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CPAC 2025 was a bonanza of incredible speeches and panels, rich networking, and all-around conservative exuberance. The air was permeated by a sense of optimism, as the victory of President Trump has brought so many of CPAC’s core issues to the forefront of public consciousness. In recent months, President Trump has appointed many longstanding CPAC friends to positions in his administration, and this conference highlighted the dawn of this exciting new era in American politics. In my role as Senior Fellow for Israel & Jewish Affairs, I am tasked with serving as the bridge between the American Jewish conservative community and CPAC, as well as connecting CPAC with conservative voices in Israel. This year, Jewish involvement in CPAC reached record levels, and a larger-than-ever delegation of Israeli conservatives joined their counterparts from many other countries in participating in the conference. Arguably the most moving element of CPAC was seeing the wall-to-wall embrace of Israeli hostage families by speakers and attendees at the conference. These brave family members spoke on the main stage in an emotional conversation with Mercedes Schlapp ( video ). They also were acknowledged by numerous speakers, including Vice President JD Vance and President Trump ( Video ). They were swarmed by rank and file CPAC attendees who hugged them, prayed with them, and offered them comfort and support. The CPAC International Summit which convened the night before the conference formally opened, also began with a prayer led by Gal Gilboa Dalal, brother of hostage Guy Dalal. Speaking of the International Summit, Israeli Cabinet Minister Amichai Chikli joined counterparts from around the world in representing the conservative movements in their countries. At the end of the summit, CPAC Board member and former Deputy National Security Advisor KT McFarland read out loud a resolution on Israel, which was unanimously adopted by those present. This resolution (video  here ), made waves in Israel for being a significant statement of solidarity and for calling for Israeli sovereignty in Judea & Samaria (link here .) Minister Chikli also spoke about Antisemitism in a main stage conversation with Josh Hammer. See this link for an excellent video montage made by Chikli’s team about CPAC. Additional members of the Israeli delegation who spoke at breakout sessions were: Education Minister Yoav Kisch; members of the Israeli parliament Simcha Rothman and Ohad Tal, and Governor Yisrael Gantz. On Friday night and Saturday, 175 participants attended the Shabbat program at CPAC. Aside from the Israeli notables, the following other visitors attended: Mark Levin, Matt & Mercedes Schlapp, Sebastian Gorka, RNC Chair Michael Whatley, Sarah Carter, GA Attorney General Chris Carr, journalist Katie Pavlich, and many others. Shabbat candles were lit on Friday evening in a moving musical ceremony with the Israeli hostage families.  In short, under the leadership of Matt & Mercedes Schlapp CPAC 2025 sent a robust message of support for Israel to the thousands of CPAC attendees. Additionally, the  growing community of Jewish conservatives here in the United States were embraced and welcomed.

