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This Week in Ridiculous Regulations
The Federal Register continues its slow march to the 20,000-page mark, but is still on pace for lowest page total since 1993.
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Class Action Lawyers in Target Case Hoard the Settlement Pie
It’s time to restore justice and fairness in our nation’s legal system, and the Target case would be a valuable step in the right direction.
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Justice Department Disability Demands Raise Serious Free Speech Issues
The Justice Department’s demands exceeded its authority under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Darcy’s Story: The Need for Donor Privacy Protections
When the government forces nonprofit groups to disclose their supporters to the public, they threaten the free speech and free association rights of those involved.
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African Development Requires Economic and Legal Reforms, Affordable Energy
If the African continent is to achieve the prosperity it deserves, then African policy makers and non-governmental organizations alike should strive to implement pro-growth policies.
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Archbridge Institute Releases Optimistic New Research on Economic Mobility
The best way to encourage more economic mobility is to foster a cultural and regulatory environment where innovation, openness, and change are encouraged.
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The Science March: No Laughing Matter? Says Who?
Using street protests to handle scientific controversies like climate change is only a few steps above using animal sacrifice.
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Separating Financial Interest from Clients Backfires for Class Action Attorneys
If class action lawyers tie their fate to their clients’, there will be ups and downs. But if they jump ship, few people will be…
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Healthy Kids Can Coexist with Flavored E-cigarettes for Adults
Research indicates that flavored e-cigarettes help smokers switch to vaping and not go back to their deadly traditional cigarette habit.
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Stop Paying Federal Employees to Perform Union Business
There are an estimated 1,000 federal employees who spend 100 percent of their work hours on labor union business instead of actual government work.
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VIDEO: CEI Digital Ad Urges Trump to Withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement (April 18, 2017)
White House senior advisers continue to meet about the future of U.S. involvement in the Paris Climate Treaty, even though President Trump made a campaign…
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Saving Coal: Most Foolish Reason to Support Paris Agreement
A gaggle of coal-industry interests is aggressively lobbying the Trump administration to stay in the Paris Agreement, which they claim President Trump could modify to…
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White House Floats Excuses to Break Trump’s Promise to Cancel Paris Climate Treaty
This week, White House senior advisers will meet to discuss the future of U.S. involvement in the Paris Climate Treaty.
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Legal Reformers Call for Repeal of Race-Based School Discipline Guidance
Two legal foundations are calling for an end to federal pressure on school districts to adopt racial quotas in suspensions. And rightly so: It…
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Trump Can Fund Chemical Safety Review while Cutting EPA Budget
A recently leaked EPA memo reveals there are plenty of discretionary programs to cut.
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This Week in Ridiculous Regulations
The 2017 Federal Register had another sub-thousand page week, though it is still already more than 18,000 pages long.
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In Wake of United Debacle, Give Airlines – and Travelers – More Flexibility
Most of the time it’s actually government policies that end up ruining a traveler’s day.
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How Payday Lenders & Check Cashers Help the Poor
Our friends at Reason TV have another fascinating video out on the ethics and politics of short-term financial services like payday lending and check cashing.
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A ’21st Century Glass-Steagall’ Would Be Bad for the Financial System
A UK-style "ring-fencing" plan for banking regulation would be a bad idea.
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Feds Back Down After Seeking to Unmask ‘Rogue’ Agency Twitter Account
Hopefully this saga marks the end of this administration’s efforts to unconstitutionally unmask anonymous critics.
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Appeals Court Revives Fair Housing Act ‘Blog Post Harassment’ Lawsuit
A recent ruling by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals menaces free speech in condominiums, apartment buildings, and the Internet.
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White House Should Drop Support for Cronyism of Export-Import Bank
With the Trump administration’s early emphasis on deregulation, there was hope that cronyist agencies such as the Export-Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and Economic…
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A Time for Choosing: Will Trump Side with Taxpayers or Unions?
If keeping construction unions as an ally comes at the expense of efficient use of tax dollars and competition, the White House must side with…
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CEI Submits Comments on Proposed Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications Mandate
Last week, CEI and a coalition of free-market organizations sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao asking her to temporarily suspend the current…
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Glass-Steagall Would Not Have Prevented the Financial Crisis
The Glass-Steagall Act was an ineffective and harmful regulation for a bygone era. To re-impose it now would be to inject additional risk into the…
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Lawmakers Should Shun Long-Repealed Bank Restrictions
The Glass-Steagall Act is the bad idea that never seems to die.
