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CPAC’S Center for Combatting Human Trafficking was proud to join the House Judiciary Committee in celebrating unanimous support for H.R. 7137, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) during a markup last week. Too many victims of human trafficking have suffered the consequences of their offenders’ criminal acts. The TSRA provides a legal framework at the federal level for states to follow that will close the gaps in unjust victim criminalization that results from the abuse of modern-day slavery.   All too often human traffickers take advantage of their victims, forcing them to commit criminal acts and “take the fall” for the horrific actions of their abusers. The heinous acts these traffickers commit should not be punishable through their victims. The TSRA will provide relief to those who were convicted of crimes due to their association in the criminal acts as a victim of human trafficking. Statistically, there is not a problem when identifying the victims in human trafficking cases. Yet, these victims often are unable to assist law enforcement and rebuild their lives because the existing legal framework punishes the survivors instead of the traffickers. Now, Congress is joining CPAC, victims’ advocates, and law enforcement in flipping this paradigm to punish the real offenders. Our Center remains committed to ensuring our elected leaders prioritize ending the evil of modern day slavery and looks forward to working alongside Congress to ensure the TSRA becomes law.

CPAC is proud to host a red carpet screening of the new film, Average Joe, on October 8 in Mesa, Arizona.   In August of this year, CPAC hosted the debut of another powerful film, God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust. Now, we are proud to host a special screening for the newest film from the makers behind God’s Not Dead, Average Joe.  Based on the incredible true story, Average Joe follows the fight of high school football coach Joe Kennedy to defend expression of religion in the public square. After being fired for praying after each football game, Kennedy embarks on a court battle to protect the Constitutional rights of all Americans to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.   The film speaks to the fight of many average Americans to live their faith openly and without fear of discrimination as guaranteed by the Constitution.   Join us on October 8 in celebrating the release of this inspiring film. To register and for more information visit  CPAC.org/joe .

Nevada and ranchers are critical in the 2024 election and the future of a free America. This episode of America Uncanceled features Matt and Mercedes Schlapps’ remarks at the Ranchers for Trump rally in Nevada where they emphasize the damage the Biden-Harris administration has inflicted on small businesses and the success that President Trump’s administration fostered for small businesses.   Under Biden-Harris, the Left has waged an all-out war on beef, pushing bugs, lab-grown meat, plant-based meat, and low-quality imported beef on Americans, shoving domestic, small ranching operations out of the market. Their war on beef is just the tip of the iceberg on the Left’s special-interest-funded assaults on freedom.   In contrast, “President Trump is so bold. He will not let the swamp win in any way. He wants to break up the way Washington works, which is so much special interest that is for big business and not for the working American, not for the ranchers,” stated Mercedes Schlapp.   With that in mind, the Schlapps issued a call to action to Nevadans to make a difference in the election.   “You are all on the front lines here. You are all ready to take on this battle of freedom, and it’s all up to us,” declared Mercedes Schlapp. “And its going to take going out to every single voter. Find the person at your church, someone who hasn’t voted before, making sure they’re registered. It's going to be you all. So, you all are here in the front lines to make a difference and make sure we deliver Nevada.”  Watch the Schlapps’ full remarks from the Ranchers for Trump rally on CPAC+.

The mainstream media has spread lie after lie about President Trump, constructing an entire, false narrative about who he his behind closed doors. Former Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States Sebastian Gorka, however, gives a glimpse into the real Trump in his remarks at CPAC in DC 2024. He reveals that Trump is no different in private than he is in public and on the campaign trail. That is, he is honest and determined but also generous and empathetic. These qualities won Gorka over and solidified him in his desire to work for Trump during his 2016 campaign and then in the White House. That he had the chance to work in the White House is a testament to the beauty of the American dream. Gorka was born in Hungary to a father who was imprisoned and tortured by the Communists and was then raised in England until coming to the United States as an adult. Gorka become an American citizen just six years before the Trump presidency. His background gives him a special appreciation for the freedom America stand for and a desire to preserve it. Gorka stated gravely, “The police state that my parents suffered under is here. It’s arrived, and the only reason President Trump is facing seven hundred years in prison is because he is the only man who can save America.” Watch his full remarks on Rumble @CPAC .

On this episode of Schlapp Down, Mercedes Schlapp reacts to President Trump, President Biden, and Kamala Harris’ responses to Hurricane Helene, polls showing a 29% drop in Hispanic support for the Democrat Party, President Trump at the Alabama-Georgia football game, a female pastor claiming that God was with her in her two abortions, and more hot topics from the past week.   “Kamala is campaigning. Then, she puts a photo out basically that she’s talking to the folks at FEMA. Then, she visits FEMA for about five minutes. I think that’s probably a little longer than her visits to the border. Let’s be serious people. Kamala cannot lead,” critiqued Schlapp of Harris’ response to Hurricane Helene. “We need to have a president who’s going to be a comforter in chief. President Trump went down there to Georgia, brought supplies, working with Reverend Franklin Graham to be with these victims. There’s a lot of people hurting, and of course, Joe Biden is asleep at the wheel.”  The crowd’s reaction to President Trump’s appearance at the Alabama-Georgia football game shows that Americans see President Trump as a real leader of this country.   “Kamala Harris could never receive the applause or the support of so many football fans. President Trump, the way he’s able to connect to the American people is simply something that drives the Democrats and the Left and the media crazy,” observed Schlapp.  Watch Mercedes Schlapp react to all the top issues of the week from this episode of Schlapp Down on social media and Rumble @CPAC.

In this easy to listen to, charming, and informative episode of “The Bill Walton Show,” host Bill Walton engages with Mercedes Schlapp, former Trump White House Advisor and Matt Schlapp, leader and Chairman of CPAC in a dynamic discussion about the pressing issues facing America today. Together, and with humor, they dig into the upcoming elections, economic priorities, and the shifting political landscape. Of course, as Trump supporters, the trio delves into critiques of Biden/Harris’ leadership, the importance of economic growth, and why minority communities are increasingly supporting conservative policies. They also highlight the work that CPAC has been doing with the worldwide movements for freedom and liberty. With optimism, they address concerns about election integrity and the power of respectful discourse. This conversation offers valuable insights into topics shaping the nation’s future—it’s a discussion you won’t want to miss. Key Takeaways: (00:25) The episode kicks off with Bill Walton likening the show to “Seinfeld,” but instead of “nothing,” it’s a “show about everything,” signaling a deep dive into pressing global issues. (02:10) Mercedes Schlapp addresses the palpable political exhaustion among Americans but rallies for renewed focus and energy with critical elections just weeks away. Mercy in Work Mode (02:45) A sharp critique is leveled at Kamala Harris, questioning her competence in articulating economic plans and her ability to connect with everyday Americans. (03:17) Doubt is cast on polls showing Harris with nearly 50% support, suggesting inaccuracies and highlighting concerns over early voting and election integrity. (04:23) Matt Schlapp observes a notable shift of racial minorities, especially those who fled communism, moving toward Trump due to his stances on immigration and economic freedom. (05:31) Bill Walton argues that the Biden-Harris administration has neglected economic growth in favor of social agendas like climate change and diversity, impacting Americans’ prosperity. (07:14) The panel criticizes Harris’s economic speech in Pittsburgh for lacking substance, emphasizing that “inspirational” rhetoric doesn’t address real economic issues. (13:44) A stark contrast is drawn between Republicans adhering to election laws and Democrats allegedly exploiting legal loopholes to gain advantages. (15:58) Mercedes Schlapp raises alarms about potential foreign interference from China and Iran, suggesting they favor Harris to weaken the United States. (16:39) Concerns are voiced about the safety of political figures, noting that Donald Trump has faced serious threats, and calling out the media for insufficient coverage. (19:11) Criticism is directed at Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for saying they need to “extinguish Trump for good,” warning that such rhetoric is dangerous and divisive. (21:08) Bill Walton connects the U.S. election to a global freedom movement, mentioning Argentina’s Javier Milei and highlighting CPAC’s international efforts to promote democracy. (27:33) The discussion highlights growing support for Trump among Hispanic and Black voters, attributing it to dissatisfaction with economic conditions under current policies. (42:22) Matt Schlapp reflects on Trump’s resilience through past challenges, suggesting it indicates a significant role he is yet to play in shaping America’s future. (46:41) The conversation concludes with optimism about Trump’s unique leadership, expressing confidence that he aligns with crucial issues that will positively impact the nation’s direction. Watch the full episode now on Rumble and social media @CPAC.