This week, the Coalition Against Socialized Medicine (CASM), a leading alliance of conservative and free-market organizations, made a decisive call to action by sending a letter to congressional leadership urging the passage of the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act. In their letter, addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, CASM emphasized the urgent need to repeal the Biden administration’s so-called “Pill Penalty,” a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that has led to increased drug costs, fewer treatment options, and stifled medical innovation. The EPIC Act, introduced by Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D., Don Davis, and Richard Hudson, aims to counteract the harmful effects of the IRA’s government-imposed drug price controls by restoring free-market incentives for pharmaceutical research and development. CASM’s advocacy for this legislation underscores the broader conservative push against federal overreach and market intervention in the healthcare industry. The Biden Pill Penalty: A Threat to Patients and Innovation In its letter to Congress, CASM did not mince words in condemning the IRA’s impact on Medicare and the pharmaceutical market. The coalition warned that the Biden administration’s so-called “negotiation” program for drug pricing is, in reality, an arbitrary government-imposed price-setting scheme that restricts patient choice, drives up Medicare Part D premiums, and discourages investment in groundbreaking medical treatments. According to CASM, Medicare Part D premiums surged by more than 21% between 2023 and 2024 due to the IRA’s price controls, while the number of available prescription drug plans has dwindled to less than half of what was available when the program first launched. The result? American seniors are paying more for fewer options at the pharmacy counter. Perhaps most alarming, the IRA’s provisions actively discourage investment in small-molecule drugs, which are often taken in pill form and provide essential treatments for millions of patients. The IRA’s policy skews incentives in favor of complex biologic drugs, limiting future pharmaceutical breakthroughs and jeopardizing America’s long-held leadership in medical innovation. The EPIC Act: A Necessary Course Correction CASM is making the case that the EPIC Act is the first essential step in reversing the IRA’s damage and restoring free-market principles to the healthcare sector. By repealing the Biden Pill Penalty, the legislation would eliminate the federal government’s preferential treatment of one class of drugs over another, ensuring that research and development decisions are driven by medical necessity rather than bureaucratic manipulation. “The IRA’s price controls represent central economic planning at its worst,” said CASM Executive Director Andrew Langer in a statement accompanying the coalition’s letter. “Government intervention in the marketplace has never resulted in lower costs or better outcomes for patients—only reduced innovation and economic decline. The EPIC Act is a crucial step in preserving America’s leadership in medical research and ensuring that patients continue to benefit from the latest life-saving treatments.” A Broader Fight Against Socialized Medicine CASM’s advocacy for the EPIC Act fits into a larger conservative effort to push back against what it sees as creeping socialized medicine in America. The coalition, which includes organizations such as the Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC), the Center for Individual Freedom, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, has long been vocal in its opposition to government intervention in the healthcare market. The coalition argues that price controls, like those imposed under the IRA, inevitably lead to supply shortages, reduced investment in cutting-edge treatments, and ultimately, worse outcomes for patients. Instead of relying on heavy-handed regulation, CASM supports market-driven solutions that foster competition, expand consumer choice, and incentivize pharmaceutical innovation. What’s Next? As lawmakers consider budget reconciliation this spring, CASM is urging them to include the EPIC Act as a critical measure to reverse the damage caused by the Biden Pill Penalty. The coalition’s letter to congressional leaders is part of a broader campaign to mobilize grassroots support for the bill, encouraging lawmakers to stand against government overreach in healthcare. With healthcare costs continuing to rise and innovation under threat, the stakes could not be higher. CASM and its allies are committed to ensuring that the EPIC Act gains the support it needs to pass, restoring free-market principles and protecting American patients from the unintended consequences of government price controls.

