Far too many legislators continue to embrace laws that disregard evidence and science and inappropriately mandate care and how it is delivered.
The United States has the third-highest child care costs as a percentage of family income compared to other developed countries, and current child care subsidy programs are simply not enough.
If President Xi shows up ready to clear the air and discuss options for addressing American concerns, that should lead to progress on areas of shared interest.
It is time for Congress to be sensible rather than pit college students against sick patients, workers looking for retraining, and others who need federal assistance.
In their refusal to negotiate a budget deal that would lift the sequester-level spending caps, Congress is unnecessarily risking critical defense and foreign policy priorities.
In order to ensure that this population has full and equal access to the ballot, grassroots organizations, political parties, and candidates must increase their outreach and engagement.
There are many convenient excuses for inaction or doing too little, but this is no time to shirk the responsibility of our common humanity.
All consumers end up paying more for health care because of these high prices.
These stagnant poverty and income numbers in the face of economic growth focused at the top should be a wake-up call for policymakers.
These stagnant poverty and income numbers in the face of economic growth focused at the top should be a wake-up call for policymakers that greater action is needed.
From any angle, middle-class families have seen minimal market income increases even as the economy continues to grow.
Each generation of leaders has to delicately balance the dynamic between the politics and policy of national security.
There are strong reasons to believe that unions may increase opportunity.
As concerns from U.S. employers about a skills gap and an aging workforce intensify, apprenticeship programs represent an obvious solution to current and anticipated worker shortages.
Illicit financial flows and corruption rob governments and their citizens of revenue; devastate trust in the state and the rule of law; and feed crime, terrorism, and unethical behavior.
Budget cuts reduce the investments that lawmakers should be making to strengthen the middle class and undermine vital government functions that promote fair treatment for all Americans.
In supporting the current workforce and preparing tomorrow’s workforce for success, the proposal would help secure America’s economic future.
If advocates for voting rights want a level playing field in state courts, they must push for reforms to judicial selection.
Parametric risk insurance—insurance policies that use environmental measurements to trigger an immediate payout—can play a key role in reducing the risks of climate change in developing countries.
Key reforms to the CTC could enable it to better serve the group who needs it most: new Millennial parents.
The partnership between the federal government and renewable energy developers has contributed to the nation’s twentyfold increase in solar generation and threefold increase in wind generation since 2009.
While success in school is dependent upon many factors, being present each and every day is critical, particularly for low-income students and students of color, who face a variety of educational barriers.
Seventy percent of 16- to 24-year-olds and 41 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds with full-time salaries in exempt roles earned less than the proposed threshold of $50,440 in 2013
Author Myriam Alexander-Kearns discusses the greatest threat to grid reliability: climate change.
Arctic and global warming are leading the world closer to rapidly approaching tipping points that will narrow cost-effective climate solutions, adding to an expanding list of regrets.
People are 60 percent more likely to be displaced by a weather-related disaster today than they were in the 1970s.
Deporting all unauthorized immigrants would shrink the labor force by 6.4 percent over two decades.
The outdated laws and regulations governing energy and natural resource extraction on U.S. public lands provide few protections for the fiscal interests of U.S. taxpayers.
Patience and faithful implementation of the standards will pay dividends.
Given that research has shown that boosting poor children’s family income early in life has long-term effects on education, health, and earnings, an expanded tax credit also would likely have positive effects on children’s long-term economic mobility.
Accurate measurement is important, but policymakers and journalists should focus on the question of how to raise middle-class incomes rather than worrying about technical adjustments that do not affect the overall picture.
On the third anniversary of the shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, that killed six people, author Anisha Singh reflects on how the Sikh community has come together to advocate for forgiveness and raise awareness in the face of continued hate crimes against American Sikhs.
Congress should take action on tax reform by making savings count through progressive matches in the tax code, with a refundable Saver’s Credit as the first step.
50 years after the Voting Rights Act was signed into law, Congress needs to ensure that voting is accessible to all Americans as communities of color continue to grow in the United States.
It has been estimated that, at the current rate of change, it will take until 2085 for women to reach parity with men in key leadership roles in the United States.
The history of Medicare and Medicaid indicates that the ACA will grow and evolve within the nation’s health care framework.
What does the amount—$18.7 billion—mean to one of the wealthiest, most profitable corporations on the planet?
The political conversation surrounding the ACA must move beyond repeal and turn toward serious debates about how to improve and shape health care for future generations.
The proposed rule would take several steps to rebalance the playing field in favor of students and families.
Setting a responsible course for the federal budget requires political will and compromise.
Like most presidents, Obama’s track record promoting peace on the African continent has been a decidedly mixed bag.
Workers are not reaping the full benefits of their increasing productivity or the country’s economic growth.
Passing comprehensive reform would allow immigration authorities to target individuals who truly threaten public safety.
In the most painful way possible, America learned what happens when financial oversight is not taken seriously.
In the wake of a nuclear deal, the United States and its partners must work to counter Iran's destructive behavior across the Middle East.
support for corporate religious freedom only serves to perpetuate a false, unrepresentative view of small business owners’ beliefs—and does so at the expense of working women.
Recognizing and respecting the dignity of all work, embracing the responsibility to family, and caring for the most vulnerable citizens are values that must inform the United States’ approach to elder care.
The Obama administration needs to fight for the basic idea that underpins the LWCF: Investment in conservation should be a condition for offshore drilling.
U.S.-led effort to defeat ISIS remain hampered by the failure to fully integrate the anti-ISIS military strategy into wider political strategy.
Aligning incentives would create a vibrant lending market in which both borrowers and lenders could benefit from the extension of credit.
A more permanent solution in the form of comprehensive immigration reform legislation—anchored by a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants—would yield even greater benefits and provide increased prosperity for all Americans.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the final agreement could lack the features that would suggest the need for formal congressional consent.
Rolling back financial reform and consumer protections in the name of helping small banks could bring back the risky practices that led to the financial crisis.
Americans can once again bask in the pride that comes from leading—and completing—humanity’s initial exploration of its own celestial backyard.
If investors are able to more easily understand whether their fund choices are high cost or low cost, they will likely pay much closer attention to fees.
The transportation challenges facing the United States cannot be solved solely through the expansion of mega-highways.
Trickle-down economics have failed to deliver higher overall income growth; the middle class needs active policy solutions that produce inclusive prosperity.
Across all states, the average amount of debt per graduate is lower than the average debt per borrower.
Two years after the Senate passage of S. 744, the lives of millions of new Americans remain on hold while they wait for Congress to pass durable and permanent immigration legislation.
The pope’s message sets scientific fact in a moral framework and calls for “decisive action, here and now.”
Despite the threat that Iran will continue to pose, a deal that meets specific criteria offers the most effective pathway to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
A clean slate policy would help Pennsylvanians gain employment and provide for themselves and their families, as well as grow the commonwealth's economy.
The upcoming rulemaking that addresses the federal oil and gas leasing process is a critical opportunity to reevaluate how public lands are leased and ensure that the public receives a fair and equitable share.
Authors Sharita Gruberg and Rachel West assert that while progress has been made in the United States and other countries, the United States must take steps to make sure that LGBT asylum seekers are not denied lifesaving protections.
There are several reasons for the falling Medicare projections, including lower estimates for health care cost growth, lower-than-expected costs for the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, and the Affordable Care Act, or ACA.
Rebalancing the OASI and Disability Insurance trust funds would ensure that Social Security is able to pay all promised retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for the next nearly two decades.
Funding cuts and staff reductions over the past two decades thus not only hurt Congress’ ability to run smoothly but have also resulted in Congress’ increasing reliance on outside groups.
Policymakers should not think of a carbon tax and the Clean Power Plan as an either-or proposition.
Because CACFP plays an outsized function by leveraging resources, Congress should make a concerted effort to make the program even stronger.
Both moral obligation and sound economic policy necessitate an end to predatory lending practices.
If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that the Fair Housing Act does not prohibit policies with a discriminatory impact, potential renters and homeowners will lose a vital tool to ensure that they have equal access to housing.
The United States needs to rely on the considerable diplomatic tools available, as well as customs and law enforcement efforts, to stem the flow of IED components to militant groups.
Amtrak provides critical rail service to commuters across the country, particularly the Northeast. Without additional investment, however, it will be unable to meet demand.
Supporting federal laws such as the Every Child Deserves a Family Act can counter state-led efforts at discrimination—maximizing the chance that all children and youth can find loving, qualified parents and caregivers.
The outcome of the election—possibly the last until 2019—may determine the future of the Turkish Constitution of 1982, the position of religion in the public square, and the quality of Turkish democracy.
If Medicare is going to achieve its goal of moving away from fee-for-service payments, it must focus greater attention on bundled payment models which continuing to improve its accountable care organization programs.
The FBI—bolstered by the agents, expertise, and resources of a subsumed ATF—should take over primary jurisdiction of federal firearms enforcement.
People of color, particularly African Americans and Latinos, are unfairly targeted by the police and face harsher prison sentences than their white counterparts.
Policymakers should make allow students and families to determine their eligibility for federal student aid using old tax returns, as well as notify them of their eligibility at an younger age.
The USA Freedom Act is the Senate's only opportunity to meaningfully reform government surveillance practices.
Authors Adam Hersh and Jennifer Erickson discuss new data showing the steep decline in entrepreneurship in the United States and recommend solutions to bring it back.
Pennsylvania Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey must work together to fill the vacancies on Pennsylvania's federal bench.
Fully implementing DAPA is not only the right thing to do for families and the economy—it also has key electoral implications.
Congressional reauthorization of the ESEA should include measures to reduce the funding inequities between the public schools that serve affluent versus low-income students.
As long as Congress continues to require ICE to detain 34,000 people daily in order to fill an arbitrary quota, LGBT immigrants will continue to be vulnerable to abuse in detention.
To build an environmentally and economically robust Blue Economy, the United States and China must expand cooperation.
As low-income pool funding expires, governors and state legislators in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and Kansas must act to expand Medicaid to provide low-income residents with insurance coverage.
Government policies must foster community cohesion and incorporate community input in climate resilience and mitigation plans.
Generational differences can play a role in complicating the conversation around women's leadership and breaking down barriers to equality.
Ensuring that both parents and children have access to quality English language instruction will increase the economic well being of families and communities.
Congress should use this year's defense authorization bill to modernize the U.S. military compensation system.
The Department of the Interior should strengthen its proposed rule to ensure that taxpayers get a fair return on coal mined from public lands.
As Congress considers reauthorizing Federal Aviation Administration operations, it should consider the successes of the current system as well as the uncertain consequences of privatization.
The U.S. Department of Energy must finalize a rule that would make federal government buildings more environmentally friendly.
Policymakers at all levels of government must act to make coastal communities more resilient to the effects of climate change.
The Murray-Scott minimum wage bill would deliver a long-overdue wage hike to many working Americans and a boost to the U.S. economy.
Properly designed, home ownership programs could avoid the pitfalls of past efforts and help more Americans transition from leasing to owning a home.
Teachers are hard at work implementing the Common Core standards each day, and their input on implementation is vitally important to its success.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's summit with President Obama will highlight new and critical areas of cooperation in the U.S.-Japan relationship.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposed Language Access Plan will make access to consumer financial products more transparent for households with limited English proficiency.
At it's spring meetings, the World Bank will discuss reductions in fossil fuel subsidies as a means to curb climate change.
Amid tumult in the Middle East, the United States and Israel should re-frame and strengthen their bilateral relationship.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should alter its proposed rule to make prepaid cards safer, more transparent, and more affordable.
Proposed restrictions on unemployment benefits would punish social security disability insurance beneficiaries who attempt to return to work.
By releasing its list of colleges under heightened cash monitoring, the Department of Education is bringing transparency to its oversight of troubled institutions.
The EPA's Clean Power Plan represents a significant step towards decarbonizing America's energy sector.
U.S. Federal Courts exercise tremendous influence, making decisions that affect the everyday lives of Americans across the country.
Proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would impair job growth and drive vulnerable Americans deeper into poverty.
While deferred action is an important interim step, comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship would provide enormous benefits to the U.S. economy.
Columnist Sam Fulwood III argues that his alma mater must deal directly with its history, not revise it for the sake of contemporary comfort.
A new poll from Generation Progress reveals that Millennials broadly support comprehensive LGBT nondiscrimination legislation at the state and federal level.
President Obama's executive actions on immigration will provide a boon to the U.S. economy, increasing GDP by approximately $230 billion over the next ten years.
As extreme weather events become more common across the United States, Congress must increase its investment in resilient infrastructure.
Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act is sparking a backlash among business interests that could have severe consequences for the state's economy.
An examination of the research shows that dramatic action—not incremental shifts—is often required to improve failing schools.
Addressing the economic challenges faced by depressed urban areas is key to reinvigorating the American economy and increasing access to opportunity.
Rather than work against President Obama during negotiations, Congress should ensure that any deal to constrain the Iranian nuclear program is enforced.
To increase access to abortion care, states should pass legislation allowing advance-practice clinicians, or APC's, to provide medical abortions.
Although we have seen great progress in the 50 years since the Immigration and Naturalization Act, additional measures are needed to ensure that LGBT immigrants are not disadvantaged in attempting to access the legal immigration system.
The Obama administration should take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil-fuel extraction on federal lands and waters.
Countries—including the United States—should meet their financial obligations to the Green Climate Fund in order to help developing countries curtail their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 nations over the Iranian nuclear program have reached a decision point.
Higher education opportunities for undocumented students must be expanded, not restricted, at the state level.
Author Jamal Hagler writes about the need to push back on outdated stereotypes.
The authors explore the critical needs of the Afghan National Security Forces.
Undocumented students are fighting for access to higher education in Texas and other states, writes the author.
The author's explore how serious congressional majority leaders are about boosting opportunity and expanding the middle class.
It’s time for the retail industry to support a policy agenda that helps the middle class, writes author Brendan Duke.
Many states are already facing coordinated campaigns across the country to roll back state-level renewable energy standards, write the authors.
The Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation are being forced to adopt dynamic scoring, writes the author.
Author Michael Madowitz explains the latest Jobs Day report.
Ocean-dependent businesses look to ocean planning to make the most of marine resources, explains the author.
Immigration enforcement harms families and children, writes the author.
The new Medicare goal for payment reform is a significant milestone toward improving patient care and making health care spending more sustainable, write the authors.
Sam Fulwood III ponders the far-reaching policy implications of demographic change in the United States.
Conservatives continue to advance specious arguments that are harmful to federal funding for public transportation, writes author Kevin DeGood.
The authors explain the Earned Income Tax Credit and how proposed modifications to improve its effectiveness can benefit the LGBT community.
Attempting to deport all 5 million people who would benefit from the president’s directives on immigration would be costly, writes the author.
Teacher compensation reform improves school districts’ ability to attract, retain, and leverage a high-performing teachers, write the authors.
Conservative efforts to whitewash the history taught in our schools harms students, writes the author.
The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program provides critical support to high-risk children and families across the country, write the authors.
The Pentagon’s fiscal year 2016 budget request makes important reforms but ignores fiscal and political realities, write the authors.
The amount of negativity we observe and consume on a daily basis threatens to undermine the quality of civic life, writes the author.
January’s strong employment release report had only positive news, but we should wait and see how the Fed responds, writes the author.
Policymakers can raise revenue to invest in coal communities by ensuring that coal companies mining from federal lands pay their fair share, write the authors.
A new proposal to update the No Child Left Behind Act could substantially affect the students most at need.
Struggling communities of color need tangible assistance, writes author Sam Fulwood III.
Policies and programs aimed at homeless youth routinely fail transgender young people, write the authors.
The United States has much to gain from enhanced ties with Malaysia, write the authors.
There are several practical solutions that would remove barriers to employment for workers with disabilities, write the authors.
Subsidized jobs offer a targeted strategy to give disadvantaged workers a foot in the door to the labor market, write the authors.
The United States and Egypt need new anchors of economic and diplomatic cooperation, write the authors.
Religious leaders and faith advocates remind us how important faith voices are as we work together to create a more just and equitable nation, write the authors.
State leaders need to take action to ensure that dangerous domestic abusers and stalkers do not have easy access to firearms, write the authors.
Congress is trying to erect more barriers to thwart President Obama’s desire to close Guantanamo, writes author Ken Gude.
The outdoor economy should be recognized as a crucial sector of the U.S. economy and accurately measured, write the authors.
Author Emmanuel Hurtado highlights the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for the African American community.
Concerns about the appearance of corruption in American courts have grown more urgent in recent years as spending on judicial races has exploded, writes the author.
Fernanda Denys Reyes highlights the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for the Latino community.
The new tech economy has not conquered racial bias, writes the author.
While the U.S. economy has added 11.2 million private-sector jobs, wages are still going nowhere, explains the author.
Seventy percent of new teachers stay in their positions for longer than five years, write the authors.
Failing to distinguish short term from long term often confuses the federal budget debate, writes author Harry Stein.
Changing electoral demographics will have noticeable effects on the 2016 elections, writes author Patrick Oakford.
The coal, oil, and gas industries spent more than three-quarters of a billion dollars in the 2014 election cycle, write the authors.
CAP economist Christian E. Weller examines the state of the U.S. economy in December 2014.
The coal, oil, and gas industries spent more than three-quarters of a billion dollars in the 2014 election cycle. The question is: What will be the return on that investment?
To fully realize the potential of Metro’s Silver Line, policymakers must break with past development practices, writes the author.
Only public policy can ensure that all women have the chance to participate fully and thrive, writes author Judith Warner.
The Social Security program should be strengthened to support working women, explain the authors.
There are lessons to learn from other countries where public policy has been used to help women succeed, write the authors.
Authors Peter Juul and Rudy deLeon write on the significance of the Orion launch.
State leaders can adopt the Promise Zones model to support innovative localities, explain the authors.
Many children currently lack access to high-quality preschool, write the authors.
Reforms are needed to fix an outdated federal coal program, explains the author.
Undocumented students must navigate a labyrinth of policies from federal, state, and postsecondary institutions to earn a college degree, explains Zenen Jaimes Pérez.
As the country slides into a so-called “opinion nation,” it made it nearly impossible to find common ground, writes Sam Fulwood III.
Elizabeth Baylor discusses the effects of states’ devastating budget cuts to public colleges ushered in by the Great Recession.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan offers states the opportunity to curb rising natural gas use in the United States, writes Alison Cassady.
A CAP infographic illustrates why policymakers need to invest in the resilience of our wastewater treatment infrastructure.
It’s time for an economy that works for everyone and not just the wealthy few, explain the authors.
Ariella Viehe discusses the difficult political, economic, and security decisions that lie ahead for Tunisia.
Guest author Eric Garland explores the governing systems at play in Ferguson.
Over the past two decades, the United States has put immigration and border enforcement into overdrive, while not allocating adequate resources to the immigration court system, explain the authors.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program has had an enormous effect on the lives of hundreds of thousands of undocumented young people and their families, explains the author.
The Affordable Care Act is making a difference in connecting LGBT people with coverage, explain the authors.
Author Shlomo Brom discusses the diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program.
The authors discuss President Obama returning to Myanmar two years after his initial visit.
Cities around the globe are on the front lines of climate change, explain the authors.
President Obama should follow the lead of former President Clinton and wield the veto pen, writes Tom Kenworthy.
Sarah Ayres Steinberg explains why young people want to start businesses and the challenges they face challenges.
Anna Chu explains the importance of a recent Delaware Supreme Court decision.
The new Congress will have its sights set on rolling back environmental protections, explain the authors.
Military action in Syria must remain focused on degrading the terrorist threat while pushing for a political transition, explain the authors.
Targeted reforms will help more Americans afford long-term care, write the authors.
Policymakers need to invest in the resilience of our wastewater treatment infrastructure, explain the authors.
The effectiveness and approach of for-profit colleges is being questioned, explains author David A. Bergeron.
Women of color are a key voting bloc with the potential to affect elections and public policy, writes Maya Harris.
In 16 states, voters in counties with a higher percentage of minorities cast provisional ballots at higher rates.
Public investment in higher education is vital to the performance of our economy, explain the authors.
The federal government has a vested interest in exploring strategies that harness anchors’ power to increase community revitalization and economic growth, explains Tracey Ross.
The CAP Immigration Team provides a rundown of everything you need to know about our foreign-born population.
Massive disparities persist in the housing market and the economy based on the color of one’s skin, explains Michela Zonta.
States and school districts are far from the goal of better, fairer, and fewer tests, explains Melissa Lazarín.
Egypt continues to face a long list of challenges, explain the authors.
There are many facets of gun violence in Washington state that stand out as exception, unusual, or above the national average, explain Chelsea Parsons and Lauren Speigel.
Shiva Polefka and Michael Conathan explore how to get crime out of the seafood supply chain.
The United States must strengthen its space program and regain control of exploration beyond Earth, explain the authors.
Deeper structural changes are needed to reform China’s financial system, explains Adam Hersh.
Research makes clear the importance of high teacher expectations for all students, the authors explain.
Executive action on immigration would bring tangible benefits to the nation, explains Philip Wolgin.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s proposal to release consumers’ complaints adds additional transparency to the financial system.
Harry Stein and Hilary Gelfond explain why austerity is so out of hand.
The Common Core State Standards will lead to improved student learning, explains Max Marchitello and Megan Wilhelm.
Aarthi Gunasekaran and Vikram Singh discuss the meeting between newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama.
Alexandra Thornton explains what Americans need to know when it comes to corporate inversions.
While the Common Core State Standards have become increasingly contentious, research shows support for the Common Core’s principles remains high.
Pop culture now has the tools to take racial insensitivity to task, says Sam Fulwood III.
Despite the political gridlock over taxes, there are actually many areas on which both sides agree, explain the authors.
Effectively mitigating climate change requires identifying exactly how the United States will transform its energy economy to attain international goals to help protect our climate.
Recent updates to the child care subsidy system bring much-needed changes, writes Maryam Adamu.
Arkadi Gerney and Chelsea Parsons explain why it is time to consider new ideas for regulating uniquely dangerous firearms.
The Obama administration has an important opportunity to adjust its course in Syria and Iraq, the authors explain.
Black Americans have no reason to fear job losses from the promised White House protections for undocumented immigrant families, explains Sam Fulwood III
Drawing on the most successful elements of previous efforts is the key to designing strong and effective renter savings programs, explains David M. Abromowitz and Sarah Edelman.
Brian Katulis, Hardin Lang, and Vikram Singh argue that combating ISIS in Iraq and Syria will require a concerted diplomatic and security strategy in coordination with U.S. allies around the world.
Antoinette Flores explores why several colleges and universities have had greater success than others in graduating both students of color and low-income students.
Adam Hersh writes on the concentration of new jobs in low-wage industries.
Sarah Edelman, Julia Gordon, and Aashna Desai provide recommendations for how the Federal Housing Administration can better help neighborhoods and homeowners while still saving money for taxpayers.
Effectively mitigating climate change requires identifying exactly how the United States will transform its energy economy to attain international goals to help protect our climate.
Aarthi Gunasekaran explains why the international role in Afghanistan should be reassessed during the NATO Summit.
Congress has not followed up with the appropriations necessary to double funding for basic research.
Congress needs to cut the party-line bickering and refocus its efforts on policies that help American workers, say Christian E. Weller and Jackie Odum.
Molly Elgin-Cossart discusses the shifting conversation on the post-2015 development agenda.
Sarah Ayres writes on how employer-written national guideline standards can strengthen America’s apprenticeship system.
Christian E. Weller and Farah Ahmad explore how improving economic and health outcomes for communities of color has the potential to help combat Social Security’s projected shortfall.
Sam Fulwood III writes on the turmoil playing out in the Show Me State.
Annie Malknecht writes on the accomplishments of the Millennium Development Goals.
CDBG continues to serve as an important tool in helping communities across the country tackle emerging challenges in affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic development.
Shiva Pedram explains why the Middle Eastern countries currently sheltering Syrian refugees need international support.
Zach Fields writes on Florida’s changing demographics and their effects on immigration policy.
The annual Singapore-based Asia-Pacific security summit, traditionally a convivial affair, is becoming more candid and sharp elbowed—and that’s a good thing.
A hashtag campaign confronts the racial biases in the images we see of black Americans.
Groups in Washington want to protect state legislatures’ agendas from legal challenges.
Violent conditions are causing tens of thousands of children and families from Central America to take refuge in the United States and neighboring countries.
President Obama must act boldly to preserve one of the planet’s last unspoiled ocean ecosystems.
The United States should provide legal representation for Central American child refugees, many of who have legitimate claims for relief.
Increased LNG exports could theoretically result in a net benefit for the climate.
The U.S. labor market faces long-term quality and quantity problems
Reshoring tax incentives can ease the wage and employment pressures
The United States must rethink its policy toward Kurdish political groups.
Millennials are saving less for retirement than older generations.
Successful anti-poverty solutions should be coordinated in a way that meets the needs of families and should build upon lessons learned from successful programs across the country.
The federal coal-leasing program in the Powder River Basin is costing taxpayers billions of dollars.
Giving up the plot to leave RGGI would be a relatively simple and effective way to implement proposed carbon-pollution limits while strengthening New Jersey’s health and economy.
The humanitarian situation on the U.S. southern border demands a range of sustainable interventions across northern Central America, as well as increased international assistance.
Low pay prevents teachers from living a middle-class life.
Rep. Paul Ryan’s latest poverty proposals will exacerbate poverty and inequality, if past is prologue.
The United States lags behind its European counterparts in the use of apprenticeships.
Only time will tell how history will judge today’s political figures amid charges of racism and reverse racism.
The United States and its international partners are nearing the deadline to reach a comprehensive agreement with Iran.
In the fight against energy poverty around the world, distributed electric generation is a vital tool.
We need to understand the varied concerns underlying too big to fail and implement tailored solutions.
The meeting highlights the potentially positive role the BRICS countries could play in revitalizing the global system of partnerships and alliances to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
American companies can benefit from hiring an apprentice.
How administrative action that protects undocumented immigrants would benefit all American workers.
Exploring how stronger laws and enforcement can reduce debt traps in short-term lending.
New data show that principals believe they have a major influence on teacher evaluation. However, principals do not receive the professional support they need.
The landscape of school leadership and principal professional development is changing rapidly.
Apprenticeship is a time-tested worker-training model and could be a possible solution to America’s workforce challenges.
While the ruling in Vergara v. California may have sparked strong reactions, we can all agree that great teaching matters.
Government subsidies for capital gains and dividends are helping the rich get richer.
The United States needs to closely examine its record in helping to build security-force capacity before investing in a new $5 billion fund to support foreign counterterrorism efforts.
A new CAP report highlights why the nation's labor standards need to be updated.
Cities should play a significant role in the effort to reduce carbon pollution.
A new CAP report offers four policy solutions to protect women from gun violence.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how the Obama administration should manage the threat of a new terrorist group in Iraq.
Competency-based education is an innovative way to measure the value of a liberal arts degree.
A new CAP report looks at how lessons learned from Freedom Summer can advance democracy in the Black Belt.
Immigration reform is set to become an even more pressing policy issue for the Latino electorate.
A new CAP report discusses how the United States should support Jordan's political and economic reform in the wake of the Arab uprisings and the Syrian civil war.
Women of color entrepreneurs stand to play an even bigger role in the U.S. economy as the nation becomes more diverse.
We need to reform our immigration laws to protect LGBT immigrants from hate violence.
A new CAP issue brief looks at New York's significant state-level investment in expanded learning time for districts and schools.
A new CAP issue brief looks at lessons learned from the innovation of state takeover districts in the area of teacher professional development.
A new CAP report discusses the rise of school networks in New York City, Baltimore, Denver, and Chicago.
A new CAP issue brief looks at the adoption of rooftop solar in emerging residential markets.
The public deserves to know the relevant facts in the debate over the Environmental Protection Agency's forthcoming carbon pollution rule.
Research highlights why austerity has been such a harmful economic policy in the United States and Europe.
Progressive reform of our tax code will support both college access and affordability, as well as help student-loan borrowers.
A new CAP issue brief discusses both the successes of the Credit CARD Act and what still needs to be done.
While it is clear who will win Egypt's upcoming presidential election, it is not clear what he will do and whether the country will stabilize.
Congress needs to increase its assistance for low-income households to help them adapt to the hotter weather that is a result of climate change.
In a new CAP issue brief, Daniel Bahr, Germany's federal minister of health, explains how wide-reaching reforms to Germany's prescription drug market can inform U.S. research.
A new CAP report looks at America's first five Promise Zones. It also details how the federal government can improve the initiative and support place-based work.
As the next round of open enrollment begins in November, a new and more effective management structure is essential for the Affordable Care Act's next phase of implementation.
A new CAP report looks at the nexus of climate change, migration, and security in five Chinese hotspots, analyzing what it means for both domestic and regional policymaking.
Congress can provide the Interior Department and the Forest Service with the funds they need to prevent and fight wildfires by enacting President Obama's recent budget proposal.
A new CAP issue brief highlights what President Barack Obama and today's policymakers can learn from the national security approaches of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.
Pfizer is currently attempting to move its headquarters out of the United States by acquiring the U.K.-based AstraZeneca; we must do more to prevent these kinds of tax-dodging corporate inversions.
A new CAP report looks at the goals of the emerging post-2015 development agenda, including the innovative focus on universality.
The congressional bed quota in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities is placing LGBT immigrants in inhumane conditions and grave danger.
If countries commit to a global development agenda that improves livelihoods in ways that support low-carbon and sustainable economic growth, it is possible to prevent climate change and end poverty.
A new CAP issue brief analyzes how judges and legislators have failed to address conflicts of interest in multimillion-dollar state judicial elections.
