The Competitive Enterprise Institute Daily Update
Issues in the News
1. HURRICANE KATRINA
A recent survey of Hurricane Katrina survivors finds a renewed sense of optimism, strength and community.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: President Fred L. Smith, Jr. on the public policy choices of the past that left residents of Louisiana poorer and more vulnerable to natural disasters:
“[Because of anti-business regulation], however, over the past 50 years, industries have sought to shift their operations to more favorable climes. Houston became the nation’s oil capital and grew far more rapidly. Indeed, Houston is now sheltering refugees from New Orleans. Atlanta became the South’s commercial capital and Charlotte its financial capital. Even Louisiana’s natural advantages faded as shipping firms—finding corruption rampant—sought to move their goods through other ports wherever possible. Populist policies have consequences: A politicized economy becomes too often a corrupt one. “
2. HEALTH
A new report alleges that Food and Drug Administration advisory panels are too quick to recommend approval of new drugs and devices.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: A national survey of oncologists commissioned by General Counsel Sam Kazman found that over 60 percent believe the Food and Drug Administration is too slow in approving new drugs and therapies:
“Almost two-thirds (61%) of the cancer specialists polled believe the FDA is too slow in approving new medical drugs and devices, and almost eight out of ten (77%) responded that the FDA’s approval process has hurt their ability to treat their patients with the best possible care at least once in their medical careers.”
3. TRADE
U.S. consumer groups lobby for changes in a trade deal with Canada over imports of softwood lumber.
CEI Expert Available to Comment: Regulatory Policy Analyst Isaac Post on the progress of the negotiations:
“Earlier this week, Canadian companies and provinces came on board to back the proposed softwood lumber deal that would end the trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. that has been going on since the early 1980s. Although Prime Minister Stephen Harper claimed victory for helping to negotiate the deal, analysts warned that “we are entering an era of highly managed trade with complex treaty provisions that, in themselves, could produce some irritants and disputes going forward.”
Blog feature: For more news and analysis, updated throughout the day, visit CEI Open Market.
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