CPAC 2025 Health Care Panel: (L to R) Jerry Rogers, Real Clear Health; Andrew Langer, CPAC/CASM; Steve Moore, Unleash Prosperity; Phil Kerpen, American Commitment The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 showcased intense discussions on some of the most pressing issues in America today. Among them were three panels that delved deep into the impacts of government overreach: the Regulatory Panel , the Health Care Reform Panel , and the HHS/FDA Politicization of Nutrition Guidelines Panel . Moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes and Jerry Rogers, these panels brought together top policy experts and analysts to expose the hidden costs of regulatory burdens, the flaws in America’s health care system, and the dangers of ideological influence in nutrition policies. Regulation: The Unchecked Power of Bureaucracy Moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes , the Regulatory Panel  featured Andrew Langer (CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom), Wayne Crews (Competitive Enterprise Institute), and Matthew Jensen (America First Policy Institute) . The discussion focused on the growing power of unelected bureaucrats and the urgent need to rein in regulatory overreach. One of the most alarming points discussed was the concept of "regulatory dark matter" , a term coined by Wayne Crews. This refers to the vast number of rules, guidance documents, and interpretations that agencies impose without congressional oversight. These regulations act as de facto laws, burdening businesses and individuals with compliance costs that can reach $2 trillion to $4 trillion annually . Andrew Langer emphasized how the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Chevron Doctrine  provides an opportunity to shift power back to Congress. The doctrine had allowed federal agencies to interpret vague laws as they saw fit, leading to massive expansions of regulatory power. With its reversal, Congress now has the responsibility to reclaim its legislative authority. Langer also emphasized the importance of understanding that while tariffs have an economic impact, the economic impact of regulations is far deeper, and that on-balance, the implementation of tariffs would have negligible economic impact if regulatory costs to the economy were kept in check. Matthew Jensen highlighted how regulatory burdens stifle small businesses and innovation. Unlike large corporations, startups lack the legal teams necessary to navigate complex regulations, leading to reduced competition and economic stagnation . The panelists also warned about "midnight regulations" , last-minute rulemaking by outgoing administrations, which could be difficult to overturn. Proposals for reform included automatic sunsetting of regulations  and requiring agencies to justify their existence periodically. The panelists stressed that deregulation should not be seen as merely a partisan effort, but as a necessary step to restore economic freedom and constitutional governance . Health Care Reform: Exposing Price Controls and Foreign Exploitation of U.S. Innovation The Health Care Reform Panel , moderated by Jerry Rogers (Real Clear Health) , featured Andrew Langer (this time speaking for the Coalition Against Socialized Medicine), Steve Moore (Unleash Prosperity), and Phil Kerpen (American Commitment) . The discussion centered on health care transparency, foreign exploitation of American pharmaceutical innovation, and the harmful effects of price controls. Steve Moore opened the discussion by pointing out that 18 of the last 20 major medical innovations  originated in the U.S., yet foreign countries benefit from them without contributing fairly to research and development costs. American consumers and taxpayers foot the bill while nations with socialized medicine impose compulsory licensing and price caps , creating an unfair system where Americans pay more for drugs. Phil Kerpen highlighted the disastrous effects of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price controls , which have stifled innovation and led to unintended consequences . One example is the so-called "pill penalty" , where the government imposes harsher price controls on oral medications than on injectable drugs . This has created a perverse incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop more injectable medications, even though patients overwhelmingly prefer oral treatments. Andrew Langer added that the Biden administration attempted to seize pharmaceutical patents under "march-in rights" , a policy pushed by progressives to force price reductions. This, he argued, destroys the incentive to innovate , leading to fewer life-saving drugs. A solution proposed was the EPIC Act , which aims to correct the pill penalty by ensuring oral medications receive the same protection from price controls as injectable treatments. The panelists stressed that health care reform should focus on expanding competition, increasing transparency, and eliminating bureaucratic price-fixing mechanisms that distort markets and harm consumers . HHS and FDA: The Politicization of Nutrition Guidelines The final panel, also moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes , tackled the politicization of nutrition guidelines by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Panelists included Andrew Langer again, Guy Bentley (Reason Foundation), and Gabriella Hoffman (Independent Women's Forum) . The panel focused on the proposed revision to U.S. Dietary Guidelines for 2025-2030 , which suggests that no level of alcohol consumption is safe , recommending Americans limit themselves to one drink per week . This is a drastic shift from the previous guidelines, which allowed moderate consumption (one drink per day for women, two for men). Guy Bentley criticized the proposal, arguing that it lacks scientific consensus and cherry-picks studies  to fit a predetermined ideological agenda. He pointed out that research from Harvard and other reputable institutions contradicts the notion that all alcohol consumption is harmful. Historically, moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to positive health outcomes , particularly in heart health. Gabriella Hoffman discussed how nutrition policy is increasingly being driven by climate ideology , rather than sound science. She warned that plant-based diet mandates and restrictions on meat consumption  are being pushed under the guise of environmental sustainability. This approach, she argued, ignores the regenerative role of livestock in agriculture  and dismisses the importance of dietary freedom. Andrew Langer emphasized the lack of transparency in the dietary guideline review process , with many committee members having documented anti-alcohol biases and even foreign affiliations . The panelists agreed that regulatory agencies should be held accountable to scientific rigor, public input, and transparency , rather than being influenced by political and ideological agendas. Conclusion: A Call for Regulatory Accountability and Personal Freedom The CPAC 2025 panels made one thing abundantly clear: government overreach is a growing threat to personal freedom, economic innovation, and scientific integrity . Whether in regulations, health care policy, or nutrition guidelines , unelected bureaucrats continue to exert influence in ways that limit choice, increase costs, and erode public trust . Key takeaways from the panels include: The need to curtail regulatory dark matter  and ensure Congress—not agencies—makes the law. Fighting foreign freeloading on American medical innovation  and repealing harmful price controls that reduce incentives for new treatments . Keeping ideological influence out of nutrition guidelines , ensuring public health recommendations are based on scientific evidence, not political narratives . As CPAC 2025 demonstrated, conservatives must continue pushing for deregulation, transparency, and individual liberty  in every aspect of governance. The battle is far from over, but with growing public awareness and political momentum , there is hope for real, lasting reform in the years to come.

