have seen improvements in arthritis pain, muscle recovery, skin health, wound healing, and even hair growth. But beyond its therapeutic success, red light therapy stands for something bigger, the right of every American to pursue health solutions that are effective, affordable, and free from government overreach. This is exactly what the MAHA Coalition advocates for: a healthcare system rooted in innovation, patient freedom, and respect for the human body’s remarkable ability to heal itself. As America faces rising healthcare costs and increasing regulation, treatments like red light therapy illuminate a better path forward, one that puts people, not politics, at the center of care. The growing evidence for red and near-infrared light therapy provides a clear path forward. It is crucial that we shift our focus toward these kinds of science-backed, preventative, and holistic care methods. We must create a system that prioritizes creating a culture of vitality and resilience, empowering individuals to heal from within.
- This Week in the Center for Regulatory Freedom: MRAWA--Make Regulation Actually Work Again!
This past week, the Center for Regulatory Freedom submitted comments to five federal agencies: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Treasury Department (USDT), the United States Trade Representative Office (USTR), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Department of Education (ED). The subject matter ranges from chemical-risk procedure to digital-settlement infrastructure to intellectual-property treatment in North American trade, to civil-rights eligibility structures, to disability-based higher-education financial aid verification. Although these are unrelated regulatory domains, the filings share a common analytical theme — whether the current procedural designs support the statutory purposes each program was created to serve. 1) TSCA (EPA) The TSCA procedural rulemaking submission focused on the structural question of whether EPA is designing risk evaluations that can actually be completed within statutory timelines. CRF argued that the previous (2024) procedure effectively removed prioritization and required EPA to treat all theoretically possible exposures as equally relevant, which changed TSCA from a risk-evaluation statute into a hazard cataloging exercise. Under that structure, the program becomes mathematically incapable of producing timely determinations because there is no ability to distinguish between meaningful exposure routes and negligible ones. CRF’s core recommendation was that EPA’s proposed 2025 procedural revisions (which do restore discretion) should explicitly codify prioritization, proportionality, de minimis recognition, and credit for actual engineering controls in regulatory text — not only in explanatory preambles — so that TSCA cannot drift back toward “evaluate everything everywhere” default assumptions via interpretive pressure alone. 2) GENIUS Act Implementation (USDT) The GENIUS Act comments addressed a fundamental definitional issue: whether fully reserved stablecoins should be treated as settlement instruments or as banking liabilities . CRF argued that properly structured stablecoins are fully reserved, non-lending payment objects — in other words, they are not engaging in maturity transformation. Therefore, the regulatory framework should: • Define reserve quality clearly. • Make redemption integrity enforceable. • Ensure attestations are credible but not over-engineered. • Prevent intermediaries from using their positions to block lawful commerce (i.e. avoid turning settlement rails into private gatekeeping tools). CRF also noted that programmable settlement systems are already being developed globally — and implementation choices here will determine whether the next generation of dollar-settlement infrastructure is U.S.-supervised or offshore. 3) USMCA Joint Review (USTR) CRF’s USMCA filing addressed the role of IP protection in innovation-led competitiveness. The core argument was that intellectual property is not a symbolic feature of the North American economic model — it is the mechanism that makes long-horizon, high-fixed-cost innovation economically possible (particularly in biologics). If exclusivity protections become unpredictable, capital simply reallocates — often to foreign jurisdictions. CRF recommended that the Joint Review re-anchor USMCA to the original pro-innovation design: • Preserve predictable biologics data-protection windows. • Prevent procedural mechanics from functioning as an informal exclusivity extension or erosion. • Focus on regulatory coherence (avoiding unnecessary divergence) rather than regulatory convergence (constructing new transnational administrative bodies). The point was not that USTR should “tilt” policy one way or another — but that predictable innovation incentives and disciplined regulatory coordination remain structural variables in North America’s competitiveness relative to China. 4) DBE / ACDBE (DOT) CRF’s comments on USDOT’s interim final rule recognized that the Department adopted several of the substantive suggestions CRF had made previously. The critical substantive shift is the movement away from broad demographic presumptions and toward objective, economic-based eligibility determinations for disadvantaged-business qualification. The IFR: • Eliminates mandatory race-conscious presumptions. • Requires individualized economic metrics to establish disadvantage. CRF described this as a move that increases program integrity, reduces vulnerability to legal challenge, and aligns DBE implementation more closely with non-discrimination requirements. The thrust of the comments was institutional — not ideological: objective criteria produce more defensible and administrable programs. 