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Want Better Airline Service? Deregulate to Enhance Competition
If American consumers wish to enjoy improved service quality in air travel, they should demand that Congress repeal 90 years of anti-competitive federal law.
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CEI E-Cigarette Lawsuit Takes on Activist Agencies
The battle over electronic cigarettes heats up even more this week as the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s general counsel Sam Kazman argued in court against a…
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Yet Another Study Confirms Ecological Benefits of Carbon Dioxide
So-called carbon pollution has done much more to expand and invigorate the planet’s greenery than all the climate policies of all the world’s governments combined.
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Paris Climate Treaty Garners Unlikely Supporters
The White House announced on March 30th that it would decide whether and how the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Treaty before…
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This Week in Ridiculous Regulations
Things remain slow on the regulatory front, with a large chunk of new rules being routine safety-zone and drawbridge scheduling regulations from the Coast Guard.
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Freethink Media on the Folly of the Overpopulation Panic
Freethink Media takes a look back on the overpopulation debate of the 1960s and 1970s, and work of one exceptional human being.
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Capitol Hill Climate Science Dispute Yields Advantage to Skeptics
Earlier this week, American Meteorological Society executive director Keith Seitter clashed with University of Alabama atmospheric scientist John Christy over global warming claims.
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A New Approach to Allocating Broadcast Spectrum
More technology that uses the internet means demand on the spectrum can quickly outpace supply. Luckily, private markets have a solution.
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Increasing Worker Satisfaction Shouldn’t Be an Unfair Labor Practice
Companies should be permitted to establish a system so they can receive feedback from employees and remedy worker dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, national labor law generally prohibits…
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For Virgin Islands Climate Subpoena, A Not-So-Happy Birthday
One year ago, on April 7, 2016, CEI received a memorable, hand-delivered envelope from U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Claude Walker.
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White House Reiterates Support for Air Traffic Control Reform
It’s time for members of Congress to set aside their petty differences and get to work on something truly transformative.
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National Security Is No Argument against Regulatory Reform
On the Lawfare blog, Professor Ganesh Sitaraman of Vanderbilt Law School and the Center for American Progress offers an argument about regulatory reform that…
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CEI Praises Trump Signature of Broadband Privacy Rule Repeal
President Trump signed a Congressional Review Act resolution yesterday repealing the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband privacy rule. The FCC’s privacy rule, adopted by the agency…
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Congress Should Reject CFPB Prepaid Card Rule
One reason why the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has engendered such controversy is because it was set up on a false premise. As I…
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Time to End Official Time
The Official Time Reform Act of 2017 (H.R. 1364) would prohibit federal employees from conducting political activity on union official time. Union official time…
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SEIU Spending Big on Fight for $15
Why has the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) spent at least $19 million last year and $90 million since 2012 financing the Fight for…
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Non-Profits and Litigation: When Ideas Get Judged
If you support nonprofit policy groups, you understand that ideas matter. They matter in education, in public discourse, and in the halls of government. But…
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This Week in Ridiculous Regulations
There were 63 final regulations and 28 proposed regulations last week, but again, few of them amounted to much. We’ll have more to say on…
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FTC Launches Economic Liberty Task Force to Fight Overregulation
Federal agencies have a well-deserved reputation for issuing regulations, publishing guidance documents, and bringing enforcement actions against American businesses. But when the stars align, agencies…
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The Great Greenhouse Rollback Begins
On Tuesday, March 28, President Trump signed his Executive Order on Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth. The E.O. directs agencies to suspend, revise,…
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Seattle Forced Union Dues Scheme Faces Legal Challenge
In 2015, the City of Seattle enacted a misguided ordinance that allows Uber and Lyft drivers, who operate as independent contractors, the privilege to collectively…
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Lessons from a Humble Pencil about Economics and the World
On National Pencil Day, we salute this marvel of capitalism and Leonard Read’s classic story about an everyday object.
