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Couldn’t make it to CPAC? Are you here but still don’t want to miss a minute of speeches while exploring CPAC Central? Tune in to the CPAC livestream! The CPAC livestream broadcasts every Main Stage speech live from the CPAC conference. The livestream covers the full length of the conference and is available starting today all the way through Saturday. Watch now at CPAC.org/live!

We’re only one day away from CPAC in DC 2024 being in full swing! As we put the final touches on the conference, here are a few answers to some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your CPAC experience: What happens at CPAC conferences? Lots of things! You may know CPAC for the exceptional speeches from elected officials and conservative superstars, but we also bring together hundreds of conservative media members and news outlets on Media Row along with patriotic businesses, both small and large, at CPAC Central. All throughout the conference, you have infinite opportunities to socialize, network, and altogether find community with like-minded patriots. Where Should I Stay for CPAC? CPAC in DC 2024 is held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. For the greatest convenience, book a room at the Gaylord National to keep you closest to the action. Our neighborhood hotel, The Residence Inn National Harbor is another great option. It’s located just across the street from the Gaylord, keeping you close to the conference and offers a great value. Visit CPAC.org/DC to explore your hotel options. When can I check-in for the conference? Registration and badge pickup officially opens on Wednesday, February 21 at 5 p.m. Check out our conference agenda for all registration times. Who is speaking at CPAC? Our speakers include President Donald Trump, Argentina President Javier Milei, PM Liz Truss, and more. The full list of our speakers can be found on our website at CPAC.org/DC on our conference agenda. What is the Ronald Reagan Dinner? The Ronald Reagan Dinner is always a highlight of CPAC conferences! Named after friend and supporter of CPAC and the conservative icon, President Ronald Reagan, the dinner unites CPAC attendees and speakers for a night of fun with keynote addresses, a live auction, music, and dancing. Tickets to the Ronald Reagan Dinner can be purchased in addition to admission at CPAC.org/DC. See you at CPAC!

CPAC in DC 2024 is just days away and we’ve compiled a guide of things to do to help you make the most of your experience whether it’s your first time or fifth time. Have your QR code ready on your phone at check-in You should have received an email with a QR code shortly after purchasing your tickets online. When you arrive at CPAC and head to our registration area, you will scan that QR code to check-in and receive your badge. Having the QR code at hand on your phone will make check-in quick and easy so you can spend more time experiencing CPAC! Check out our Agenda ahead of time Plan out your weekend with our agenda for the conference’s events. A schedule is currently published on the website with the times for registration, Main Stage speeches, special events, and the CPAC Central hours. Check it out here. Download the CPAC App Keep all the information for the weekend’s events handy by downloading the CPAC mobile app. The app gives you easy access right on your phone to all the information for the conference, the schedule of speakers, and all things CPAC throughout the year! Download the app in the App Store and on Google Play today. Book your Hotel Accommodations If you have yet to book your hotel accommodations, fear not. You still have several great options for your stay. The Gaylord National is the host hotel for CPAC in DC 2024 and offers a variety of room options while keeping you closest to the conference and features several dining and retail options on-site. The Residence Inn, right across the street from the Gaylord, is our neighborhood hotel for the conference and offers convenience at a great value with our special group rate. Explore these hotel options and more at CPAC.org/DC

CPAC in DC 2024 will feature speeches from President Donald J. Trump, Argentina President Javier Milei, PM Liz Truss, and many more! You’ll get to hear from Kari Lake, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Ballard, and Savannah Chrisley, along with your favorite elected officials like Jim Jordan, J.D. Vance, Elise Stefanik, Ken Paxton, and Mark Green. You’ll also have the chance to hear from leading conservative commentators including Steve Bannon, Mark Levin, and Michael Knowles. View the current list of confirmed speakers at CPAC.org/dc and book your spot today!