Despite $23 billion in first-quarter profits, the big five oil companies are still receiving special tax breaks from the federal government.
A new CAP report looks at how we can diversify the U.S. teacher population and improve the academic performance of students from all racial backgrounds.
This May Day, Congress should look toward passing comprehensive immigration reform before the end of its current session.
A new CAP column looks at what steps the United States needs to take to respond to the crisis in Ukraine.
The oil and gas industry's growing influence on the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, and Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation is reshaping the politics and policies surrounding the conservation of American land and wildlife.
CAP highlights STD Awareness Month and how these diseases affect Americans' health.
The U.S. Department of Defense must make hard choices to create a fiscally responsible budget for the years ahead.
Secretary of State John Kerry needs to make climate change the focus of the Arctic Council when he assumes its chairmanship in 2015.
A new CAP series features the most comprehensive research and analysis available for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the fastest-growing demographic in the nation.
With a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians would see a $16.1 billion total wage increase.
The best chance for enduring peace in Ukraine rests in transparent and inclusive constitutional reform.
A new CAP column explains why immigration reform would lead to significantly more tax revenues.
A new CAP report looks at the challenges and opportunities of the Common Core State Standards.
The Obama administration must take more action to reduce methane emissions that contribute to climate change.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how better disclosure of retirement fees will help boost retirement savings.
Policymakers need to make sure that all students have access to the education they deserve.
If we restore degraded coastal ecosystems, we can get economic returns above and beyond economic stimulus and short-term job creation.
The Obama administration's desire to sell coal leases is at odds with its climate program.
Labor-market statistics show a need for action from policymakers.
The recent Supreme Court ruling in McCutcheon v. FEC will allow the wealthiest Americans even more influence over politicians, including elected judges.
The fiscal year 2015 Ryan budget once again puts millionaires, big corporations, and Big Oil ahead of communities of color.
A new CAP report looks at intra-Islamist debates about political change and the battle of ideas against North Africa's violent extremism.
For the past three years, the Ryan budget has cut middle-class investments and the social safety net in favor of tax breaks for millionaires, corporations, and Big Oil.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how conservatives with an austerity agenda make it difficult for judges who rule in favor of equal funding for education.
Economic research illustrates that our safety net reduces poverty and promotes mobility.
A new CAP issue brief looks at how Turkey's upcoming elections will shape its future relationships with the United States and European Union.
Our response to the Ukraine crisis should include sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.
Hobby Lobby has the potential to redefine religious liberty to promote discrimination and unfair advantages in the corporate world.
Although Race to the Top states have made strong progress since the start of the program in 2010, many have a lot of work to do to meet their commitments.
We need to address climate change–and its environmental, economic, and national security implications–in the Arctic.
New carbon-pollution safeguards are essential if we want to protect our health and economy.
Targeted efforts can help us break the vicious cycle of child marriage.
A new CAP issue brief explores what Putin learned from his role as Russian national security advisor in the 1999 Kosovo war.
A new CAP report looks at the key economic and diplomatic tools we have to support international law and impose a cost on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Progressives are making another compromise with the current spending cap.
We need to develop the international relations and domestic foundations to make trade work for America and global middle classes.
Given Arizona’s 2010 passage of the anti-immigrant S.B. 1070 and the significant backlash it faced, Gov. Jan Brewer’s recent veto of S.B. 1062 may indicate that the state is moving in a positive direction on LGBT and immigrant rights.
Newly appointed NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan faces significant challenges.
If we raised the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, we would lower government spending on federal nutrition assistance by $46 billion over the next 10 years.
Policymakers need to understand the complexity and diversity within the Asian American community when considering how to address economic inequality.
Research suggests that harsh discipline policies at schools foster hostile climates, pushing LGBT youth out of schools and disproportionately pipelining them into the juvenile justice system.
A new CAP report discusses how the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and other common-sense measures to prevent workplace discrimination could benefit more than 1 million service members and veterans.
Congressional failure to address the impending shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund will mean a substantial cut to highway and public transportation programs during the heart of construction season.
The burden of gun violence falls disproportionately on young people.
A distinguished group of American and Chinese experts convened last September for a high-level track II dialogue to discuss a new model for the U.S.-China relationship.
Our national park system needs to be more inclusive and reflect the diversity of our nation.
To protect communities from extreme weather, Congress needs to invest in President Obama's Climate Resilience Fund.
Changing how we invest in our nation's infrastructure will strengthen both it and our economy in the face of extreme weather.
A new CAP report discusses how best to address metropolitan congestion.
We can address the growing technological gap in schools by modernizing the E-rate program.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act and comprehensive immigration reform are good for workers, business, and the economy.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the need to support caregivers through paid family leave and flexible hours.
A new CAP report discusses New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's unprecedented effort to ensure that the state supreme court rules the way he wants.
A new CAP report addresses voter suppression tactics and details the power of the Voting Rights Act to combat them.
If we redesign schools so that they have significantly more time for student learning and teacher development and collaboration, they will be better able to meet the challenges of Common Core implementation.
The president's MyRA plan is a start, but Congress needs to do more to help Americans save for retirement.
Lifting the ban on crude oil exports could threaten our energy security and raise our gasoline prices.
Without investing in resilience programs, cities affected by the rise in extreme weather events will suffer economic hardship.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute should rapidly increase investment in comparative effectiveness research.
Big Oil's inflated job numbers do not justify its longstanding tax breaks.
The president should immediately suspend the bulk collection of our call records.
Despite recent reforms, teachers have reported that they are largely satisfied in their jobs.
New York is the latest on a growing list of state and municipal governments to establish green banks.
We need to alleviate student-loan debt and make sure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed in higher education.
LGBT Americans experience disproportionately high rates of unemployment and poverty.
Employers should not be allowed to decide whether their female employees have access to contraceptive care.
It would be unprecedented and unwise for Congress to allow unemployment insurance to expire while long-term unemployment is this high.
There is plenty of time this year for the House of Representatives to pass immigration reform.
Offshore corporate profits need to be taxed, not "repatriated."
A major new study of public attitudes about poverty, work, and economic opportunity reveals that many Americans still suffer from economic hardship and desire new efforts to provide low-income families with good-paying jobs, greater access to education, and more-supportive communities in which to raise their children.
On the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty, it’s time to apply the lessons learned to today’s economic and social challenges in order to usher in a new era of shared prosperity.
Recent cuts to the child care subsidy system are forcing parents and providers to make difficult choices.
As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Ron Wyden would have a great opportunity to reform the tax code.
Emerging education reforms show promise for increasing program completion, reducing costs, and improving quality.
A smarter approach to land management is currently within reach.
While the Murray-Ryan budget deal does not eliminate the challenges that the Department of Defense faces from sequestration, it does provide an opportunity to reduce defense spending responsibly.
A new CAP issue brief takes a look at the gun debate one year after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Despite some unfortunate concessions made to appease conservatives, the Murray-Ryan budget deal is a net-positive step for the country.
A new CAP report illustrates why paid parental leave is important to families' economic well-being.
A new CAP report illustrates how the United States can take a leading role in the 21st century green industrial transformation.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the necessity of Complete Streets to a balanced transportation system, as they expand personal mobility through designs that are both safe and accommodating for all users regardless of age, income, or ability level.
A new CAP issue brief outlines three new CAP reports that debunk trickle-down economics.
Congress is wasting billions of dollars on the unnecessary Guantanamo prison.
Public lands are a major source of carbon pollution, but this can change if we institute an appropriate emissions reduction plan.
The U.N. climate talks in Warsaw, Poland, ended with a foundation for a global climate agreement by 2015.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates how paid family leave upholds the value of caregiving, fights injustice, and helps American families.
If policymakers expand apprenticeships in the United States, they can create pathways to well-paying middle-class jobs for young Americans and help businesses meet the need for skilled workers.
If we fix the sequester to account for the debt reduction in the fiscal cliff deal, we will set ourselves on the path to a stable federal budget and strong economic recovery.
A new CAP report explains why reforms to our immigration system need to include protections for LGBT immigrants, who are particularly vulnerable to abuse and mistreatment in immigration detention.
A new CAP report highlights four key factors that will make sequestration even worse next year.
We need to offer a clearer choice about the future of our bilateral relationship with Egypt.
The fishing industry can help Congress promote healthier ocean and coastal economies in a major way.
A new CAP issue brief looks at the U.N. climate negotiations in Warsaw, Poland.
We need innovation and flexibility in school finance to ensure the most bang for our education buck.
We need to invest in our growing communities of color today if we want to lay the groundwork for America's future success and broadly shared prosperity.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how to address the threat that voluntary exemptions from childhood vaccinations pose to Americans' public health.
The recent fiscal antics in Congress have led to caution and perhaps even stagnation in American business.
According to a new OECD report, the United States is failing to ensure that adults are keeping pace with the increasing need for the basic and advanced skills that today's middle-class jobs require.
Immigrants play a key role in U.S. military readiness.
A new CAP column shares the top five reasons that Millennials should fight to strengthen—not cut—Social Security.
A new CAP report discusses the sexual assault problem in the military and offers key reform goals to combat it.
USAID can greatly increase its partnerships with local institutions and build support for procurement reform within our development community if it better defines the rationale behind the reform, increases transparency, and uses current mechanisms to expand its partner base.
A majority of Americans support protecting LGBT Americans from workplace discrimination.
Calls to delay the individual mandate for a year due to technical issues with the rollout of the Affordable Care Act are both unnecessary and harmful.
A new CAP report shows that communities of color are still struggling to catch up with whites on many economic indicators.
By failing to enact policies to curb U.S. emissions of heat-trapping pollution, Congress is imposing a costly unfunded mandate on Americans.
The CAP Housing Team provides four fact sheets to explain the current role of the federal government in housing finance, recommend core principles for reform, and provide information on technical issues.
A new CAP report examines the progress made and the unique challenges remaining for women of color in America.
The president of the National Education Association says the salary schedules school districts have traditionally used to pay teachers no longer work, and they should be replaced with a system that recognizes teacher effectiveness.