5) Higher-Education Intellectual Disability Financial Aid (ED) CRF opposed ED’s reinstatement of an information collection request governing disability-based financial aid — not because CRF objects to aid for students with intellectual disabilities — but because the regulatory framework uses statutory cross-references that were written for K-12 eligibility and do not supply adult-appropriate diagnostic criteria. The absence of post-secondary-specific standards creates two real-world consequences: • Institutions lack a defensible evidentiary basis for consistent eligibility determinations. • The program is vulnerable to fraud and opportunistic self-designation. CRF recommended that Education formally update the rule — not simply re-adopt the prior paperwork request — in order to establish adult-appropriate definitional and documentation thresholds so that the program can achieve its intended purpose. Overall pattern Across the five filings, the common structural argument is that regulatory systems tend to break down when they: • Use categorical presumptions instead of objective criteria. • Attempt to be “comprehensive” instead of prioritizing. • Shift interpretive weight from regulatory text to discretionary narrative. • Treat administrative completeness as a substitute for outcome feasibility. CRF’s position, in each docket, was that statutory objectives cannot be met if the implementing procedures undermine the functional conditions the statute assumes.
- Reclaiming Health and Freedom: The ACES Model as America’s Path Forward
America’s healthcare system is at a breaking point, with skyrocketing costs and chronic disease undermining both economic stability and personal liberty. Spending over $4.5 trillion annually, the United States faces rising premiums—averaging $23,000 per family—while chronic conditions affect over 60% of adults, driving dependency on a reactive, symptom-focused system. The ACES Model (Anatomy, Chemistry, Energy, Soul), championed by CPAC’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Coalition, offers a transformative solution. By emphasizing prevention, personal responsibility, and holistic care, it empowers individuals to take charge of their health, strengthens families, and protects the freedom to choose integrative care. The ACES Model provides a practical, science-based framework to shift healthcare from crisis management to prevention and empowerment. By focusing on four dimensions—Anatomy (physical health), Chemistry (nutrition and biochemistry), Energy (emotional and environmental balance), and Soul (purpose and relationships)—it equips individuals with tools to prevent illness and build resilience. Unlike the current system, which waits for disease to strike before prescribing medications, ACES promotes proactive self-care that reduces reliance on costly interventions. This approach not only lowers long-term health risks but also fosters independence, enabling people to thrive and contribute to stronger communities. By prioritizing whole-person wellness, ACES restores personal agency, ensuring health is a choice, not a mandate. Families are the cornerstone of a healthy society, and the ACES Model strengthens them as the first line of defense against disease. By promoting family-centered education on nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional well-being, households are empowered to promote healthy habits to children and care for aging parents with dignity. Strong families correlate with lower rates of addiction, mental illness, and healthcare costs, reducing the need for government intervention. Community resources, such as wellness programs and health education, can further support families in prioritizing prevention. This approach not only cuts financial burdens but also builds self-reliant communities, fostering a culture where health is learned and lived at home, creating a foundation for a freer, healthier America. Protecting health freedom is critical to ensuring Americans can choose care that aligns with their values and needs. The ACES Model supports integrative and faith-aligned care, preserving the patient-doctor relationship and fostering trust. Policy reforms are essential to make this vision a reality. Congress should expand preventive health savings accounts to cover integrative services and broaden Medicare and Medicaid to include whole-person care. The Executive Branch must remove barriers to innovative care and champion community-based wellness. States should protect medical choice, uphold parental rights, and integrate practical health education into schools while resisting policies that undermine families' authority. These reforms empower individuals, drive competition, and ensure health decisions remain in the hands of people, not bureaucrats or corporations. The urgency of this transformation cannot be overstated. Chronic disease, escalating costs, and eroding trust threaten America’s economic security and personal freedoms. Families and small businesses are buckling under financial strain, while centralized mandates alienate citizens seeking values-driven care. The ACES Model offers a clear path forward, empowering individuals through prevention, strengthening families, and protecting health freedom. By implementing policies that support integrative care and personal responsibility, we can break the cycle of dependency, restore trust, and build a healthier, more resilient nation. The time is now to embrace this common-sense blueprint, ensuring every American has the tools to thrive and the freedom to choose their path to wellness.