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Top Three Silliest Reactions to Trump’s Climate Executive Order
#3 Silliest Reaction: Red Scare! According to Nathan Richardson at Resources for the Future, the big problem with Trump’s Executive Order is what it signals…
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Raiders’ Vegas Move Signals NFL Warming to Legal Sports Gambling
Next to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), there has been no greater opponent to legalizing sports gambling in the U.S. than the National Football…
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Columnist Misrepresents Civil Service Reforms
In a recent column, The Washington Post’s Joe Davidson presents a gravely distorted view of Republican civil service reform efforts, which seek to save…
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Transportation Safety Best Ensured by Performance Goals, Not Micromanaging
Transportation safety is a top priority in America, whether it’s passenger travel by air, rail, or vehicle or moving commercial freight where it needs to…
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United Kingdom Invokes Article 50 to Leave the European Union
In a historic moment, British Prime Minister Theresa May today invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which formally starts the process…
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Regulations – How Much Do They Cost You?
From the labels on our food to the shoes on our feet, regulations are a part of our everyday lives. And there…
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Two Potential Outcomes for the Office of American Innovation
Yesterday the White House announced the launch of an Office of American Innovation. This is the latest of several moving and overlapping parts to President Trump’s…
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Six Reasons FCC Rules Are Not Needed to Protect Privacy
The Competitive Enterprise Institute has been long been skeptical of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) approach to regulating how Internet service providers (ISPs) use subscriber…
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President Trump Expected to Block Blacklisting Rule
Today, President Trump is expected to approve a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval to repeal what is known as the Blacklisting rule. Upon signing,…
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March 27 Is International Whisk(e)y Day!
Cheers! It’s International Whisk(e)y Day! Not to be confused with World Whisky Day (May 20). What should you do to celebrate? Anything you like! International…
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New Report: Federal Employee Union Subsidy Costs $162 million
Last Friday afternoon, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released its biennial report, “Official Time Usage in the Federal Government—Fiscal Year 2014.” The survey…
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This Week in Ridiculous Regulations
The Trump administration’s 60-day regulatory freeze is now over, but many of this week’s new regulations are simply extensions of previous delays. So despite a…
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Cheers to the Whiskey-preneurs
On International Whisk(e)y Day, we toast this spirit’s storied history and the countless individuals responsible for its global renaissance today.
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Let’s Make a Commitment to Human Ingenuity
Tomorrow, between 8:30 and 9:30 PM, environmental activists will show their commitment to Mother Nature by sitting in the dark for so-called “Earth Hour.” But…
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Capitol Hill Staff Meet the Experts on Policy
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Human Achievement of the Day: The Written Word
Writing is a classic example of what the economist F.A. Hayek called spontaneous order.
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Mr. Acosta Goes to Washington
Mr. Acosta came off as smart, accomplished, and an individual who will enforce the laws on the books, not pursue a political agenda.
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More Anxiety over White House Budget for EPA
Whatever the administration hopes to accomplish with its budget, it must work with Congress.
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Time to Repeal the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
FATCA amounts to a fine levied by the U.S. on any of its citizens who have the temerity to live abroad.
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Trump Must Avoid ‘Read My Lips’-style Blunder on Carbon Tax
Someone should remind Trump that carbon-tax elder statesman and CLC leader James Baker is recycling the fatal advice he gave to President George H. W.
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Salt Awareness Week Perpetuates Misguided Approach to Hypertension
If we really want to help people live longer, it’s time to shelve the one-size-fits-all “salt only” approach to hypertension reduction.
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Harm-Reducing Tobacco Alternatives Are a Human Achievement
Regardless of where the innovation comes from, we ought to embrace any safer alternative to smoking.
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Court Slaps Down Overreach of Federal Labor Regulators
President Trump needs to fill the vacancies at the National Labor Relations Board in order to restore balance at the agency.
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Broadband Privacy Regulations Need to Be Revised by FCC or Repealed by Congress
The Federal Communications Commission does not have the authority to rewrite the Wiretap Act to suit its policy preferences.
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Salt, Science, and Health: FAQ
CEI consumer policy analyst Michelle Minton answers 8 questions about the effects of salt on human health.
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White House Proposes Expanded Cuts to EPA Budget
The White House is going to send Congress an EPA budget that is $5.7 billion, or 31% below current funding of $8.1 billion.