CPAC welcomes various media to attend and cover our national conferences each year. Media Row houses studios, sets, and booths used by your favorite conservative reporters, commentators, and hosts for broadcasts directly from CPAC. Attendees have the unique opportunity to watch live the production of their favorite shows and broadcasts throughout the conference and meet the conservative side of media at Media Row. Learn more about the national CPAC conference at CPAC.org/DC

Instead of the traditional Presidential Super Bowl interview, and following on the heels of a disastrous news cycle and press conference regarding the president's mental acumen, President Biden instead took to the airwaves this past weekend to discuss "shrinkflation" (the economic condition whereby a company, in order to combat inflation, decides to shrink the portion size of a product instead of raising the prices for the product offered at that initial size). Unsurprising to anyone, the President focused his feigned ire at shrinkflation on supposedly greedy companies--instead of pointing the fingers at how the progressive policies he and his adherents both support and implment are what drives "shrinkflation"/ In the labyrinth of economic dynamics, the interplay between regulatory costs, inflation, and shrinkflation forms a complex narrative that profoundly impacts consumers and businesses alike. With regulatory costs on the rise, the domino effect on inflation and the subtler yet pervasive phenomenon of shrinkflation becomes increasingly evident. Here we delve into the intricate relationship among these elements, drawing on insights from a study by the National Association of Manufacturers, to argue that increased regulatory costs are a significant driver of both inflation and shrinkflation. The Burden of Regulatory Costs Regulatory costs, often overlooked, play a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape. The National Association of Manufacturers' study underscores the hefty price tag associated with compliance, which not only burdens businesses but also indirectly affects consumers. These costs, ranging from adhering to complex regulations to navigating the so-called "regulatory dark matter" of informal guidelines and directives, can stifle innovation, deter investment, and increase operational expenses. The Biden administration's adjustments in the regulatory framework, such as the elevation of the threshold for economically significant rules, further complicate the landscape, potentially allowing more regulations to bypass in-depth cost analysis. This lack of transparency and the underestimation of regulatory costs fuel an environment ripe for economic inefficiencies. The Inflation Connection Inflation, a familiar adversary to both consumers and policymakers, is intricately linked to regulatory costs. As businesses grapple with the financial strain of compliance, these costs invariably trickle down to consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services. The study's adjustment of regulatory costs for inflation offers a sobering perspective on the magnitude of this burden, highlighting how inflation exacerbates the impact of regulatory expenses. This inflationary pressure is not merely a theoretical concern but a tangible reality affecting everyday transactions and the overall cost of living. Shrinkflation: A Subtle Symptom Shrinkflation, while less overt than inflation, is a cunning manifestation of the economic pressures exerted by regulatory costs and inflation. The phenomenon, characterized by reducing the quantity or size of products while maintaining prices, is a strategic response by businesses to the dual challenges of rising manufacturing costs and consumer price sensitivity. As regulatory and inflationary pressures mount, shrinkflation becomes an increasingly appealing option for companies striving to balance cost management with consumer expectations. The Consumer's Dilemma For consumers, the impact of regulatory costs, inflation, and shrinkflation is a multifaceted predicament. The direct effects of inflation on purchasing power are compounded by the subtler erosion of value through shrinkflation. The strategies to mitigate these impacts, such as paying closer attention to unit prices or opting for whole foods over pre-packaged goods, require a heightened level of consumer awareness and engagement. Yet, these measures only address the symptoms without tackling the root causes: the increasing regulatory costs and the economic policies that fuel inflation. Towards Transparency and Reform The intricate dance between regulatory costs, inflation, and shrinkflation calls for a comprehensive approach to economic policy that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and consumer welfare. By advocating for clearer regulatory cost assessments and more judicious policymaking, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects on inflation and counteract the need for measures like shrinkflation. Root-to-branch reform of regulatory institutions, coupled with a commitment to economic transparency, can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous marketplace. It should come as a shock to no one that the President is using shrinkflation as a rallying cry--it is election season, after all, and the public is generally dissatisfied with the President's performance on the economy. But we have to make it clear to the President (and his allies) that the underlying causes for both inflation and shrinkflation rest clearly on his shoulders.