Since the first international CPAC conference, CPAC Japan, in 2017, CPAC has grown its international coalition by leaps and bounds in response to the explosion of globalism.  CPAC in DC 2025 put the growth on full display and demonstrated how different countries can work together in advancing freedom and national sovereignty against the scourge of globalism.   The conference made for a great contrast to the World Economic Forum that took place just a month prior.   Every year, the world’s elite gather to wine and dine and discuss such frivolous topics as climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.  The nearly week-long gathering in the luxury Swiss, ski town is a key planning meeting for globalist leaders and billionaire elite contrived by China puppet and Bill Gates-backed organizations the World Economic Forum and the World Health Organization.  This year’s World Economic Forum, which took place January 20-24, wasted no time bashing the Trump administration and hosted panels to celebrate “the Olympian spirit” of refugees and “protect people from climate change”. The meeting featured more than one panel criticizing the new Trump administration just days after inauguration, calling the administration an “oligarchy”, a regime opposed to the rule of law, and “volatile”.  The annual meeting never fails to promote the deterioration of Western civilization, national sovereignty, and Judeo-Christian values and to spew hate at those, like President Trump, who seek economic prosperity, world peace, and national security through self-determination, self-sufficiency, and a strong military.  Notably, these themes are presented to an exclusive in-person audience at the World Economic Forum of like-minded, elitist individuals who seek to wield their wealth and influence to increase their power and for the promulgation of a world order devoid of freedom, individualism, and meritocracy. The values and interests of the World Economic Forum are not the values and interests of the average citizen. Instead, the World Economic Forum seeks to control the masses by limiting individual freedom, opening borders, and centralizing power into transnational organizations.  In contrast, freedom, self-determination, and Judeo-Christian values were the center of CPAC’s annual conference this year at CPAC in DC 2025. The conference not only acknowledged but celebrated the merits and efficacy of a nation prioritizing its own interests and its own people, protecting life and the family, and supporting the rule of law and a fair, non-politicized justice system in creating a prosperous and rightly ordered society.   And it did so not just in the context of the United States, but with alliances between leaders in Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Korea, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, North Macedonia, and Italy and with its second annual International Summit. It did so too with an audience of international, grassroots patriots because these are the values of the ordinary person trying to raise a family and build a good life in safe and comfortable communities.   CPAC in DC 2025 demonstrated that globalism can and needs to be fought by an international coalition. The answer to globalism is not isolation but lies in forming alliances between nations who recognize the importance of making decisions for themselves without interference from China or Russia or George Soros.   It’s an appropriate foreign policy strategy for the America first mindset to align with and support other nations in asserting and acting on their right to national sovereignty. What CPAC is doing is simply making that possible by bringing these countries together in the same rooms, in the same places with the people that they serve so that they can make progress in spreading freedom together, separately.

CPAC Hungary is the only CPAC conference in Europe and approrpiately placed in the conservative stronghold of Hungary. CPAC Hungary Chairman Miklós Szánthó spoke with Mercedes Schlapp at CPAC in DC 2025 about CPAC Hungary 2025.   “The Age of Patriots is Here!” is the expected theme for this year’s conference.   “We would like to focus and show the world that there is a revival of common sense here in the U.S. We do have the revolution of the right, the uprise of the right also in Europe, but those two sides from both sides of the Atlantic must merge in order to fight the woke propaganda machine,” said Szánthó.   CPAC Hungary will feature appearances from conservative European leaders and leaders from around the world. This year’s conference will take place May 29-30 in Budapest.   Learn more at CPAC.org watch the full conversation on social media @CPAC.