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Buckeye Institute Study: Ohio’s Green Energy Mandate Is Bad Economics
If Ohio's renewable energy mandate is fully implemented, the state would suffer 134,100 fewer jobs and a loss of $15.5 billion in GDP by 2026…
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This Week in Ridiculous Regulations
Starting this week, many late-Obama administration regulations delayed by the Trump administration’s 60-day freeze will come into effect.
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Reason TV on the Future of Public Broadcasting
Public broadcasting should embrace the podcast and Netflix revolution for delivering content.
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White House Should Expand Budget Cuts to Additional Agencies
President Trump’s proposed budget blueprint rightly eliminates funding for many agencies, but there are additional candidates for cuts.
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Trump Administration Budget Request Targets Union Slush Fund
The White House budget finds savings in the Department of Labor prominently through eliminating or cutting back ineffective or duplicative training programs.
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Federal Budget Must Demand Value for Taxpayer Dollars
Competitive Enterprise Institute Vice President for Strategy Iain Murray responded to President Trump’s budget proposal today.
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White House Budget Embraces Air Traffic Control Reform
The Trump administration proposes a 12.7 percent decrease in Department of Transportation spending. The most important cut is the administration’s embrace of air traffic control…
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Restraint, Humility Needed at Federal Trade Commission
As President Trump evaluates candidates to chair the Federal Trade Commission, he should look for a person who appreciates the importance of letting markets evolve…
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Help Stop Obamacare for Your IRA and 401(k)
While Congress is battling over repeal of Obamacare, President Donald Trump is setting a course to repeal a regulation that the Obama administration pushed through…
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Manhattan Institute Study of NYC Schools Shows Harm from Flawed Legal Standards
The Manhattan Institute's Max Eden examines the flawed legal standards used by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in a new study.
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Let Africa Power Its Future with Affordable Energy
Economic development in Africa needs affordable, reliable fossil fuels, not expensive, intermittent renewables, as some Western environmentalists demand.
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California’s Proposed Autonomous Vehicle Rules Could Be Improved
The California Department of Motor Vehicles published its proposed testing and deployment rules for automated vehicles.
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Trump Should Cut Government-Funded Junk Science
Congress should defund the anti-technology work of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, which threatens human well-being and public health.
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A Blueprint for Reforming the Federal Government
This is a big week for reform of the federal government: yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order on reorganizing the executive branch, and this…
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This Week in Ridiculous Regulations
It was another slow week for new regulations, but busy times are on their way. A slew of delayed regulations will come into effect on…
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Blockchain Entrepreneurs, Investors Debate Friendly Jurisdictions
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Better than Expected Jobs Report Suggests Employer Optimism
It is very early days for the new administration, but there may be signs that employers are reacting to its deregulatory agenda.
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On Tour with U.S. Chamber’s ‘Let’s Grow’ Campaign
While the policy landscape is far from perfect, we have the best opportunity in a long time to clear the field for growth and prosperity…
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Takeaways from Browning-Ferris ‘Joint Employer’ Hearing
The National Labor Relations Board’s Browning-Ferris decision upended 30 years of precedent and creates immense uncertainty. Congress needs to step in and pass legislation that…
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The Case against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: FAQ
Competitive Enterprise Institute General Counsel Sam Kazman answers 7 questions about CEI’s case against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, State National Bank of Big Spring…
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Courts Should Abandon Deference Doctrines; Congress Should Fund Review Capacity
Judicial deference has engendered an imbalance between Articles II and III of the U.S. government, and we should look to the Founding Fathers for a…
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New York’s “BitLicense” on Trial
A lawsuit again New York's “BitLicense” regulation is challenging the state's targeting of Bitcoin-based businesses.
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Right and Wrong on Air Traffic Control Reform
Objections to privatizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Air Traffic Organization contradict conservative principles or else have previously been debunked.
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Making the Case for a Free Market in Space
For commercialized space (and alas, for other sectors) we need a regulatory heatshield, a HOT Act (“Hands Off Technology”).
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Improve Infrastructure Projects with Financing and Regulatory Reform
Financing and regulatory reform can help public and private investors get the most bang for their buck out of major new infrastructure projects.
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Congress Should Overturn New Restrictions on Prepaid Debit Cards
Congress should act to stop the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from making financial transactions more difficult for people without bank accounts.