As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, economic concerns are front and center for most Americans, particularly for small business owners and working families. Rising inflation, sluggish growth, and skyrocketing costs have become daily realities. Few, however, realize the true magnitude of federal regulatory costs, which have increased dramatically under the Biden-Harris administration, placing an enormous burden on small businesses and stifling economic growth. Last week, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability released a report on these costs , and their figures underscore the analyses done by the CPAC Foundation's Center for Regulatory Freedom. According to the HCOA report, the Biden-Harris administration has imposed an estimated $1.7 trillion in new regulatory costs in less than four years, a figure that represents over half of the cumulative federal regulatory costs accrued through 2022​. This surge is unparalleled in modern regulatory history. In the letter submitted to the House Small Business Committee, we observed a regulatory cost growth rate of nearly 16% annually, far outpacing even the regulatory surge during the Obama administration. Small businesses—those with fewer than 20 employees, which account for 90% of American businesses—bear the brunt of this burden. Regulatory costs per employee per year (PEPY) have skyrocketed from $19,088 in January 2021 to $33,105 by mid-2024​. For a small business with 10 employees, the cost of regulation has ballooned from $190,880 to $331,050 in just three and a half years. These direct costs are exacerbated by lost opportunity costs, which, as the data shows, multiply the economic impact by 19-fold. This amounts to over $2.5 million in lost opportunities for a single small business​. The reality for Main Street is dire: small businesses are losing not just in direct expenses but also in their capacity to innovate, expand, and hire more employees. The Stark Regulatory Contrast: Trump vs. Biden A fundamental aspect of the debate around regulatory overreach is the stark contrast between the regulatory approaches of the Trump administration and the Biden-Harris administration, as outlined in the draft op-ed​. Under President Trump, regulatory costs increased at an unprecedentedly modest rate of 0.33% per year. From 2017 to 2021, the cost of federal regulations rose only from $2.25 trillion to $2.28 trillion. This period of regulatory stability allowed businesses—especially small businesses—to thrive, as they were afforded a reprieve from the regulatory onslaught of the Obama years. In contrast, regulatory costs under President Biden have soared at an annual growth rate of 14.06%, resulting in a projected regulatory cost of $7.52 trillion by 2030 if the current trajectory continues​. This rapid expansion not only places a crushing burden on small businesses but also carries an enormous indirect economic cost. Using the Dawson and Seater’s $19 multiplier, the opportunity cost of Biden-Harris regulatory policies could reach an astonishing $142.88 trillion by 2030. Economic Consequences for Main Street The staff report’s findings reinforce the notion that this regulatory expansion is not just a federal or political issue but an economic one with direct implications for small businesses and consumers​. Every additional dollar spent on compliance is a dollar not invested in innovation, wage growth, or job creation. The ripple effects of this dynamic have a disproportionate impact on lower-income households, exacerbating economic inequality as businesses pass regulatory costs onto consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services​. As outlined in our letter to the House Small Business Committee, the Biden-Harris administration’s regulatory surge is also harming small businesses’ capacity to compete​. With a $140,170 increase in regulatory costs for a business with just 10 employees since 2021, it is no surprise that the NFIB Small Business Uncertainty Index has reached its highest level since the pandemic​. Small businesses, already operating on thin margins, are being forced to choose between cutting staff, raising prices, or going under. Twin Paths for the Future: A Regulatory Fork in the Road We are now at a critical juncture. As we have discussed, the nation faces two distinct regulatory paths for the future. One path, represented by the Biden-Harris administration’s continued regulatory acceleration, would see the regulatory state grow to over $7.5 trillion by 2030, with small businesses shouldering a PEPY regulatory cost of nearly $70,000. The other path, harkening back to the regulatory restraint of the Trump administration, would cap regulatory growth at a modest 0.33% per year, resulting in a manageable regulatory cost of approximately $3.7 trillion by 2030​. The choice could not be clearer: one path leads to economic suffocation, while the other opens the door to growth, innovation, and prosperity. The Supreme Court’s recent decisions, particularly in cases like West Virginia v. EPA , signal a growing recognition of the need to rein in the administrative state. However, it will take concerted effort from policymakers and voters to ensure that we do not allow the regulatory burden to crush the American entrepreneurial spirit. A Time for a Regulatory Reckoning The data and projections from the staff report on regulatory overreach, combined with the analysis of CRF, point to an undeniable conclusion: the current pace of regulatory expansion is unsustainable. If we continue on the Biden-Harris administration’s trajectory, the costs to small businesses, the economy, and American families will be catastrophic. The stakes have never been higher. As we approach the 2024 elections, it is imperative that voters understand the profound economic consequences of unchecked regulatory growth and choose a path of economic restraint, innovation, and prosperity. The regulatory state must be reined in. Otherwise, we risk losing the small businesses that form the backbone of our economy and the opportunities for economic growth that will secure a brighter future for all Americans.