Enjoyed CPAC in DC 2025? Or maybe you missed out on all the action at this year's conference? Make plans to join us for CPAC USA 2026! CPAC will be returning to the Lone Star State for three days of electric speeches, fellowship, and patriotism for next year's national conference. CPAC USA will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center March 25-28, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Ticket sales are open NOW! And they start at just $47 each! Secure your spot for the most influential gathering of conservatives at CPAC.org/2026 .

Terry Schilling, President of the American Principles Project, is a confirmed speaker at CPAC in DC 2025.  Schilling has previously worked on several campaigns, including that of his father, the late Rep. Bobby Schilling. As President of the American Principles Project, he founded the Big Family Initiative, which works to defend and strengthen the power of the family as a political special interest group.  Schilling has previously spoken at CPAC about the dangers of gender ideology and the woke attack on the family. Catch up on his past remarks at CPAC.org .  Make plans to see Schilling’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .

Mike Dunleavy, Governor of Alaska, is a confirmed speaker for CPAC in DC 2025.  Prior to his career in politics, Dunleavy was an educator, working as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. He went on to serve on the school board of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough district, of which he was President for two years. He took office in the Alaska State Senate in 2013, where he served until 2018. He was a high-ranking member of several committees: he served as chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and the Senate Education Committee, co-chair of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System Throughput Special Committee, and vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee. He was also a member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Legislative Council, and the Senate Special Committee on Federal Overreach. He assumed office as Governor of Alaska in 2018. Throughout his political career, Dunleavy has been a staunch advocate for school choice and helped to establish Alaska’s Parental Bill of Rights.  Dunleavy has previously spoken at CPAC about the counterproductivity of militant environmentalism, the dangers of relying on Russian oil, and the damage caused by the Biden administration’s energy policy. Catch up on his past remarks at CPAC.org .   Make plans to see Dunleavy’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .

Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair is a confirmed speaker at CPAC in DC 2025.  Blair is the founder of Rapid Loop, a Florida-based political consulting group. He previously was a key advisor to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, later going on to serve as DeSantis’ Deputy Chief of Staff. He worked on Trump’s campaign in 2020 and served as Political Director during Trump’s 2024 campaign. In January of 2025, Blair was confirmed as Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff.  Make plans to see Blair’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .

United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is a confirmed speaker at CPAC in DC 2025.  Burgum served as Governor of North Dakota from 2016 to 2024. During his time in office, he was a strong proponent of the fossil fuel industry. He put into place a plan for North Dakota to become carbon-neutral by 2030 through the use of carbon capture and storage technologies. In 2023, he signed a bill to exempt members of the North Dakota National Guard and reserve from paying income tax. In 2025, Burgum was confirmed as United States Secretary of the Interior.  Make plans to see Burgum’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .

Radio host Larry O’Connor is a confirmed speaker at CPAC in DC 2025.  In 2009, O’Connor, under the pseudonym Stage Right, began writing for Andrew Breitbart’s Big Hollywood site with a focus on the theatre industry. In 2011, he was promoted to editor-in-chief of Breitbart.tv , a role that he served in until the passing of Andrew Breitbart in 2013. His radio career, however, began in 2010 on BlogTalkRadio, where he would interview guests such as Rick Santorum, Richard Dreyfuss, and Greg Gutfeld. In 2016, DC radio station WMAL gave him his own 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. show.   O’Connor has previously spoken at CPAC about the state of the polls in October of 2024. Catch up on his past remarks at CPAC.org .   Make plans to see O’Connor’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .

Mark Wallace, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform, is a confirmed speaker for CPAC in DC 2025.  Before his career in the United Nations, Wallace served in several high-ranking government positions, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As United States Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform, a role in which he served from 2006 to 2009, he notably exposed the “Cash for Kim” scandal in North Korea. He currently serves as the CEO of the Counter Extremism Project.  Make plans to see Wallace’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .