Deborah
Alston

The 119th Congress’ Antiparks Caucus: Tracking the Assault on Public Lands

Twenty-five members of Congress are working to remove protections from America’s public lands and waters through dozens of antiparks bills.

May’s Headline Jobs Numbers Mask Underlying Labor Market Slack

The May 2026 jobs report shows continued job growth and a stable unemployment rate, but there are also signs that labor market weakness—including labor underutilization—is being felt by a growing number of Americans.

Introductory Remarks

CAP President and CEO Neera Tanden will provide introductory remarks.

Closing Keynote Remarks

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) will provide closing keynote remarks.

The Iran war echoes past miscalculations in Iraq

Plus, what's really behind the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger?

Markwayne Mullin’s answer about following court orders should alarm every American

In an op-ed for MS NOW, Tom Jawetz writes about how Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin's testimony before Congress is a reminder that the department is not exempt from the rule of law.

Panel Discussion

CAP's senior vice president for Structural Reform and Governance, Ben Olinsky, will moderate a conversation with Ria Chakrabarty, Chris Crawford, and Adam Russell Taylor on religious liberty.

In Conversation

Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Paul Raushenbush of Interfaith Alliance, and Fish Stark of the American Humanist Association will discuss what is at stake for religious liberty, why these organizations came together to produce this report, and what comes next.

CAP Urges Stronger Accountability Metrics and Greater Transparency in Federally Funded Postsecondary Programs

The Center for American Progress recently urged the U.S. Department of Education to reconsider proposed changes that could weaken safeguards for higher education students. As written, the proposal risks allowing low-value postsecondary programs to continue receiving federal aid, potentially steering students, especially those with limited financial resources, into pathways that fail to deliver meaningful economic returns.

Panel Discussions

Experts will discuss how documentary storytelling can shape public understanding of critical policy issues.

Introductory Remarks

Introductory remarks by Mark Toner, CAP's Executive Vice President for Communications and Strategy

Post-Screening Discussion

CAP's Jessica Ordóñez-Lancet will lead a conversation with producer Fletcher Keyes and film protagonist Bonnie Baxter.

The Trump Administration’s Taiwan Arms Freeze Is a Gift to Xi Jinping

By freezing a vital $14 billion arms package to Taiwan, the Trump administration is abandoning historic U.S. commitments, damaging Indo-Pacific deterrence, and inviting Beijing’s aggression.

Paramount’s Anticompetitive Merger With Warner Bros. Is Fueled by Investments From Regimes With Deep Trump Ties

Government regulators must block Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros. for several reasons, including that foreign autocracies with deep financial entanglements with President Donald Trump and anti-democratic values—including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar—could end up owning the combined corporation.

CAP Comments on Individual Tax Credit for Qualified Contributions to Scholarship-Granting Organizations

The Center for American Progress submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the pending rules for the new individual tax credit program, which provides a federal dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 to individuals who donate to scholarship-granting organizations.

Trump’s Failed War in Iran Echoes Bush’s Iraq Blunder

The Trump administration’s disastrous war in Iran has failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives while harming the American people, reshaping the Middle East in ways detrimental to U.S. interests, and further undermining America’s global status.

Voters Want Transformation, Not Restoration

In an op-ed for The Contrarian, Neera Tanden highlights the biggest takeaways from CAP's 2026 IDEAS Conference, arguing that voters want transformed policies, not a return to a broken status quo.

How Trump’s Potential Settlement Could Shield His Family and Businesses From Investigation

The Trump-DOJ settlement could clear the entire Trump family and organization of any potential wrongdoing committed before May 19, 2026.

The President’s $1.5 Trillion Pentagon Budget Will Not Make the Country Safer

To protect national security, the United States needs a strategic and disciplined approach to defense spending—not the Trump administration’s $1.5 trillion budget, which fails to match resources to strategy, needlessly inviting waste and increasing the deficit.

Ebola outbreak requires multifaceted response

In an op-ed published by Semafor Africa, Daniele Nyirandutiye argues that containing the Ebola outbreak will require massive mobilization—along the lines of what USAID used to help provide.