On Saturday, September 28, CPAC joined Ranchers for Trump in Fallon, Nevada, outside of Reno, for a rally supporting President Donald Trump and local ranchers.  Matt and Mercedes Schlapp along with CPAC board members Dr. Brooke Miller and David Bernhardt spoke at the rally in support of President Trump and his policies that will protect the domestic ranching industry, America’s food supply, and the American consumer.    The event featured roping events, artisan vendors, and a cattle sale, showcasing the quality and industriousness of small, American businesses. Under the Biden-Harris administration, those small businesses along with our food supply are under attack.   As a battleground state wrought with issues in the 2020 election, Nevada is engaged in the very heart of the fight to keep America free. With ranching comprising the majority of Nevada’s agricultural sectors, ranchers are especially invested in protecting the domestic food supply from the Left’s war on beef and lower-quality foreign imports.   Ranchers for Trump is representing many of these ranchers by supporting President Trump. Ranchers for Trump leader Jack Payne joined Mercedes Schlapp on an episode of America Uncanceled last week for an in-depth discussion of their efforts to make America healthy again and the challenges ranchers are currently facing under the Biden-Harris regime.  Learn more at CPAC.org and on social media @CPAC.

York County, Pennsylvania District Attorney Dave Sunday is a warrior for conservative criminal justice reform and took the stage at CPAC to explain his plans to tackle the drug epidemic in the United States. The drug epidemic is hitting Pennsylvania hard. Through accountability and redemption, Sunday is tough on holding York County drug dealers and traffickers accountable while helping drug addicts escape the cycle of crime and addiction. “We fight every single day to hold drug dealers accountable, to go after drug traffickers, to go after the dealers on the street, but at the same time, we do show redemption and we show love to people that in the throes of addiction,” summed Sunday. His tough but fair approach has proven effective. Crime and recidivism rates, the number of overdose deaths, and gang violence have all decreased in York County with Sunday as District Attorney. He hopes to apply the same approach statewide and save many more lives as Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Hear Sunday’s full remarks from CPAC in DC 2024 on Rumble @CPAC .

Under the Biden-Harris administration, groceries are more expensive and in shorter supply. Gas and energy are more expensive. Home ownership, a central tenet of the American Dream, is now out of reach for the majority of the Millienial and Gen Z generations, and overall, the economy is in recession. What’s more, the Harris campaign is talking about taking things a step further and implementing price controls and raising taxes, which would be catastrophic for the American economy and consumer.   “A lot of people like to say we are in a recession if you look at the numbers. The good thing is there’s a lot of optimism because in just two months we have someone coming in, Donald Trump, that is a businessman [whose] number one priority is to keep the American Dream alive,” weighed in Marafatsos. “You see people starting to spend money. They are a little careful because they don’t know what November brings. Kamala Harris, her policies that are just coming out now are getting picked apart and none of them make sense. They want to increase taxes on all of us and that’s not good.”  The unknown of the November election is keeping the economy in limbo, but one thing is for sure that President Trump will raise the economy up out the ashes and revitalize the American Dream.   Watch Marafatsos’ full conversation with Mercedes Schlapp on social media @CPAC.

In the setting of CPAC Mexico 2024, Mercedes Schlapp welcomed CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp to CPAC Unidos to discuss the growing international conservative movement and CPAC’s role in rallying the world around freedom.   “Every time I watch these videos and seeing really what you’ve done in expanding CPAC internationally through Hungary, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, we’ve done it in Israel, the list keeps growing. It looks like we’re going to be also in Argentina. That’s one of the next stops. When you step back and look at CPAC and see how its just become this international brand, what are your thoughts about it?” Mercedes Schlapp posed to Matt Schlapp.   “Part of it is negative because part of it is the reason why it’s become such a big deal is there’s such serious problems. The world needs CPAC because you bring up the Sao Paulo Forum and these other institutions or groups that where the Left all gets funding and intel and they coordinate their attacks on civilization and we don’t really have anything like it on the Right,” said Matt Schlapp. “In the ashes of everything we used to have, groups like CPAC are building up. What I think is great is we don’t foist ourselves on these countries. They want us to come.”  CPAC Mexico 2024 demonstrated this. The great enthusiasm at CPAC Mexico 2024 indicates a bullish future for freedom in the Western Hemisphere, and CPAC is taking on the role of rallying all freedom-loving patriots, regardless of political party.   Mercedes Schlapp observed, “I’ve learned that with Hispanics, in particular, they don’t want to be Republicans. They don’t want to be Democrats, but they do like the CPAC world because we are being able to really connect so many in Latin America and Spain, as well, in order to make sure they know, look, we’re fighting for freedom, we’re fighting against the Communists. We want to protect your freedoms and your family.”  Watch the full conversation from this episode and more CPAC Unidos episodes with world leaders from Latin America on social media @CPAC.