The Affordable Care Act's premiums are lower than expected; they will save $190 billion.
On the whole, Americans believe that there are more benefits to our country's rising diversity than costs.
A new CAP report explains how rebuilding our economy from the middle out will ensure that it works for Millennials.
We can create a stronger financial system by leveraging cities and employers, improving transparency, providing consistent regulations, and building public options.
Now that the government shutdown is behind us, it's time to focus on reversing damaging austerity policies and investing in economic growth.
A new CAP column explains everything you need to know about the debt limit, from what it is to who is responsible for raising it.
A new CAP issue brief details the numerous ways in which the state of Florida practices racial profiling.
A new CAP issue brief explains what is likely to happen if the United States defaults on its debt.
House Republicans' current approach to funding the government—small, targeted appropriations for a select group of functions—is both impractical and irresponsible.
Faith-based providers and the government are working together to make sure that more Americans can access health care under the Affordable Care Act.
The TRUST Act makes public safety the touchstone for limits on state collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Consider what our jobs numbers may have very well looked like had federal and state governments not adopted policies of fiscal austerity.
Our national parks and public lands have suffered drastic budget cuts, seasonal closures, and more since the Tea Party took over the House of Representatives.
A new CAP issue brief discusses why giant retailer Hobby Lobby does not have the right to avoid compliance with the Affordable Care Act on the grounds of religious freedom.
A new CAP issue brief considers the implications that an upcoming Supreme Court ruling could have on religion in the public sphere.
The Environmental Protection Agency's proposed carbon-pollution standards for future power plants give us a way to reach cleaner coal-powered electricity.
LGBT youth continue to be disproportionately represented in our homeless youth population; their experiences continue to be characterized by poor health, violence, discrimination, and unmet needs.
Prime Minister Singh and President Obama will meet for the third official U.S.-India state visit today to discuss ideas to deepen the U.S.-India partnership and fulfill unmet expectations.
A new CAP report examines both the progress made and the challenges remaining for women across the country. It considers three categories critical to their overall well-being: economics, leadership, and health.
A new CAP report analyzes the first year of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, including its implementation; which groups have experienced the most success; and the role that community-based organizations, new and traditional media, and the political context of individual states play in its implementation and outreach.
A new CAP column illustrates why demands for fiscal austerity no longer make sense.
CAP's new Fair Shot campaign is a coordinated, comprehensive effort to fight for women and families in America.
The nutrition support in the farm bill is critically important to families facing hunger and the nation's economy—and Congress should not let proposed cuts take effect.
When Stand Your Ground laws combine with weak state permitting laws that allow potentially dangerous people to carry concealed, loaded weapons in public, the results can be deadly.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates a startling fact: The 10 states that received the most federal disaster-relief aid in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 in response to climate-related extreme weather events elected 47 climate-science deniers to Congress.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates how the Senate immigration reform bill protects immigrants' employment rights and helps American workers.
The stopgap funding measure proposed by Speaker of the House John Boehner asks Congress to support another round of spending cuts and signals a willingness to increase funding for defense only.
Congressional support for a consistent budget is essential in the fight against climate change and to support U.S. jobs and security.
The debate surrounding the Pebble Mine Project in Southwest Alaska pits a mining conglomerate against one of the world's most iconic fisheries.
Although investors should be part of America's housing recovery, there are serious risks associated with leaving neighborhood recovery up to private investors.
Economic mobility has become a scarce commodity in America, making it difficult for children to succeed beyond their parents' pocketbooks.
Immigration reform such as S. 744, which the Senate passed in June, will lead to higher wages and better job opportunities for all of our workers.
The United States and its partners need to discuss and plan for possible threats, however likely or not, in the wake of strikes.
NOAA's proposed expansion of the National Marine Sanctuary System represents real progress for the management of our marine natural resources.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates how cuts to Head Start and other programs due to sequestration hurt the economy and America's future.
Opponents of California's School Success and Opportunity Act are not basing their arguments in fact.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is aiming to divert attention away from his own country's problems with his latest remarks against Israel.
Although conservatives have had some success in defeating the march's progress toward economic justice, there is reason to be optimistic and a need to take action.
A new CAP report discusses how natural disasters affect low-income communities and expose their underlying socioeconomic problems.
If we reformed bankruptcy laws to include some student debt, we could help struggling borrowers and foster better student loans and academic programs.
A new CAP report illustrates how the creation of a SAFE retirement plan would handle the risks and costs of retirement better than the typical, perfect-world 401(k) plan.
Under the Affordable Care Act, small businesses may choose an insurance option that would disproportionately harm their minority employees.
CAP's Mortgage Finance Working Group outlines how we can transform rental housing.
Immigrants, and particularly their children, will play an important role in the future workforce as the Baby Boomers head into retirement.
A lawsuit alleges that insurance giant State Farm secretly spent millions of dollars to help elect a justice to the Illinois Supreme Court—a justice who later overturned a billion-dollar verdict entered against it.
Sharks may get more press, but dogfish are causing the real problems for fishermen in Cape Cod.
The Obama administration wants to double production of clean energy from public lands, but it still has challenges to face.
A new CAP report illustrates how states, districts, and policymakers can better support small, nonremote school districts.
A new CAP report discusses why the federal government has to bridge the gap between oil and gas development and public demand for greater recreational opportunities and the protection of lands for future generations.
To be successful, talks between Israelis and Palestinians need to include a number of key efforts and compromises.
The president's latest proposal to create jobs comes with a significant concession on corporate tax reform to attempt to achieve a compromise with conservatives in Congress.
The big five oil companies are doing fine without the help of tax breaks: They made $19.5 billion in profits in the second quarter of this year.
New data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis show that U.S. GDP growth is anemic thanks to the across-the-board spending cuts that have been in effect since March, as well as other mounting fiscal austerity.
The House of Representatives' environmental spending bill is a far-reaching assault on the nation's health and public lands.
President Obama's resilience plan needs to include federal investments to protect communities nationwide from the damaging effects of extreme weather.
The way that we currently use funds from Title II, Part A, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act needs to change substantially.
Limiting Wisconsin justices to a single 16-year term could help them feel less pressure to rule in line with corporate interests.
Increasing the use of clean energy technologies in the affordable multifamily housing market would strengthen local economies and make families more secure.
A new CAP fact sheet provides important data on military sexual assault.
Although in the near term natural gas can be used to achieve the emissions reductions necessary for climate stabilization, we must swiftly transition from natural gas to zero-carbon energy.
Currently up for a vote in the Senate, the bill would provide student-loan borrowers with a reasonable interest rate that does not change over the life of the loan.
CAP offers a comparison of 26 plans to reform the nation's housing finance system.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how implementing the Universal Savings Credit will help low- and middle-income Americans struggling to recover from the Great Recession.
The repeal of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act gives same-sex couples access to additional immigration benefits.
A new CAP issue brief discusses what Edward Snowden’s stay in the Sheremetyevo airport transit zone in Russia says about our relationship with Russia.
A new CAP report focuses on how we can help teachers do their jobs better so that they can prepare students for college and careers.
A new CAP issue brief discusses the importance of avoiding the "electrical divide" and staying committed to safe, affordable, reliable, and clean electricity as our power sector undergoes rapid and transformative change.
Lawmakers should reform the tax code so that it is simpler and fairer for the middle class and raises revenue for investments in future economic growth.
The arguments of immigration reform opponents are not based in fact.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates why marriage equality is not the end of the road in the progression toward full LGBT equality.
A new CAP report focuses on the strategies used in successful North Carolina school districts.
By giving children access to public preschool today, we can help ensure that both they and the country have a bright and vibrant future.
A new CAP report illustrates how investing in climate preparedness and resilience will save money in the long run by combating extreme weather and the impacts of climate change.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the importance of clean energy manufacturing in fighting climate change, creating jobs, and increasing U.S. competitiveness.
The bipartisan Senate immigration reform bill puts unprecedented resources toward border security, creates an achievable path to citizenship, accelerates family reunification, and promotes economic growth.
The Supreme Court ruled in two cases yesterday that same-sex couples deserve equal respect and treatment under the law.
The president's climate plan outlines steps to comprehensively address climate change and its effects.
Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan's newly re-elected prime minister, should focus on improving the country's infrastructure and its trade relations with India.
The Obama administration has taken significant action to address climate change, but it still needs to do much more.
The results of recent polling indicate that most voters want to eliminate the influence of campaign cash on judicial elections.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the importance of federal investment in protecting communities against extreme weather.
A new CAP report details the current and future contributions of immigrants and their children to the American workforce and economy.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the importance of preventing the disappearance of guns from gun-dealer inventories.
Legalizing the undocumented immigrant population would increase productivity, wages, and tax revenue and create new jobs.
Denying immigrants on the road to citizenship access to key social services hurts not only them but also the entire nation.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates why reducing super pollutants is necessary to avoid dangerous impacts of global warming.
Current immigration reform does not repeat the mistakes made in the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates how reducing the cost of defensive medicine will improve health care outcomes and patient safety.
A new CAP issue brief presents ways in which the president can address gun violence without congressional approval.
Our current economic path—one of spending cuts and fiscal contraction—is costing us billions of dollars and millions of jobs.
A new CAP report focuses on the importance of changing our fiscal debate to meet the changes that have occurred in our fiscal and economic reality.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the scope of America's youth-unemployment crisis—and what it means for future economic growth.
A new CAP issue brief explains why the country should look to Colorado as an example of how to undertake school-finance reform.
Public policies can reduce harms to the health of LGBT youth.
New CAP fact sheets explain how major program and policy changes being made under the health reform law will help the LGBT community.
A new CAP issue brief focuses on the importance of Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for the roughly 12 million people with disabilities in the United States.
Asian Americans are currently our fastest-growing immigrant population, and they are a growing political force.
A new CAP column analyzes the potential interest rates in recently proposed student-loan legislation.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the importance of policies to support women who work and take care of their families.
Americans can expect high gasoline prices as they embark on their Memorial Day and summer trips.