How Federal Attacks on Diversity and Inclusion Policies Have Dismantled Public Health Infrastructure and Threaten National Health Security

Federal executive orders targeting initiatives that seek to ensure diversity and equity for all are systematically dismantling America's public health infrastructure—cutting research, surveillance systems, and workforce programs while raising costs and putting national health security at risk.

Rideshare Win Could Bring Big Changes

In an op-ed for Progressive Magazine, David Madland argues that if a new union in Massachusetts representing app drivers is replicated nationwide, it could reverse decades of union decline.

CAP’s plan to make your energy bill more affordable

Hawaii passed the bill to undo Citizens United. What’s next?

Online Exclusive: Visualizing the Child Care Crisis Through Data

CAP's Hailey Gibbs will moderate a data-driven conversation about the findings of the most recent analyses by CAP, the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, and Stanford University.

Congressional Perspectives on the Child Care Crisis

Members of Congress will discuss how they are working to support the child care sector in their districts and at the national level.

Stories Behind the Child Care Crisis

Parents and providers will tell their stories about the impacts of the current child care affordability crisis and supply shortages.

Capping Rental Application Fees at $5

With rents stuck high, a Center for American Progress proposal to cap application fees would provide renters with immediate relief.

Unions Build Wealth for All Americans

New CAP analysis of the Survey of Income and Program Participation highlights that households with a union member have roughly two times the wealth of households without a union member.

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Immigrants Degrades the Rule of Law

By repeatedly breaking the law and resisting accountability—infringing on constitutional rights, disregarding statutory limits imposed by Congress, and defying binding court orders—the Trump administration is degrading the rule of law.

Not the time to cement North America’s fate

In an op-ed published by El País, Dan Restrepo argues that Mexico, the United States, and Canada would be making a mistake if they extended the USMCA for 16 years.

Fast Facts About Massachusetts Rideshare Sectoral Bargaining

A new state model leads to the biggest new private sector union bargaining unit in the past 85 years.

Nearly Two-Thirds of Governors Prioritize Child Care and Early Learning in Their 2026 State of the State Addresses

Amid federal funding cuts that strain state budgets, CAP analysis finds that governors are highlighting child care and early learning as priorities for their constituents.

CAP IDEAS 2026

Some of the country's leading elected officials, policy experts, journalists, and thinkers came together to share their ideas on the path forward.

Even more big ideas from the CAP IDEAS Conference

Leader Jeffries, Gov. Sherrill, and many more leading voices

The fight for America’s future starts with big ideas

Govs. Newsom and Moore, and Sens. Warren, Booker, and Warnock on the fight for America’s future

ExIm Reauthorization Is a Chance To Reimagine the Bank as a Potential Engine of Climate Action, Industrial Development, and Job Creation

As Congress considers reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank of the United States, this moment should be leveraged to improve and modernize the bank.

Congressional Republicans Recklessly Bill Taxpayers for the Trump Administration’s ICE and CBP Slush Fund and Wasteful Ballroom

Instead of addressing Americans’ affordability concerns, congressional Republicans funnel tens of billions more toward the Trump administration’s reckless mass deportation agenda while failing to put a stop to dangerous tactics that have cost lives.

A Canada-led clean trade pact would show that middle powers mean business

Ryan Mulholland, Rachel Doran, and Ollie Sheldrick explore how Canada's push for middle powers to align economically should be grounded in the future of the global economy.

Insurers shouldn’t make healthcare decisions: There’s a better way

Miranda Yaver and Topher Spiro discuss how prior authorization has become a harmful barrier to patient care propose replacing it with reviews conducted by independent, conflict-free clinicians using evidence-based guidelines.

2026 CAP IDEAS Conference

The Center for American Progress’ signature event, now celebrating its 15th year, where CAP convenes the big thinkers and doers on the center-left for a day of not only identifying the problems facing Americans, but also sharing solutions to improve the lives of all Americans.

Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families

As families struggle to make ends meet amid rising costs, the Center for American Progress’ affordability agenda would save a typical family $4,133 per year across housing, health care, utility bills, and groceries.

