Search Results

A week ago, CPAC had the privilege to present on legislative solutions to end modern day slavery during a conference held by the Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute and the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). Led by the Center for Immigration Studies and alongside Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s team, the presentation shed light on the critical importance of developing effective legislation to not only hold traffickers accountable but also ensure that survivors have the resources needed to successfully reintegrate into society. Specifically, the focus was on four key components that policy makers must address to be effective: Meeting a crucial need for legislation that focuses on holding perpetrators accountable through defined criminal penalties for buying, selling, and coercing other human beings into a life of slavery and abuse. Prioritizing relief and recovery services for victims, ensuring that these survivors are not punished for crimes that they were forced into and restoring their ability to thrive in modern society. Allocating resources to address the flow of illegal criminal activity into the country, through supporting law enforcement and advocates at the southern border with the tools necessary to keep organized crime out of the United States and ensuring children are not brought to our country to be labor or sex trafficked. Acknowledging and addressing the harms caused by ‘big tech’ platforms that serve as breeding ground for traffickers to exploit young and vulnerable victims into a life of trafficking. By integrating these four elements into legislation, the panel advocated for a more holistic approach and robust legal framework that not only combats trafficking effectively but also places a strong emphasis on victim-centered approaches that ends the cycle of abuse we see too often in human trafficking cases. You can learn more about the conference and CPAC’s presentation: https://uh.edu/bti/news/events/combat-human-trafficking/.

The Christmas season is upon us, and We Are Not Enemies is the perfect way to participate in this season of joy and giving. Join us and Americans nationwide in praying for the healing of our country. We are in a dangerous culture war, and We Are Not Enemies is the opportunity we need to spread forgiveness and mend the division wrought on Americans by the Left. The program is simple but effective. It unites Americans in the act of praying and brings our focus back to God. Join today by making your prayer pledge at wearenotenemies.com. - Matt & Mercy

We Are Not Enemies invites you to join a growing community of Christians as they pray for unity and mercy in America. The program is completely free and only requires a pledge to pray either on your own or with a local prayer group. Either way, you are connected to a nationwide grassroots movement of God-fearing and patriotic Americans. You can even help that movement grow by inviting friends and family to join, using your platforms to speak about it, dispersing flyers to organizations in your town, or by tagging #wearenotenemies on social media. With your help, we can bring our country together in a season of forgiveness. Visit wearenotenmies.com to learn all the ways you can participate.

When we founded Patriot Mobile 10 years ago, our desire was to create a business that could be a catalyst for positive change within our great nation.  Like most Americans, I had great concerns with the state of our country and the direction we were headed. As America’s only Christian conservative wireless provider, Patriot Mobile’s mission is to defend our God-given constitutional rights and freedoms and to do so in a way that glorifies God.  We carry out our mission by donating a portion of every dollar we earn back to Christian conservative causes.  One of the causes we choose to support is CPAC. From the very first time I met Matt and Mercedes Schlapp, I knew CPAC was going to be a great partner for Patriot Mobile.   Unlike some other organizations in the movement, CPAC is actually moving the needle within the movement.    I believe CPAC will continue to play an instrumental  role in conservatism and preserving our freedoms. It is an honor to partner with CPAC, and I encourage other folks that are as passionate as we are about saving our country, to consider supporting this great organization. Merry Christmas and Blessings to you and yours, Glenn Story