A new CAP issue brief details the importance of women of color in the 2012 presidential election.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates how the Affordable Care Act helps more young adults get affordable health care coverage.
A new CAP issue brief examines the economic benefits of granting a pathway to legal status and citizenship to undocumented immigrants in 24 states.
Those in Washington who are centering the Libya debate on the Obama administration's old talking points fail to understand the real issues that need to be addressed in the country.
A new CAP report details the successes of Shanghai's public schools.
A new CAP report finds that corporate campaign cash is influencing judges in state supreme courts to rule against those injured or wronged by employers and businesses.
A new CAP issue brief explores press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates why we can still make progress toward stronger gun laws.
A new CAP issue brief highlights what Congress can do to prevent guns from ending up in the hands of domestic abusers and stalkers.
The United States needs to recognize the complexity of Syria's civil war in its approach to the conflict.
A new CAP issue illustrates why child care and preschool are important for working mothers.
FAFSA will soon start recognizing same-sex parents on financial aid applications.
Big Oil is enjoying huge profits and tax breaks despite severe sequestration cuts to many middle-class programs.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how we are taking action to put an end to discrimination based on gender identity in health insurance—and why this action makes sense.
The United States needs to invest more in and improve access to preschool in order to build a globally competitive workforce.
Same-sex couples and their children will have increased access to affordable health insurance coverage under key provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
A new CAP report looks at how global carbon markets could help increase the international community's ambition in the fight against climate change.
A new CAP issue brief highlights the high federal costs of extreme weather due to climate change.
The United States needs to work with its allies and regional partners to do more about issues regarding Syria, including the Assad regime's likely use of chemical weapons.
A new CAP issue brief looks at why it's important for the executive branch to use its authority to curb greenhouse-gas emissions from federal projects.
Policymakers can help the middle class in a variety of ways that won't cost taxpayers any money.
A new CAP issue brief highlights the role of faith groups in gun-violence prevention.
Moving from credit hours to a competency-based model of measuring student achievement will have many benefits for students when they begin to look for employment.
A new CAP issue brief offers a proposal to advance President Barack Obama's new infrastructure initiatives and investment goals in the context of the varied risks of climate change.
The Senate's recent comprehensive immigration bill goes a long way toward fixing our broken immigration system.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how we can reduce our reliance on landfills and curb greenhouse gas emissions through recycling, composting, and energy-from-waste facilities.
Only by embracing women's rights and the equality of all of its people can Egypt build a truly democratic future.
A new CAP issue brief takes a look at the competing tax reforms proposed by President Barack Obama and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates that providing citizenship to the nation's undocumented immigrants is essential to ensuring future electoral strength.
President Barack Obama's budget for fiscal year 2014 is an attempt to reach a compromise with conservative leaders in Congress.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates how federal investment can help increase the reach and quality of preschool programs.
A new CAP issue brief sheds light on the fact that working women of color earn disproportionally less than both other women and men.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the many costs of the country's high rate of youth unemployment.
The recent actions of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his country's army are causing great tension between the Korean peninsula and the United States, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United Nations.
A new CAP report aims to show how the promotion of inclusive capitalism can improve our economy and benefit workers.
A new CAP analysis suggests that there is a relationship between weak state gun laws and high levels of gun violence.
The House Republican budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could affect up to 13 million people and cost the economy hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Many lives could be saved if states that are currently opposed to expanding their Medicaid programs agree to do so.
A new CAP report illustrates how pension funds can be used to build our infrastructure and help our economy.
A new CAP issue brief takes a look at how polling has—and has not—managed to capture Americans' true attitudes about guns.
A recent CAP report takes an updated look at the landscape of assisted reproductive technologies.
In just the three years since its passage, the Affordable Care Act has already had many positive impacts on health care.
A new CAP report explains why comprehensive management of household risk exposure should be an integral part of U.S. savings policies.
A new CAP issue brief discusses 10 models that Congress could look to in reforming the student-loan-repayment system.
A new CAP report details the economic benefits of providing undocumented immigrants legal status and a road map to citizenship.
A new CAP issue brief discusses CAP's findings from its recent discussions in the Middle East, as well as what steps the Obama administration should take to lead in the region.
A new CAP issue brief discusses how the gun lobby has impeded federal ability to take action against gun violence—and what President Barack Obama can do about it.
The Ryan budget will have a significant and wide-ranging negative impact on communities of color.
The budget released this week by Sen. Patty Murray promotes job creation, the economic recovery, and economic growth—and it also reduces the deficit.
Rep. Paul Ryan's new federal budget calls for unrealistic cuts that it doesn't explain how to pay for—and it would actually dramatically increase our deficit and debt.
Rep. Paul Ryan's new budget plan recycles ideas that the American people have already rejected.
A new CAP issue brief proposes that the world's largest economies set a target of generating 40 percent of their electricity from zero-carbon sources by 2035.
A new CAP report illustrates the many difficulties that LGBT undocumented immigrants face in America—and the policy changes that could help them.
It is essential that Secretary of State John Kerry continues former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's work to elevate the global status of women and girls.
Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Recep Erdogan's recent comments on Zionism are isolating, deeply offensive, and potentially dangerous.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates the economic benefits of offshore wind.
The United States needs to offer more assistance to the Syrian opposition in Syria's current political conflict.
A new CAP issue brief suggests how the United States can both promote its own policy goals and nurture its relationship with Egypt as Egypt's political transition continues.
Gas prices have kept rising—but Big Oil is insisting that oil prices are not part of the problem.
A new CAP report looks at the correlations between climate change and the recent revolutions in the Arab world.
A new CAP report details the damage that the Defense of Marriage Act inflicts on the U.S. military.
A new CAP report looks at climate change, migration, and related conflicts in South America—and what steps can be taken to address instability.
National policymakers are taking a new look at the financial transaction tax in the wake of the Great Recession.
A new CAP issue brief details the harmful effects that the sequester would have on the economy—and on American families.
A new CAP issue brief explains how the president could work to prevent discrimination against LGBT members of the workforce.
History has shown that we need to embrace higher revenues if we want to reduce the budget deficit.
A new CAP issue brief explains why Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act is so important to America's democracy.
Contrary to conservative opinion, there is no evidence that raising the minimum wage will lead to less employment.
A new CAP issue brief highlights how the NRA is working—and spending—to elect judges and prosecutors who will advance the organization's pro-gun agenda.
A new CAP column takes an updated look at the costs of climate-related extreme weather.
A new CAP issue brief discusses why President Obama's recently proposed legislation to regulate the sale and ownership of guns does not violate the Second Amendment.
Contrary to the belief of immigration opponents, immigrants are makers—not takers—when it comes to the economy.
Secretary of Defense Panetta should take action to ensure that military families headed by same-sex couples no longer face discrimination.
A new CAP report describes how President Obama can ensure that more children and their families have access to preschool and child care.
A new CAP report describes how President Obama can remedy the nation's worsening hunger problem.
On the 20th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act, 54 million Americans are still not eligible to receive paid leave—meaning that they are at risk of losing their jobs if they take time off to care for their families.
Investing in offshore wind energy will have many long-term benefits for Americans.
The United States needs to support Egypt as it faces its current political and economic turmoil.
The economy most certainly would have grown at a faster rate were it not for the ongoing political brinksmanship over the debt ceiling and the risk of sharp fiscal contraction in the form of the pending automatic “sequestration” budget cuts.
CAP offers 10 reasons to support immigration reform in light of President Obama's recent speech on the subject.
Because of the spending cuts that have been signed into law since the fall of 2010, within 10 years, nondefense discretionary funding will be about 14 percent lower than its lowest point in the past 50 years—even before taking into account the effects of the large automatic spending cuts scheduled to begin in March 2013.
A new CAP issue brief looks at the progressive efforts of faith-based groups during the 2012 election—and the positive effects they had across the nation.
As secretary of state, John Kerry should continue the Obama administration's current approach to the U.S.-China relationship.
Congress can show the American public that it can come together over important issues like domestic violence—the House should follow the Senate’s lead this time.
A new CAP issue brief illustrates how reducing or reforming tax breaks that benefit the wealthy can help reduce the nation's deficit.
Rev. Matthew Westfox writes about why justice is so important in the fight for women's reproductive rights—and why justice cannot exist without compassion.
Many of the top energy and environmental priorities for the president's second term should reduce industrial carbon pollution by boosting investments in clean energy technologies, protect public health by reducing pollution from the largest emitters, and help communities cope with the increase in frequency and severity of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
The housing market—and our economic recovery—could be in jeopardy if Congress doesn't allow the government to borrow more money to cover its debts.
A new CAP compilation includes recent reports that illustrate the corrupting influence of corporate money on the judiciary and provide policy recommendations that can help to correct the problem.
The resolution of the fiscal showdown has helped the economy to continue its recovery this month, but further action needs to be taken.
A new CAP issue brief offers 13 legislative proposals and executive actions to prevent gun violence.
Giving undocumented immigrants a path to full citizenship would help our society and our economy.
President Obama has succeeded in increasing energy development on our public lands. He should also be doing more to protect them.
The Obama administration made substantial progress on clean energy priorities, despite the worst economy in nearly 80 years and strong opposition from Big Oil, coal, and other energy interests.
The United States needs to support political processes that will lead to a stable and more independent Afghan state after the security transition in 2014.
President Obama and Congress need to focus on accelerating job growth by strengthening the middle class.
The recent fiscal cliff legislation will raise a substantial amount of revenue for the country over the next 10 years, but it will not raise enough for fiscal stability.
Shared decision making leads to better patient care and reduced health care costs. More physicians should be trained and given incentive to use it.
Although 2012 saw harmful attacks on women's health and reproductive rights, faith leaders helped women win some important victories.
Most women with employer-based health insurance will gain access to no-cost preventive care in the new year.
House Speaker John Boehner's plan to address the fiscal showdown would hurt the economy and the middle class—and it wouldn't achieve meaningful deficit reduction.
Congress needs to close the carried interest loophole in order to fully address deficit reduction and tax reform.