- Confronting Terror, Protecting Civilians in DRC
The situation in eastern Congo is dire, but not yet hopeless. There are concrete steps the international community can take that will save lives and stop the spread of Islamic extremist terror. Strengthen Counterterrorism Operations As Congolese military forces have been stretched thin, enhanced counterterrorism operations are urgently needed to confront the ADF. Deploying specialized international military advisors to support Congolese forces with intelligence sharing, strategic surveillance, and tactical training can help close the technical gaps that allow the ADF to operate freely. The U.S. Africa Command must elevate the ADF as a top counterterrorism priority in Central Africa to ensure sustained attention and resource provision, in so recognizing these reinforcements as necessary to the survival of Christians. Establish Protected Humanitarian Corridors With more than 60% of affected communities cut off from aid, securing safely routed humanitarian assistance is crucial to relieve the worsening famine and disease outbreaks. United Nations-mandated corridors, protected by armed escorts, would ensure relief convoys with food, water, and medicine reach those communities otherwise cut off by violence. Immediate emergency funding for trusted non-profit partners is pivotal to restoring lifesaving assistance and stabilizing vulnerable populations. Preserve Education in Crisis This ongoing crisis has leveled the DRC’s educational infrastructure, shuttering nearly two-thirds of schools in conflict areas. Rapid deployment of mobile classrooms and radio-based learning, in tandem with trauma-informed teaching, can keep children learning and protected, preventing the loss of a generation. Delivered in partnership with local organizations, this approach ensures that displaced children have access to the protective anchors of education and mental health assistance, even amidst enduring conflict. Sustained investment in emergency education preserves learning, strengthens community resilience as a shield against radicalization, and is a lifeline for a generation at risk of being lost to violence. These solutions will both ease suffering in the short term and help rebuild resilient communities capable of standing strong in their Christian faith and against extremism.
- A Crisis of Faith and Freedom in Nigeria: Ending Impunity and Restoring Hope
Nigeria’s crisis will not end on its own. It requires decisive, coordinated, bipartisan action to restore accountability, protect communities, and ensure religious freedom. First, impunity for the region’s violence must end, and sustainability begins with accountability. The Nigerian government must be pressured to prosecute perpetrators of religiously motivated violence, reform corrupt local institutions, and deploy security forces that protect rather than abandon civilians. International partners—the U.S., the EU, and the African Union—must make civilian protection a condition for security cooperation and foreign assistance, meeting those measurable benchmarks. It is essential to cooperate with the affected Christian communities and peaceful Muslim communities that reject Islamist extremism. Without accountability and security, the targeted and extreme violence will persist. Second, blasphemy laws must go. These statutes are lethal weapons of repression, silencing dissent and religious minorities while punishing any free expression, both of which run contrary to the most basic human rights recognized by free nations. Repealing these laws and voiding any existing death sentences and prison terms is an urgent and necessary first step; matters of faith and expression are not crimes. Deep legal reform is paramount to aligning Nigeria’s laws with its international human rights commitments, in turn uprooting systemic discrimination and securing equal protections for religious minorities. Without it, religious freedoms will continue to deteriorate. Ultimately, direct humanitarian aid is crucial to the region's restoration. Aid should bypass corrupt state channels and flow through trusted NGOs, churches, and faith-based local partners who are best positioned to understand the communities. Victims need relief to meet their immediate needs, such as food, water, medical care, shelter, as well as long-term support, including trauma counseling, education, resettlement, and reconstruction of homes and churches. Rebuilding targeted Christian communities and returning them to the lands stolen from them is the foundation for peace and resilience through community life and cultural identity. We must follow these steps to ensure that extremists cannot exploit despair to gain power. Only when accountability, legal reform, and community restoration work in tandem can Nigeria begin to heal.