Hoja informativa: Un plan para hacer la electricidad más asequible en EE. UU.

El plan de CAP ahorraría a los hogares más de $900 en costos de energía durante cuatro años, a la vez que construiría un mejor sistema energético que ahorraría a las familias estadounidenses miles de millones en los años venideros.

The Trump Administration’s Tariffs and Iran War Will Cause Americans To Face Higher Prices This Summer

From travel to cookouts, costs are rising due to the Trump administration’s wide-ranging tariffs and its war of choice with Iran.

CAP Poll Shows How Americans Want Policymakers To Lower Electricity Bills And Provide Immediate Relief

A Plan for American Electricity Affordability

CAP’s plan is a combination of immediate relief and investment to lower electricity system costs and deliver more than $125 billion in residential consumer savings, or around $900 per household, over four years, with billions more in savings thereafter.

Fact Sheet: A Plan for American Electricity Affordability

CAP’s plan would save households more than $900 in energy costs over four years while building a better energy system that saves American families billions in the years to come.

A Plan To Keep Maryland Safe

Gov. Wes Moore will explain how his administration is delivering record crime decreases for Maryland.

The Next Voting Rights Agenda

Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock will discuss the path forward for voting rights post-Callais. Moderated by Symone Sanders Townsend.

AI and the Public Good

Ezra Klein will explore what a new approach to artificial intelligence might look like—one intended to maximize AI’s benefits for the public. Moderated by Chris Hayes.

The Future of American Foreign Policy

Sen. Andy Kim and former Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield will discuss a vision for America’s foreign policy that strengthens America without bullying allies. Moderated by Jen Psaki.

Fighting To Protect Americans’ Freedoms and Rights

Rep. Robert Garcia and Mayor Jacob Frey will discuss what's at stake for civil rights and civil liberties this year, including how mayors and a new Congress might act to check Trump. Moderated by Ari Melber.

Making Life Affordable in New Jersey and Beyond

Gov. Mikie Sherrill is showing the country how states can—and should—use every tool at their disposal to bring down costs for working families, especially utility costs. Moderated by Alicia Menendez.

New Ideas To Lower Costs

Americans are finding it harder to make ends meet as costs creep up on everything from groceries to health care to housing. Reps. Greg Casar, Maxwell Frost, and Lauren Underwood will discuss how the Hill can take action to make life more affordable. Moderated by MS NOW's Catherine Rampell.

National Security Ideas for the Future

Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, will lay out how the conflict in Iran is driving up costs for every American and offer his ideas for the path forward.

Opening Remarks

Virtual Exclusive Programming: Build, Baby, Build

Host Colin Seeberger talks with CAP Senior Fellow Chad Maisel about CAP's plan to ease the housing crisis.

The Next 250 Years for Virginia and America

Gov. Abigail Spanberger will outline her agenda to make life more affordable for Virginians, as well as the state’s unique role in the America250 celebrations. Moderated by Jonathan Capehart.

Virtual Exclusive Programming: Addressing the Cost of Health Care

In the final virtual exclusive segment of the day, host Colin Seeberger is joined by CAP Senior Fellow Topher Spiro as they discuss CAP's plan to lower health care costs for everyday Americans.

A Growth and Opportunity Agenda for Everyone

Sen. Cory Booker will provide remarks ahead of a frank conversation about how economic growth can benefit working families across the country. Moderated by Neera Tanden.

The Path Forward for Universal Child Care

Sen. Elizabeth Warren will lay out an agenda for universal child care.

Fighting Fire With Fire

Gov. Gavin Newsom will lay out ideas on artificial intelligence, discuss the stakes for democracy of our politics today, and consider how to meet the current moment. Moderated by Neera Tanden.

Virtual Exclusive Programming: A Path Forward on Utilities

Host Colin Seeberger talks with CAP Senior Vice President for Energy and Environment Trevor Higgins about CAP's new plan to reign in utility costs.

A Look Ahead at the 120th Congress

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries will lay out what a new majority would do on day one and beyond. Moderated by John Podesta.