The creation of a community resilience fund would help communities affected by extreme weather increase their resiliency to it in the future.
The United States needs to consider how best to respond to the imminent collapse of the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Unions—not the "right-to-work" laws that undermine them—are vital to strengthening the middle class and the economy.
Carbon pollution has long been a problem for the United States. We must work to reduce it now.
A new CAP report illustrates how raising the Medicare eligibility age would ham seniors and increase health care spending.
The foremost priority for any immigration reform proposal is creating a legislative track for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States to earn the privilege of citizenship.
Progressive immigration policies would improve the American economy by generating new revenue and tapping a talented and diverse labor pool.
A new CAP report looks at how necessary and targeted reductions in defense spending can be part of the budget deal.
A new CAP report explains how the introduction of a carbon tax will help fight climate change and stimulate the economy.
President Obama's re-election shows us that a multiracial, multiethnic, cross-class coalition has emerged, supporting an activist government agenda to expand economic opportunities and personal freedoms for all people.
Nearly everyone—left, right, and center—agrees that changes in fiscal policy will be necessary.
A new CAP report provides recommendations for improving the government's college scorecard design.
Communities of color are America's fastest-growing demographic group. We can't afford to leave them out when considering the fiscal showdown.
The United States can take action to maintain leadership in the international fight against HIV/AIDS.
A new CAP report proposes reforms that would encourage more private investment in infrastructure.
A new CAP report focuses on how the government can better use social sector innovation funds to positively impact education, economic opportunity, and workforce and youth development.
Economic data show how important it is for policymakers to remain cooperative on strengthening the economy and workforce.
A new CAP report illustrates how federal programs that support gay and transgender Americans and their families would suffer under sequestration.
Workers deserve to have paid leave, paid sick days, and workplace flexibility so that if they get sick or need to take care of a family member, they don't have to fear losing their jobs.
Even with the outward appearance of status quo, a deeper look inside the results of the recent elections shows that when a few key seats change hands, the effects on our oceans and coasts may be striking.
A new CAP report looks at recent extreme weather events and how we can combat the damaging effects climate destruction has on middle- and lower-income Americans.
A new CAP report illustrates how legalizing our undocumented immigrants would allow the country to take positive steps in many policy areas.
A new CAP report proposes a plan to improve our health care system.
By putting money into the pockets of people who will spend it, unemployment benefits boost demand, spur economic growth, and propel job creation.
Although Republicans retain control in the House of Representatives, the American public does not favor their tax policy.
The president won reelection in part through appealing to a diverse majority of the American public and embracing progressive policies.
President Obama's reelection is good economic news for the middle class and the country.
Millennial voters are diverse, progressive, and many. They could have a significant impact on today's election.
A new CAP report sheds light on the indications that teacher absence has on student achievement.
A new CAP issue brief proposes legislation for paid family and medical leave which would better answer the realities of American family life.
If we don't want a repeat of Hurricane Sandy, we have to take action against climate change.
A new CAP report illustrates how reducing the national debt doesn't have to come at the expense of national security.
An increasing number of students are turning to loans in order to pay for higher education--and many of them are going into significant debt.
Voter identification laws would take away not only women of color's right to vote but also their right to make decisions regarding their own reproductive health.
Congress needs to provide more support for America's foreign service officers.
The support of the federal government has helped the housing market recover from crisis.
A majority of Latinos are for gay and lesbian equality, whether it be in marriage or elsewhere.
The United States cannot achieve lasting energy and economic security through resource extraction alone.
Collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity will help America's health care system better care for those who are gay and transgender.
A new CAP report discusses the importance of disclosure laws in making sure that judicial elections are transparent.
The desire to protect religious liberty should not be used as an avenue to discrimination.
Chinese leaders must discover how to meet the new demands of the Chinese people. If they don't adequately answer calls for quality-of-life improvements, they face protests and a loss of power.
A new CAP report outlines why the country's wastewater and drinking-water infrastructure needs more support and how reform within it can be achieved.
The actions of the Federal Housing Administration kept the housing market afloat, but it now has struggles of its own.
Affirmative action policies allow all students a chance at a college education, and the Supreme Court should uphold them.
Support from the courts is just as important as legislation in making sure that women are afforded the reproductive rights they deserve.
A majority of Americans now support marriage equality. Those who argue that it is a threat to religious liberty are discriminating against same-sex couples.
America's "values voters" have proven themselves to be concerned with a wide range of moral issues, including economic inequality and fairness, poverty, climate change and the environment, gay and transgender rights, and health care.
Health insurers should provide transgender people with the medical benefits they need and deserve.
A new CAP report illustrates how passage of the DREAM Act would benefit the economy.
On September 27, the 1 millionth home was weatherized under the Weatherization Assistance Program. Weatherization has both economic and environmental benefits.
California's Paid Family Leave program has proven that such insurance is good for workers, businesses, and the economy.
A new CAP report proposes and outlines the Social Security Cares Act, which would establish paid family and medical leave for the nation.
Some policymakers have said that marriage can improve the country's poverty numbers, but they need to consider more realistic ways of helping struggling families gain employment.
Gay service members can now openly serve their country. But they are still not given the same benefits as straight straight service members.
New Census data show that stronger unions strengthen the middle class at not only the national but also the state level.
A new CAP report illustrates how ideological differences have joined demographics and questions of economic stability in shaping the presidential election.
A new CAP issue brief discusses ways in which Americans can more easily achieve a comfortable retirement.
Americans working for diplomacy in foreign nations do difficult and dangerous work, but Congress has routinely cut funding.
Health care's current fee-for-service payment system allows for high costs and a low quality of care. Pilot programs are suggesting that the Affordable Care Act could offer promising reforms.
Oil and gas companies want less federal regulation in the energy development of public lands. This has the potential to harm our national parks.
New Census data highlight why Congress needs to focus on policies to alleviate unemployment.
Congress needs to take into account the importance of antipoverty programs when deciding how to reduce the federal deficit.
Congress needs to understand the negative effects that cuts to Impact Aid, a federally-funded education program, would have on struggling school districts.
A new CAP report details why Supplemental Security Income is important in the care of children with severe disabilities, and what we can do to make the program stronger.
Congress needs to focus on job creation, particularly in the public sector.
CAP outlines what's necessary for housing market reform.
We need to consider the gay and transgender population when collecting the country's demographic data.
A CAP report suggests that we need to create a national infrastructure bank and planning council to increase investment in infrastructure and better organize infrastructure projects.
The effects of immigrants' labor and consumption on economic growth and fiscal health must be factored in as we consider how to address the situation of a large undocumented workforce.
The middle class faces a number of economic challenges. Incomes are stagnant or falling, while the costs of life’s necessities continue to rise, and the risks of falling behind grow.
Although gay and transgender employees experience rates of discrimination on the job comparable to other protected groups, they lack the same legal protections afforded to those groups.
A new executive order from America’s most famously anti-immigrant governor will likely further tarnish Arizona's image as an unwelcoming hotbed of intolerance while harming its economy.
New fuel-economy and carbon-pollution standards from the Obama administration will reduce oil use, save families money from lower gasoline purchases, create jobs, and reduce emissions responsible for climate change.
New polling shows the public is still opposed to changing Medicare.
The recent comments by Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) alluding to an unfounded theory that there might be a medical mechanism in women’s bodies that prevents pregnancy in the case of “legitimate” rape—and the subsequent frenzy among Democrats and Republicans alike—is the latest in a series of events trying to undermine women’s right to health care.
Students of color are being shortchanged by the government compared to white students in terms of per-pupil spending and local spending on education. Policymakers must address this gap before it gets too wide.
A new report explains why U.S. economic competitiveness depends on the education of the next generation by comparing U.S. education investments with those of China and India.
Deportation affects families, children, and communities as a whole, and policymakers need to pass comprehensive reform to lessen the negative impacts on undocumented and documented immigrants alike.
Policymakers must pass paid family and medical leave legislation for the good of employers, employees, and American families.
As the presidential campaign shifts into high gear in the coming weeks, President Obama and Gov. Romney must lay out their respective visions for housing in the United States.
The argument that poverty reduction and deficit reduction are mutually exclusive shows both a lack of imagination and a lack of historical perspective.
U.S. restraint was the right call in the early phases of the rebellion, but the recent escalation in fighting poses greater risks to key U.S. interests and will likely lead to greater U.S. involvement.
Nearly 6 million people in the United States live in an area with unhealthy year-round levels of particle pollution.
The Affordable Care Act will uniquely impact Latino communities by significantly increasing access to health care through expanding insurance coverage.
The Hispanic population, similar to most working-class communities, faces significant barriers to accessing adequate health care.
The public continues to embrace strong government involvement in the health care system.
There are more than 1.2 million Hispanic veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs reports that 39 percent of Hispanic veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
President Barack Obama proposed a solution to the jobs problem: the American Jobs Act. But House Republicans have continually thwarted this effort by refusing to consider the much-needed legislation.
The weakness of our middle class is a problem not just for those who are struggling but also for all Americans because a strong middle class is essential for a vibrant democracy and a healthy economy.
Federal efforts to stem the state-level cuts and ensure sufficient Medicaid funds for behavioral health treatment must be considered a basic public-safety investment.
The debate in Washington around contraception has at times missed the most important issue: When we talk about young women’s health care, most of the time we are talking about their reproductive health care.
Congress and states need to adopt clear and commonsense public safety measures that make it much more difficult and always illegal for people with a history of mental illness or drug abuse to purchase guns.
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector will be integral to solving climate change.
The Senate Republicans’ plan would likely raise taxes on more than 20 million families—about 10 times as many people who would see higher taxes next year under the Senate Democrats’ plan.
Passing Dodd-Frank through Congress was simply the first step in a process of shoring up the financial system that continues to this day.
Texas's decision to not expand Medicaid or establish a health insurance exchange especially hurts the state's Latino population.
Women of color have a lot at stake in the policy decisions being made, especially relating to jobs, the economy, and health care, because they are most likely to benefit from reforms intended to equalize opportunity for all Americans.