Introduction The CPAC Foundation's Center for Regulatory Freedom recently issued a detailed critique of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed rulemaking regarding internet regulation, particularly focusing on the reinstatement of net neutrality and related policies. This post delves into their comments and arguments, presenting a comprehensive summary for a clearer understanding of the ongoing debate. Summary of CRF's Comments Historical Context In 2017, the FCC considered repealing the Obama Administration's net neutrality policy, amidst strong opposition characterized as a blend of propaganda and fearmongering by various celebrities and large internet companies. Despite their predictions of dire consequences, CRF argues that the post-repeal period saw improvements in internet speeds, reliability, and affordability, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critique of Biden Administration's Approach The Biden Administration aims to resurrect net neutrality and implement a new policy, Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet (SSOI). CRF criticizes this as an overregulation, noting a shift in the argument towards national security and public safety, which we regard as a weak justification. Detailed Analysis Arbitrary and Capricious Rulemaking CRF asserts that the FCC's rulemaking is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). We reference recent Supreme Court cases to outline standards for determining whether agency actions are reasonable and lawful, arguing that the FCC's proposed rule lacks a sound statutory basis and fails to provide a rational connection between its findings and decisions. Overstepping Statutory Authority We emphasize that the FCC's proposal exceeds its statutory authority. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not grant the FCC the power to regulate for national security or public safety, which the proposal claims to do. This overreach, we argue, contradicts the Act's focus on promoting competition and infrastructure investment. Lack of Reasonable Explanation The proposal, according to the Foundation, lacks a reasonable basis, relying on speculative and insufficient data from the COVID-19 pandemic period. It also fails to demonstrate a clear legal rationale for the expanded regulatory authority it seeks. National Security and the "Square-Peg, Round-Hole" Problem CRF views the national security argument for net neutrality as a misalignment, noting that the FCC already possesses authority under existing regulations to address security threats. We question the necessity of expanding the FCC's role in national security, seeing it as an attempt to justify a preferred policy rather than a genuine security need. Major Questions Doctrine Finally, we argue that the proposed rule fails to meet the "Major Questions Doctrine" as set forth in the Supreme Court's West Virginia v. EPA decision. The FCC's rationale ignores key trends in internet pricing, speed, and availability since the 2018 repeal of net neutrality, focusing instead on objectives that CRF views as outside the FCC's traditional purview. Conclusion CRF's comments present a strong critique of the FCC's proposed internet regulation, challenging its legal basis, its approach to national security, and the rationale behind reintroducing net neutrality. This debate highlights the complexities of regulating the internet, balancing technological advances, consumer protection, and national security concerns. The FCC's next steps, and the responses they elicit, will be crucial in shaping the future of internet regulation in the United States.

Earlier this week, the Nolan Center for Justice’s Prosecutor and Law Enforcement Advisory Council released their Conservative Principles of Prosecution. These principles are intended to serve as a foundation to ensure prosecutors and law enforcement leaders promote public safety, uphold the integrity of the profession, and foster public confidence in the criminal justice system. Recognizing the need for center-right prosecutors and law enforcement leaders open to systemic improvements, our Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Advisory Council is chaired by former Acting United States Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and is composed of leaders with law enforcement backgrounds at federal, state, and local levels. Serving as a leading voice in the country, the Council met in early November for a two-day retreat in order to draft and finalize these standards of the profession. It is our hope that these principles will serve as a tool and encouragement to prosecutors throughout the country as they serve the people whom granted them their power. Learn more here.

The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report continues to fund the worst policies of the Biden administration's politized Department of Defense and ultimately falls short of its responsibility to bolster our national security and adequately confront global threats. The bill continues the Biden administration's promotion of divisive and woke internal policies within the Department of Defense. For example, the NDAA conference report continues funding for the facilitation of abortion and funds transgender surgeries. The current package also omits the House-passed NDAA's explicit ban on taxpayer funded drag shows, mask mandates on military bases and elimination of Chief Diversity Officers in the military. Continuing to permit these policies not only strays from the military's core mission but also risks further politicization of our armed forces. Additionally, the conference report includes a reauthorization of the controversial Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without reforms. Though this is being sold as a short-term extension, the extension included would give the Biden administration's deep state bureaucrats the authority to continue conducting 200,000 plus warrantless backdoor searches of private American citizens through April 2025. In sum, the NDAA, in its current form, fails to address crucial national security challenges, neglects much-needed reforms, and continues to push a politicized agenda within our military ranks. We will recommend to our sister organization, CPAC Foundation’s Center for Legislative Accountability to negatively score a vote in favor of the FY24 NDAA conference report in the 53rd Edition of CPAC Foundation’s Ratings of Congress.