Virtual Exclusive Programming: Saving Us From the SAVE Act

Virtual programming host Colin Seeberger is joined by CAP's Director of Democracy Policy Greta Bedekovics, who has been leading the charge against the discriminatory SAVE Act.

Closing Remarks

CAP President and CEO Neera Tanden offers closing remarks.

Defending America’s Elections

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer will discuss election security ahead of the midterms.

Food, Fuel, and Fertilizer: How President Trump’s War in Iran Wreaks Havoc on the African Continent

President Trump’s war of choice has triggered a global energy and fertilizer crisis, disproportionately devastating African countries already strained by debt and climate stress.

The Trump Administration’s War in Iran Is Raising Costs for Rural Communities, Farmers, and Food Production

Rural households are paying, on average, at least $26 per week more at the pump, and an oil-dependent food supply chain means we should expect more expensive grocery prices for months to come.

GOOD NEWS: Hawaii’s bill to undo Citizens United is heading to the governor’s desk

Plus, you can hear from Gov. Gavin Newsom and more at CAP IDEAS

What the Trump Administration Report on Anti-Christian Bias Gets Wrong

This misleading report cherry-picks facts and distorts reality on abortion, LGBTQ+ equality, and vaccines in order to advance a partisan agenda and polarize Americans.

What the Iran War Taught China About Fighting the United States

In an article for the Council on Foreign Relations, Michael Schiffer argues that Iran's approach to its war with the United States is a case study for China.

Proposed Electric Vehicle Fees Would Only Make Life Less Affordable for Americans

Electric vehicles help shield Americans from volatile gas prices and are already cheaper to maintain and operate than gas-powered cars; yet some members of Congress are seeking to make this technology more expensive through the upcoming surface transportation bill.

The American workforce is a matriarchy

In an op-ed for Salon, Sara Estep argues that insufficient access to high-quality, affordable child care is the real career killer for American mothers.

Women Workers Are a Lifeline for the Economy

As Mother’s Day approaches, April jobs data highlight that women have been a bright spot in a volatile labor market, and underneath that trend are working mothers’ labor force participation rates.

How Trump’s $500 Million UAE Crypto Deal Trades U.S. National Security for Family Profit

Days before Trump’s second inauguration, the United Arab Emirates’ “Spy Sheikh” secretly bought 49 percent of the Trump family’s crypto firm. Months later, the administration handed over America’s most sensitive AI chips technology to the United Arab Emirates despite national security concerns. This isn’t just profiteering; it’s a betrayal of U.S. national security.

India’s Elections and Global Implications

Please join the Center for American Progress and Hindus for Human Rights for a panel of democracy and foreign policy experts shedding light on the recent elections, the significance for India's global ambitions, and implications for future U.S.-India relations.

Auto-enrollment in Medicare Advantage isn’t a nudge. It’s a trap

In an op-ed published by Fortune, Brian Keyser sounds the alarm on the dangers of Medicare Advantage auto-enrollment.

Hear from Reps. Greg Casar, Maxwell Frost, and Lauren Underwood at CAP IDEAS

Plus, answering your questions about Hawaii’s plan to undo Citizens United

Democrats are split on healthcare. But voters need immediate relief

In an op-ed published by MS NOW, Neera Tanden and Topher Spiro explain why addressing the cost-of-living crisis head-on is the only way to reengage a voter base that literally cannot afford to wait.

The Supreme Court’s Callais Decisions Undermine the Voting Rights Act and Sow Election Chaos

The Supreme Court is disregarding decades of its own conservative precedent—and the bedrock Purcell principle—in an ongoing quest to undermine voting rights.

Virginia Joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Puts the Finish Line in Sight

Virginia’s newly added 13 electoral votes mean that four more states signing could bring the agreement into force, ensuring that presidents would finally be selected by popular vote and that the promise of “one person, one vote” would be fulfilled.

A multilateral green trade pact?

In a podcast from the Lowy Institute, Ryan Mulholland discusses how governments can go about designing green trade agreements.

How Market-Based Sectoral Pay Standards Raise Wages and Improve Affordability

Policymakers can boost wages, improve affordability, and address public challenges by extending prevailing wage and other pay standards to the private sector.

