The Honorable
Caroline A. Crenshaw

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.