The Coalition Against Socialized Medicine (CASM) has recently sent two strong messages to Congress, emphasizing the dangers of government intervention in drug pricing. These letters, addressed to key members of the Senate, highlight the coalition’s deep concerns about the impact of policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other price-setting measures on healthcare innovation, patient outcomes, and the broader economy. Here’s an overview of CASM’s stance and the urgent need for lawmakers to reject socialist-style price controls in healthcare. 1. The Dangers of Price Controls on Pharmaceuticals CASM’s recent letter to Senator Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), directly addresses the potential harms of imposing price controls on drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The letter criticizes the push for federally mandated pricing, describing it as a threat to the innovation that drives the pharmaceutical industry. According to CASM, price controls cut into the revenue streams that fund research and development (R&D), making it less feasible for companies to invest in new treatments. Impact on Innovation:  The letter underscores that innovation in drug development is costly and time-consuming. Revenues from current products are often reinvested into developing new drugs. By imposing price controls, the government not only cuts profits but also diminishes the incentives for companies to take on the high risks associated with drug R&D. Evidence of Harm:  CASM cites the effects of the IRA’s Medicare Drug Price “Negotiation” program, which they argue is already stifling innovation. Since the law’s passage, 36 research programs and 21 drugs have been discontinued as companies face the untenable financial pressures of government price-setting. Leading pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Bristol Myers Squibb have been forced to scale back critical research efforts. A Call to Reject Socialism:  The letter emphasizes that price controls are not just bad economics; they represent a broader ideological shift toward socialism that threatens America’s free-market principles. CASM urges lawmakers to resist these controls, highlighting that while capped prices might appear beneficial in the short term, the long-term consequences include reduced access to new treatments and worse health outcomes for patients. 2. The Inflation Reduction Act: A Threat to Seniors and Innovation CASM’s letter to Senator Mike Crapo, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, takes aim at the IRA, which CASM sees as a fundamental betrayal of America’s healthcare system and free-market values. The letter criticizes the IRA’s healthcare provisions, particularly its so-called Medicare Drug Price “Negotiation” program, as deceitful and harmful to seniors and working families. Marxist-Style Price Controls:  CASM describes the IRA’s price negotiation as “two lies for the price of one,” arguing that it is neither a genuine negotiation nor conducted in good faith. Instead, drug manufacturers are forced to accept government-set prices under the threat of punitive excise taxes, a tactic CASM likens to the coercive practices of totalitarian regimes. Misuse of Medicare Funds:  CASM also highlights the IRA’s diversion of $260 billion from Medicare to fund unrelated liberal priorities, such as electric vehicle subsidies and insurance industry giveaways. This misallocation of resources, according to CASM, betrays America’s seniors, who are now facing higher premiums and reduced access to healthcare plans. Cronyism and Corruption:  The letter further criticizes the alliance between major insurers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and political actors, which CASM argues has distorted the healthcare market to the detriment of patients. CASM calls out this “backward Robin Hood” approach, where funds meant for seniors are funneled to enrich large corporations, ultimately raising costs for beneficiaries. 3. A Call to Action for Lawmakers CASM’s letters serve as a clarion call to Congress to resist government overreach in healthcare. The coalition implores lawmakers to recognize the real-world impacts of policies like the IRA, which stifle innovation, harm patient access, and undermine the core principles of a free-market economy. Highlight the True Impact:  CASM urges Senators to use their upcoming hearings to expose the detrimental effects of price controls on patients, seniors, and taxpayers. The coalition warns that while these policies may seem to offer quick fixes, they are, in fact, driving up costs, reducing choices, and limiting future medical advancements. Protect Free-Market Healthcare:  Ultimately, CASM’s position is clear: government-imposed price controls represent a step toward socialism that America cannot afford. By standing against these policies, lawmakers have the opportunity to safeguard the innovation and competition that have long been the hallmarks of American healthcare. Conclusion The Coalition Against Socialized Medicine is unwavering in its commitment to protect free-market healthcare solutions. Through their recent letters to Congress, CASM has made a compelling case against the IRA and other price-setting policies, warning of the dangers they pose to innovation, patient care, and economic freedom. It is now up to lawmakers to heed this call and reject socialist-style interventions in America’s healthcare system.