Strategic Instability: The Trump Administration’s Contradictory Taiwan Signals Court Disaster Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

The administration’s transactional and incoherent posturing on Taiwan recklessly erodes deterrence, producing a strategic instability that invites a catastrophic military miscalculation between the United States and China.

Trump May Have To Pay a Price for Weaponizing the DOJ

Long-standing but long-neglected federal law allows those subjected to politicized prosecutions to recover legal costs.

Panel Discussion

The Center for American Progress' managing director for National Security and International Policy, Allison McManus, will moderate a panel of experts.

CAP Message Testing on Utilities Prices and Data Centers

New polling from the Center for American Progress offers tested policy proposals and guidance to effectively message on addressing the rise in utility prices, and the building and regulation of data centers. 

CAP Message Testing on Housing

New polling from the Center for American Progress offers tested policy proposals and guidance to effectively message on addressing housing costs.

CAP Message Testing on Health Care Policy

New polling from the Center for American Progress offers tested policy proposals and guidance to effectively message on addressing health care costs.

CAP Message Testing on Grocery Prices

New polling from the Center for American Progress offers tested policy proposals and guidance to effectively message on addressing the rise in grocery prices.

Helping Disabled College Students of Color Prepare for Life After Graduation

A new pilot program offers a community-driven model to support disabled students of color as they transition out of college—underscoring the urgent need for federal investment.

Orbán Is Gone, But Europe’s Divisions Remain

Viktor Orbán’s political demise in Hungary is forcing the European Union to confront its internal divisions more directly than it has in years.

Addressing Questions Surrounding Hawaii’s Bold Move To Undo Citizens United

Hawaii is poised to become the first state to use its long-dormant legal authority to drain corporate money from its elections—and the legal questions raised about the move have clean answers.

Preemption of State AI Laws Is Not the Path Forward

Join the Center for American Progress for a discussion about why state preemption of AI, child safety, and privacy laws is not the path forward for meaningful AI legislation and what real issues must be prioritized in any meaningful federal AI legislation.

Hear from Gov. Gavin Newsom, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and more

America has big problems. We have big IDEAS to solve them

Unilateralism in trade calls for a new approach to build a green future

In an essay published by the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks, Ryan Mulholland argues that climate and trade policy should be treated as complementary disciplines.

The American Franchise Act Would Harm Workers and Small Businesses

Federal lawmakers are debating a bill that would let corporate franchisors off the hook when they undermine workers’ rights and leave small franchisees solely liable for labor law violations.

Measuring America’s Licensed Child Care Supply

Analysis conducted in 2025 measuring families’ access to child care programs, a crucial first step to mitigating the child care supply crisis.

Map of America’s Licensed Child Care Deserts

CAP's latest map showing child care deserts in the United States.

America’s Licensed Child Care Deserts

Eight years after our initial report, CAP’s 2026 analyses of U.S. licensed child care supply reveal that just fewer than half of the nation's young children still live in child care deserts.

Executive Summary: America’s Licensed Child Care Deserts

Lawmakers must address the nation’s child care supply crisis; according to CAP’s 2026 analysis, nearly half of young children are in licensed child care deserts, with rural areas facing the worst shortages.

Successful Cellphone Bans Require Partnerships With Families

In an op-ed for Inside Sources, Weadé James writes that parents and caregivers are essential in helping to curb excessive cellphone use in schools.

6 Policies Proved To Increase Union Membership

Evidence shows that more workers join unions when policies support workplace organizing, access, sectoral bargaining, the Ghent system, and dues paying, and provide funding.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion with representatives from the Center for American Progress, the AFL-CIO Tech Institute, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Public Citizen, and Public Knowledge for a discussion about why state preemption of AI, child safety, and privacy laws is not the path forward for meaningful AI legislation and what real issues must be prioritized in any meaningful federal AI legislation.

State Climate Action in 2026: How States Are Delivering Real Benefits Through Climate and Clean Energy Policy

As the Trump administration drives up costs and creates new challenges, states are making timely decisions on infrastructure and accountability, advancing policies that tackle climate change, lower energy bills, improve air quality, and support good-paying clean energy jobs.