CPAC Central is the hub of activity at CPAC conferences. It’s also the place to be if shopping is on your to-do list. CPAC Central houses the hundreds of vendors, organizations, and event sponsors that come to CPAC. Businesses of all sizes and categories set up shop here making it the perfect place to discover patriotic businesses that you can continue to support long after the conference. The CPAC store is also conveniently located here so you can add a CPAC souvenir to your shopping haul. Beyond shopping, CPAC Central is also a great area for socializing. Many grassroots organizations set up booths here with members always looking to connect with new grassroots activists. CPAC Central is a fantastic opportunity to find new ways to get involved in the movement and grow your conservative community. Will we see you in CPAC Central? Visit CPAC.org to buy your tickets and get in on the action.

The Women’s Breakfast is a wonderful way to kickoff the last day of CPAC in DC! The breakfast gathers conservative women for a morning of community and empowering speeches from some of the strongest conservative women in the movement over a morning meal. Last year was a huge success with remarks from Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert and Riley Gaines. We know this year will be an equally exciting way to cap off the weekend! The breakfast takes place on Saturday from 7:30 am to 9 am, and tickets can be added on to any General, Student, or Silver Ticket. Visit CPAC.org/DC to make your plans for CPAC in DC 2024 today!

This is the final week to get the limited time discount on CPAC General Admission Tickets! Our $95 special price for General Admission ends this Friday, February 9. For just $95 this week, you can see speeches from all-star conservatives like President Donald Trump firsthand, experience CPAC Central and Media Row, meet thousands of fellow conservatives, and so much more. If you’ve not already made plans to attend CPAC, now is the time to reserve your spot before prices increase to $195. Visit CPAC.org/DC to book today and join us to PROTECT AMERICA NOW!

The Ronald Reagan Dinner is a staple at CPAC national conferences. The dinner is a break from the hustle and bustle of the day for an evening of fun and fellowship. The highlight of the event are the special keynote speeches from well-known conservative leaders. Past Ronald Reagan Dinner speakers have included Seth Dillon, Kari Lake, and Tulsi Gabbard. This year is set to feature remarks from Vivek Ramaswamy and Bishop Joseph Strickland. In addition to the speeches, the festivities also include a live auction, and the night is capped off with music and dancing. Tickets to the Ronald Reagan Dinner are available now to be added on to any General, Student, or Silver Ticket! Visit CPAC.org/dc to make your plans CPAC in DC 2024 today!

The following is a recent op-ed by CPAC Foundation Nolan Center for Justice Policy Analyst, Helen Weston, published in The Richmond Times-Dispatch: Last month, we received welcomed news from Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Chad Dotson that four state correctional facilities will permanently close in 2024. This decision demonstrates Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s leadership in improving both public and facility safety while ensuring more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. Evidence shows that chronic prison understaffing is a recipe for disaster. The current vacancy rate for correctional officers sits around 26%, while violence and lockdowns are not uncommon. Exposure to violence and threats contribute to the high prevalence of mental health and safety concerns among corrections officers that exacerbate retention and recruitment issues. Further, lockdowns and understaffing can thwart the administration of positive programming — violence begets fear and trauma. Prisons are meant to correct behavior and hold incarcerated people accountable, not teach them how to survive in a culture of violence. For these reasons, the Youngkin administration’s move to consolidate the population into fewer facilitates, thus improving operational efficiency and safety, is a wise decision. This decision builds on Virginia’s concerted effort to improve public safety by modernizing its criminal justice system over the last several years. Under former Gov. Ralph Northam's administration, earned sentence credits were expanded. These programs reward participation in rehabilitative and skill training programs with an earlier release date. Well over 40 states have some form of sentence credits to encourage good behavior and engagement in recidivism-reducing activities. The Youngkin administration has supplemented this work by investing in violence prevention and intervention efforts while outlining a plan to increase mental and behavioral health support and crisis response efforts. The governor has also signed a series of initiatives to improve transparency in the parole process and create new independent oversight of state prisons. The governor’s new budget underlines his commitment to public safety with the provision of continued funding for these efforts. Virginia continues to maintain one of the lowest recidivism rates in the United States. By embracing evidence-based policies, Virginia has begun to experience a decline in its prison population. Overall, the average daily population held in the state’s 27 largest prisons has declined by approximately 15% from estimates before the pandemic. The state has seen the total population of state-responsible inmates held in both state facilities and local jails decline by more than 2,000 people since the implementation of the expanded earned sentence credits in July 2022. There is still more to be done, but with a governor like Youngkin prioritizing public safety and the taxpayer’s dollar while using evidence-based results, Virginians are sure to experience a hopeful and safe new year. This DOC announcement is just one of many of those success stories with continued, positive improvements following the 2024 legislative session to come. Altogether, these changes will lead to a more innovative and effective criminal justice system making our communities safer while creating more opportunities for second chances.

NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is the agency within the US Government that is, among other things, responsible for the development of the "atomic clock" (that standarizes time around the country, and underpins things like the GPS in our phones). Yet for some reason, the Biden administration is seeing fit to use NIST to go over their goal of price controls for drugs in the United States! In December, NIST proposed to amend a 43yo piece of legislation called the Bayh-Dole Act by considering drug prices in the exercise of March-In Rights, there is a burgeoning debate on the future trajectory of innovation, economic prosperity, and the pharmaceutical industry in the United States. At the heart of the discussion is the potential shift from the Act's original mandate to foster innovation and commercialize federally funded research towards a framework that could regulate drug prices. This proposal has sparked considerable concern among stakeholders across the innovation landscape. Distorting the Bayh-Dole Act's Original Intent The Bayh-Dole Act, a keystone of American innovation since 1980, has propelled the U.S. to a leadership position in global technology and pharmaceuticals. It encouraged the commercialization of federally funded research, which led to the development of life-saving drugs and technologies. However, the NIST's proposal to factor in the price of drugs as a criterion for exercising March-In Rights diverges from the Act's original purpose. Instead of promoting the utilization of inventions and fostering public-private partnerships, this move could serve as a mechanism for price regulation—a stark departure from the Act's foundational goals. A Threat to Innovation and Economic Growth The proposed changes pose significant risks to innovation and investment, particularly in the biopharmaceutical sector, where the certainty of patent protection underpins the development of new treatments. The introduction of pricing considerations in the exercise of March-In Rights threatens to deter investment, stifling innovation and slowing the development of new drugs. This could also undermine the U.S. economy at large, given the pharmaceutical industry's role as a vital economic engine contributing billions in economic output and supporting millions of jobs. Undermining Patient Access to Innovative Treatments The NIST proposal could adversely affect patient access to innovative treatments. By introducing uncertainty into the intellectual property landscape, the proposal risks deterring the investment required for the development of new therapies. This move could slow the pace of medical breakthroughs, potentially depriving patients of access to life-saving treatments. Raising Legal and Constitutional Concerns The proposal also raises significant legal and constitutional issues. The exercise of March-In Rights based on drug pricing could be perceived as a taking of property without just compensation, challenging established property rights protected under the U.S. Constitution. Furthermore, this reinterpretation of the Bayh-Dole Act could exceed the authority granted by the legislation itself, leading to prolonged legal battles and further uncertainty. In light of these concerns, it is imperative to tread carefully in any modifications to the Bayh-Dole Act. Preserving the Act's original intent and the incentives for innovation that have secured the United States' position as a global leader in technology and medicine is crucial. Policymakers are urged to explore alternative solutions that address drug affordability without undermining the principles of innovation and private investment. A balanced strategy that respects property rights, fosters economic growth, and maintains America's competitive edge in the global technology and pharmaceutical markets is essential for sustaining the vitality of the U.S. innovation ecosystem. The CPAC Foundation's Center for Regulatory Freedom is filing detailed comments in opposition to this (with comments due by midnight Monday night, February 6). You can file comments as well, by visiting the Federal Register page HERE!