Our Mission
CEI’s mission is to reform America’s unaccountable regulatory state. We develop and advocate policies to eliminate harmful bureaucratic controls so people can live in a freer, healthier, and more prosperous nation.
Our Vision
Our vision is a society thriving without unnecessary government burdens, where property rights are secure and Americans are free to prosper.
Who We Are
Founded in 1984, the Competitive Enterprise Institute is America’s leading advocate of regulatory reform on a wide range of policy issues. We fight for less regulation, more freedom, and fairness for all. Our proven comprehensive approach to advancing public policy turns policy proposals into concrete reforms by:
- Producing Research and Analysis
Each year CEI scholars publish dozens of exhaustive peer-reviewed studies making the case for policy reforms. Our research and analysis are cited thousands of times annually in major media outlets, relied upon by scholars and advocates, and used by members of Congress, executive branch officials, and other federal and state policymakers as the basis for reform actions and proposals. CEI policy analysts produce timely commentaries for major news organizations, appear on television, radio programs and podcasts, promote reform ideas through digital and online forums, and engage with other experts who cover economic policy areas.
- Persuading Policy Makers
With research, analysis, and policy proposals in hand, we craft advocacy campaigns to change minds and transform public policy. CEI experts meet regularly with members of Congress and state legislators, legislative staff, agency leaders, and administration officials. We leverage research and expertise to build strategic coalitions and to pursue policy reforms. And we actively participate in the regulatory process by testifying at congressional and agency hearings and meetings, and by filing comments on proposed rules, guidance documents, and other agency proposals.
- Pursuing Strategic Litigation
CEI initiates lawsuits and files amicus briefs that challenge the constitutionality of dubious statutes and the legality of onerous regulations. We have won precedent-setting rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts. But no matter the venue, CEI’s cases advance regulatory reform, increased government transparency and accountability, and a stronger commitment to the rule of law.
CEI is a non-partisan educational and research institute operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. CEI accepts no government grants or contracts and has no endowment. Contributions to support our efforts are tax deductible.
CEI is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, educational institute.
CONTACT US:
1310 L Street NW, 7th floor
Washington, DC 20005
202-331-1010
[email protected]
Experience Our History
Founded in 1984 by Fred Smith Jr., the Competitive Enterprise Institute has a long and colorful history as the leading and effective advocate for freedom on a wide range of critical economic and regulatory policy issues. CEI's mission is to reform America’s unaccountable regulatory state. We develop and advocate policies to eliminate harmful bureaucratic controls so people can live in a freer, healthier, and more prosperous nation.
Featured Quotes
"Thank you [CEI] for the work you’ve done over the years and the help that you’ve given me. You’ve shaped my outlook."
"What’s important are the ideas. And I appreciate that the Competitive Enterprise Institute is involved in ideas. Because you have to win the idea before you win the argument. You have to win the ideas before you win the political debate. That ammunition is what we need."
"If you're going to compare it to a religious institution, CEI is much more like the Shaolin Temple from the movies, where they go forth like warrior priests to conquer."
"Thanks for all the work that you and CEI do for the development of public policy. We in government benefit enormously from the research, the analysis, and the perspective that’s brought by those who are outside government. CEI has been a leading voice for limited government and liberty since its founding during the Reagan administration."
"While many on the right are lying low while the free market implodes, the Competitive Enterprise Institute isn't backing down, fighting on fronts from the bailout to green energy."
"Over its 25-year history, CEI has played a critical role in preventing the worst of the left's utopian nightmares from becoming reality, and in undoing some of the damage those policies have created."
"… over 20 years, I have seen them have a tremendous effect."
"Thank you [CEI] for the work you’ve done over the years and the help that you’ve given me. You’ve shaped my outlook."
"What’s important are the ideas. And I appreciate that the Competitive Enterprise Institute is involved in ideas. Because you have to win the idea before you win the argument. You have to win the ideas before you win the political debate. That ammunition is what we need."
"If you're going to compare it to a religious institution, CEI is much more like the Shaolin Temple from the movies, where they go forth like warrior priests to conquer."
"Thanks for all the work that you and CEI do for the development of public policy. We in government benefit enormously from the research, the analysis, and the perspective that’s brought by those who are outside government. CEI has been a leading voice for limited government and liberty since its founding during the Reagan administration."
"While many on the right are lying low while the free market implodes, the Competitive Enterprise Institute isn't backing down, fighting on fronts from the bailout to green energy."
"Over its 25-year history, CEI has played a critical role in preventing the worst of the left's utopian nightmares from becoming reality, and in undoing some of the damage those policies have created."
"… over 20 years, I have seen them have a tremendous effect."