State-by-State Increases in Gas Prices Since Trump’s War on Iran

Gasoline prices have risen sharply since before the war, costing drivers across the United States about $38 more per month.

Virginia takes two steps toward fairer elections

The ceasefire was extended, but the global crisis is already here

‘Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid’: A Reel Progress Screening

A Reel Progress screening and exclusive conversation with political strategist James Carville.

Trump’s War of Choice With Iran Threatens a Global Hunger and Health Crisis

President Trump’s war of choice is generating a devastating food and health crisis, made far worse by his administration’s gutting of the global humanitarian system.

Trump and Congressional Republicans’ Plan To Pump More Money Into ICE and Border Patrol Is a Missed Opportunity To Help Americans

Rather than funneling more money into immigration enforcement and border protection, Congress should be ensuring Americans can afford basic necessities such as health care and groceries.

Climate Action, Close to Home

Please join the Center for American Progress for an event on local climate action during D.C. Climate Week.

Why Alaska and U.S. Territories Get Damage, Not Dollars, From Deep-Sea Mining

The Trump administration is advancing deep-sea mining in U.S. waters near the Pacific territories and Alaska, a process Indigenous leaders have identified as "resource colonialism" due to its prioritization of corporate interests, the permanent ecological damage it causes, and the fact that its profits flow outward to shareholders while providing no economic benefits to communities struggling with high costs, precarious jobs, and faltering public services.

The one question Trump’s Fed chair nominee must answer

In an op-ed published by MS NOW, Jared Bernstein urges Congress to probe Federal Reserve chairman nominee Kevin Warsh on whether he is willing to stand up to President Donald Trump and maintain Fed independence.

Voters’ Response to Messaging Ahead of ICE Reconciliation Funding Bill

Assessing the support for hypothetical messaging ahead of congressional Republicans’ effort to provide tens of billions of dollars in new funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

The Human and Environmental Costs of the War in Iran

Civilians have suffered devastating health and environmental costs as a result of the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran, from mass displacement and polluted air and water to long-term health risks for future generations.

Stabilizing and Strengthening State Funding for Public Higher Education After the Big Beautiful Bill

Despite steep federal funding cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill, states can continue to support public higher education by creating progressive state tax revenue streams and strengthening rainy day funds to support postsecondary student success and degree completion.

An EU-China bridge is designed to crumble

In an op-ed published by Euractiv, Robert Benson explains why Europe should not let its prosperity be contingent on Beijing’s tolerance.

The Iran War Is a Win for China

Andrew Miller and Michael Clark outline why the Trump administration's war in Iran benefits China.

Abortion is a Religious Freedom: Opinion

In an op-ed for Rewire News Group, Sally Steenland argues that abortion bans violate the constitutional right to religious freedom.

Americans are still paying for Trump’s war in Iran—ceasefire or not

And Trump’s lie about your tax refund

Federal and State Policy Outlook for Community Colleges

Join the CAP and the Community Colleges Coalition to explore how community colleges are adapting to new federal and state policies.

In Conversation

A moderated conversation between James Carville and CAP's Frederick Bell

The Trump Administration’s Policies Have Hurt Growth, Jobs, and Prices

A new macroeconomic simulation suggests that the Trump administration’s agenda has generated slower growth, fewer jobs, and faster inflation.

Climate Change Is Here—and America’s Most Marginalized Communities Are on the Front Lines

After Typhoon Sinlaku devastated the Northern Mariana Islands Tuesday, it is clear that climate change is already here—and hitting marginalized U.S. communities first. What comes next must be a commitment to resilience, preparedness, and equitable recovery.

Exporting MAGA Ideology: Why Orbán’s Loss Doesn’t End the Threat Posed by the Extreme Right

Viktor Orbán’s defeat in Hungary dealt a real blow to MAGA’s international project, but it will not stop the Trump administration from using American power to promote far-right allies abroad.

Orbán’s Defeat in the Hungarian Election Signals a Blow to the Global Authoritarian Movement

Viktor Orbán’s defeat in Hungary signals a repudiation of corrupt governance and a blow for the global authoritarian movement—including Trump.

CAP Urges the Department of Education To Strengthen Safeguards for Workforce Pell Grants and Protect Students From Low-Value Programs

The Center for American Progress submitted comments to the Department of Education to ensure the program is accountable and valuable to students.

The Trump Administration’s $1,000 Tax Refund Promise Falls Short by $665

IRS data show that tax refunds, which naturally fluctuate year to year, are up only $346 after the Trump administration repeatedly promised that they would increase by “$1,000 or more.”

The Trump Administration’s Changes to the Child Care and Development Fund Would Strip Families of Thousands of Dollars in Potential Child Care Savings

Removing a 7 percent cap on child care copayments would put much-needed relief from rising child care costs out of reach for families in 10 states.

What America Has Lost in the War With Iran

Iran appears to have emerged as the winner in Donald Trump’s war of choice.

Trump’s War May Be Over But the Economic Damage Is Not

Consumers and businesses have already weathered substantial economic costs from the war in Iran, and prices and risks could remain elevated for months.

Our proposal to lower health care costs and protect patients

And why President Trump’s new budget is historic in the worst way possible

The U.S.-Israeli War: Destabilizing Lebanon and the Broader Region

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual conversation with expert panelists based in the region who will explore the regional political, security, and humanitarian dynamics of the U.S.-Israeli war, with a particular focus on Lebanon.

Panel Discussion

CAP’s Madison Weiss will lead a moderated conversation with policy experts.

Resumen ejecutivo: Una Declaración de Derechos del Paciente para reducir los costos de la atención médica

El plan de CAP limitaría los aumentos injustificados de las primas, reduciría los deducibles al frenar los precios hospitalarios atípicos, y sustituiría la autorización previa por una revisión clínica independiente y basada en la evidencia, con el fin de reducir los costos de atención médica y ampliar el acceso oportuno a la atención.

Americans Want a Health Care Agenda That Reduces Costs Now

A series of surveys fielded by the Center for American Progress and Blue Rose Research finds that Americans are prepared to support significant, even aggressive, health care reforms if they can plausibly deliver lower costs in the near term.

A Patients’ Bill of Rights To Lower Health Care Costs

CAP's plan would deliver immediate relief on premiums, deductibles, and insurance denials.

Executive Summary: A Patients’ Bill of Rights To Lower Health Care Costs

CAP’s plan would limit unjustified premium increases; reduce deductibles by reining in outlier hospital prices; and replace prior authorization with independent, evidence-based clinical review to lower health care costs and increase access to timely care.

Trump’s Budget Request Cuts Programs That Help Ordinary Americans and Sinks That Money Toward War

What are some of the proposed cuts in the Trump administration’s fiscal year 2027 budget?

10 Reasons the Ten Commandments Should Not Be Posted in Public School Classrooms

Some state legislatures continue to advance bills despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that such displays are unconstitutional. Religious instruction is best left to families and houses of worship.

The Dangers of Hegseth’s “Warfighter” Ethos

In an op-ed for Just Security, Allison McManus outlines the dangers of Pete Hegseth's approach to foreign policy, arguing its "maximum lethality" ethos fails to leverage the real strengths of the U.S. armed forces.

What City Leaders Say Is Helping Drive Down Gun Violence in Their Communities

Estimates suggest that 2025 marked another historic year of declining gun violence nationwide since the COVID-era surge. Here is what officials from cities seeing the largest declines in gun violence are saying about how they have improved public safety since 2021.

Trump’s ‘God Squad’ Is Killing Whales Under the Guise of National Security

Under the pretense of national security, and amid a self-inflicted energy crisis of President Trump’s own making, the administration’s “God Squad” has exempted all Gulf of Mexico oil and gas activities from the Endangered Species Act, risking the extinction of critically endangered species such as the Rice’s whale.

5 Things You Should Know About AI Right Now

In an op-ed for The Contrarian, Adam Conner outlines five things to know about the state of artificial intelligence today.