Today, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed an Executive Order 2023-31, to put an end to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracy in Oklahoma’s government. For years, universities and government agencies, even those in red states, have become increasingly beholden to a coercive liberal agenda, often framed under the banner of DEI. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court correctly ruled that the use of affirmative action in college admissions violates the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution. Oklahoma is taking the next step by curtailing political coercion and ending identity-based preferences in all government employment. "CPAC applauds Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt for acting through executive order today to take down DEI in all of Oklahoma’s government. Abolishing DEI bureaucracies and ending mandatory 'diversity' training and DEI hiring statements will ensure Oklahoma’s institutions can focus on the diversity of ideas, rather than shame-based political activism. Oklahomans can take pride in knowing that the content of their character will matter more than the color of their skin." - David Safavian, CPAC Executive Vice President. This executive order is also necessary to combat bureaucratic bloat. For example, public colleges in Oklahoma have spent at least $83.4 million on DEI in the last decade. Additionally, Oklahoma State University currently employs nearly double the amount of staff in their DEI bureaucracy as it does history professors. These reforms are not just administrative adjustments; they represent a paradigm shift towards a more academically rigorous higher education system and more efficient state government. State legislatures around the country should follow Oklahoma’s lead to ensure that their public universities remain bastions of learning and free thought and their government agencies become unencumbered by ideological biases based on woke political agendas. DETAILS: The order requires state agencies and institutes for higher education to initiate a review of DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures, and programs to eliminate and dismiss non-critical personnel. State agencies and institutions for higher education shall not utilize state funds, property, or resources to: Grant or support diversity, equity, and inclusion positions, departments, activities, procedures, or programs to the extent they grant preferential treatment based on one person’s particular race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin over another’s; mandate any person to participate in, listen to, or receive any education, training, activities, procedures, or programming to the extent such education, training, activity, or procedure grants preferences based on one person’s particular race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin over another’s; mandate any person swear, certify, or agree to any loyalty oath that favors or prefers one particular race, color, sex, ethnicity, or national origin over another; mandate any person to certify or declare agreement with, recognition of, or adherence to, any particular political, philosophical, religious, or other ideological viewpoint; mandate any applicant for employment provide a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement or give any applicant for employment preferential consideration based on the provision of such a diversity, equity, and inclusion statement; or mandate any person to disclose their pronouns.

Joining Elaine Beck’s new initiative We Are Not Enemies is as easy as praying! We Are Not Enemies brings together Christians nationwide in a prayer community for a season of forgiveness. You can begin simply by setting aside a time every day to pause and go to the Lord in prayer. You can also get further involved in bringing Americans together by participating or starting a prayer group in your church, family, or with friends. All are welcome to participate in or lead a prayer group for a special event on November 26, 2024 as the year-long season of forgiveness comes to a close. Make your pledge to pray today at wearenotenmies.com.

Six years ago, in 2017, CPAC held its very first international conference in Tokyo, Japan, building solidarity among conservatives across the globe. Earlier this month, CPAC returned to Tokyo and successfully held its seventh CPAC Japan. The event is the fruit of the friendships between the American Conservative Union and the Japanese Conservative Union, led by Jay Aeba, and their respective countries, the United States and Japan. This year’s event continued the tradition of uniting the international conservative movement while addressing issues both particular to Japan and shared between Japan and the United States. Remarks from figures such as Jack Posobiec and Dr. Robert Malone tackled concerns regarding national security threats from China and the Middle East and health threats and violations of liberties by COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

We are proud to join our dear friend and supporter of CPAC, Elaine Beck, in her new program We Are Not Enemies. The mission of We Are Not Enemies is timely. The Leftists and Marxists are sowing division, celebrating hate, and encouraging anger toward neighbors with the pervasive cancel culture. We Are Not Enemies counters this with the power of prayer. It is initiating a season of forgiveness to plant the seeds of compassion, empathy, and respect for the dignity of each person, no matter their political persuasion, in every American. We applaud Elaine for her courage in starting this program and look forward to the fruits it will bear for our beloved country. Visit wearenotenemies.com to start your role in this great program. -Matt & Mercy

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.