For many mothers of color the ability to have and provide for a family is severely limited by poverty, the need to work, and incarceration.
Policymakers have tools that can accelerate both job creation and economic expansion—they just need to use them.
Businesses that embrace diversity have a more solid footing in the marketplace than others.
The development and use of alternative fuels is vital to the safety of our troops and the long-term fiscal health of our nation.
Recent polls show increased support for marriage equality among nearly every single demographic group, including men, African Americans, Latinos, political independents, and generations young and old.
While there are various proposals on the table to deal with increasingly destructive wildfires, they are likely to continue and become worse unless we tackle climate change.
To say the Affordable Care Act takes money away from Medicare and raises costs for seniors is grossly misleading and overly simplistic.
We can make investments in a more resilient electric system so that damages to power lines and other parts of the grid don’t cause people to go without power for days on end.
Viewing the individual mandate as a tax only makes sense if you think penalties for littering, speeding, or engaging in other irresponsible behavior are also “taxes.”
Young people, especially those of color, benefit substantially from the Affordable Care Act.
In addition to dramatically weakening health safeguards from smog and other air pollution, the bill would significantly expand oil and natural gas drilling on public lands, reducing places for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other uses.
Party leaders in the Senate have reached a deal to keep the rate steady for 7.4 million students.
Families continue to face large economic uncertainties as the economic recovery slowly moves into its fourth year.
The budget process would be better if it involved considering what programs are most effective and then seeking to direct more resources to them.
African American voters are rapidly evolving on marriage equality, and it appears that President Barack Obama’s recent endorsement sparked the momentum.
Gay-straight alliances work to make schools safer by specifically addressing antigay and antitransgender behavior, helping create a climate that is inclusive of gay and transgender youth.
A divided, weak, and undemocratic Egypt is a recipe for even more instability in the Middle East, which is bad for Egypt’s security interests, and bad for U.S. security interests.
Workers with low levels of human capital—such as education, skills, and peer and professional networks—are extremely disadvantaged in their efforts to achieve upward mobility in an increasingly knowledge-based economy.
It is critical that policymakers begin to understand the possible implications of the automatic, across-the-board budget cuts included in the Budget Control Act.
Well-funded anti-immigration groups have hatched a plan to encourage the Supreme Court to revisit and overturn both the Plyler ruling and other well-settled legal questions about the limits of a state’s power in the immigration realm.
Religious freedom is becoming a divisive wedge and a partisan political weapon, and this distortion of a core American value is bad for politics and religion.
Our extreme sentencing policies and a growing number of life sentences have effectively turned many of our correctional facilities into veritable nursing homes—and taxpayers are footing the steadily increasing bill.
With its religious exemption, ENDA in no way poses a threat to religious freedom, contrary to the misleading claims of conservative opponents of workplace fairness.
In an era of government budget deficits and rising health care costs, the case for reducing the administrative complexity of health care is compelling.
The high cost of the Afghan drug trade for both Afghanistan and the broader international community means that U.S. and Afghan policymakers cannot afford to ignore this problem.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed carbon pollution rule will finally shut the door on new coal plants polluting for free and open the door to more clean energy.
How Egypt evolves in the coming years will affect U.S. national security policy in the Middle East on multiple fronts.
Stability depends on whether Egypt’s economy can generate enough “just jobs” to give the nation’s new democracy the underpinning it needs to thrive.
A new poll confirms that the public is not interested in repealing the Affordable Care Act.
The United States needs to create a high-quality early learning system that reaches far more children than the current system permits.
In order to prevent bullying against gay and transgender youth (and all youth for that matter), gay and transgender organizations, as well as civil rights organizations and education advocacy groups, need to support antibullying measures.
The argument that billions of dollars in tax credits are being unlawfully claimed by undocumented tax filers is patently and demonstrably false.
Quick and decisive government action was necessary between 2008 and 2010 to avoid a second Great Depression and to help our economy recover from the deepest recession since the 1930s.
The region should no longer be considered a reliably conservative and Republican area but rather a new swing region of the country.
Big Oil will be making huge profits off of Americans’ travel expenditures on fuel while at the same time fighting for increased drilling that threatens some of our most cherished vacation destinations.
A ruling that strikes down this important law would not only undo decades of precedent, it would have a devastating effect on the health and well-being of millions of women.
Even though halting Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions is an urgent priority, there is time for a disciplined approach and a serious and determined effort to resolve the situation diplomatically.
If something isn’t done to counter the trend of rising obesity, health care costs will be more than unaffordable for the average American and maybe for our country as a whole.
His bill, which is designed to restrict eligibility for the additional child tax credit, the refundable portion of the federal child tax credit, landed like a heavyweight’s blow to the chin of low-income immigrant families.
While the immediate problems will no doubt garner the most attention in the upcoming Chicago summit, the long-term challenges are far more important for the United States and its European allies as they enter a period of austerity.
Scientific projections and analyses can help us understand what the future might hold if we refuse to break our addiction to fossil fuels.
Data show that the bad economy has not turned the public off to environmental protection.
If military personnel costs continue growing, they will begin to divert funds from other critical national security initiatives such as training and modernization.
Incorporating gay and transgender youth into the act when it comes up for reauthorization will make sure that RHYA funds are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Fifty-three percent of Americans currently believe that gay and lesbian couples should have the right to marry, and the number of those against it has dropped significantly since 1996, from 68 percent to 45 percent.
Francois Hollande, the leader of the Socialist Party, boasts the qualifications to lead a pragmatic, progressive, pro-growth economic revival in Europe.
Closing the so-called Gingrich-Edwards loophole is a commonsense way to pay for the student loan fix.
Yesterday's election of Francois Hollande as president of France, by a 52-to-48 percent margin, will hopefully mark a turning point in the economic fortunes of Europe.
By and large, the rich and powerful can and do make the federal government work for them.
This piece of legislation is far too important to fall prey to partisan politics.
Obamacare will increase health insurance coverage for women, lower their health care costs, and end the worst insurance industry abuses against them.
The Senate should consider U.S.-Russia trade relations and human rights enforcement seriously, separately, and simultaneously.
Given that students of color are more likely to rely on financial aid to finance their college education and graduate with higher student debt, increasing these interest rates would disproportionately impact them.
If Congress fails to act by July 1, millions of students will see their interest rates soar to 6.8 percent on the new loans they take in the next year thereby causing a steep rise in their loan burden and effectively increasing the cost of attaining a college degree.
Monday's ruling helps ensure workers are not forced out of a job and into the ranks of the unemployed based solely on their gender identity.
Laws like Arizona's S.B. 1070 will never fix our nation’s broken immigration system.
The Gulf Coast is still struggling with the lingering effects of the spill and will likely continue to do so for decades to come.
The overlays and intersections of climate change, migration, and security create an arc of tension in Northwest Africa.
There are more wives, and women generally, supporting their families economically now than ever before—and there could not be a more important time to ensure that working women receive the pay they deserve.
Gay and transgender people of color face high rates of unemployment or underemployment, overall lower rates of pay, higher rates of poverty, and a greater likelihood of being uninsured.
It is important for policymakers to undertake serious efforts to close the economic opportunity gaps between communities of color and whites.
Despite the heightened importance of women’s earning power for today’s families, women continue to face real barriers to staying in the labor market at the same earnings level when family caregiving needs arise, including the birth of a child or the serious illness of a family member.
These standards lead to cleaner air, economic development, and a more resilient electrical grid.
In a recent Bloomberg poll, by a 51-41 margin, respondents endorsed the Obama-style approach of government investments in infrastructure, education, and alternative energy over the Ryan-style approach of spending cuts and tax cuts.
2012 registered the strongest first quarter of job growth since the first quarter of 2006—at the peak of the real estate bubble—and stronger than any other first quarter of jobs growth since the 1990s boom economy.
By transitioning our energy infrastructure from capital-intensive, risky, and often highly polluting energy sources to clean, labor-intensive energy sources we can create many new jobs, grow our middle class, ensure greater energy security, and protect our nation and planet from the predictable ravages of unchecked climate change.
Policymakers are tackling unemployment in different ways but are often unaware of solutions other countries are pursuing. CAP's new policy menu of options attempts to bridge that gap by highlighting job creation ideas from select advanced and developing economies.
The state has much to gain from its Senate passing a law promoting offshore wind.
The Human Rights Campaign last week obtained copies of the National Organization for Marriage’s confidential strategy documents, which disclosed the conservative organization’s plan to use despicable race-baiting tactics in its fight against marriage equality across our country.
Many seem to miss the fact that contraception and the economy do not live in separate realms. In fact, they are closely connected.
American families need more months of much-stronger job creation to eliminate the massive economic pain that the crisis and its aftermath brought.
Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the country’s two biggest mortgage finance companies, have yet to embrace one option—principal reduction—as a viable foreclosure mitigation tool.
The Affordable Care Act helps Latinos gain access to critical preventive services, protecting those with pre-existing conditions, and making health coverage more affordable for everyone.
The House Republican budget proposal reduces supplemental nutrition assistance spending by nearly 20 percent annually. Such a cut will have a devastating impact on the poorest American children, elderly, and adults.
Paul Clement's brief attacking the Affordable Care Act as unconstitutional is riddled with misrepresentations of precedent and inaccurate descriptions of what our Constitution says.
The House budget bemoans the complexity of the tax code at length. But the actual policies have nothing to do with making the tax code simpler and everything to do with making it less fair.
Workplace discrimination imposes significant financial harm on businesses, introducing inefficiencies and costs that cut into profits and undermine businesses’ bottom line.
This latest budget blueprint not only mirrors last year’s disastrous effort but also manages to reject what little bipartisan budget agreement was forged in 2011.
The importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in combating poverty in our country by alleviating hunger was driven home anew during the Great Recession of 2007–2009 and the subsequent tepid economic recovery.
The Affordable Care Act is improving the quality of our health care while controlling rapidly rising costs.
The redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq from 2008 to 2011 strengthened overall U.S. national security in five key ways.
There are a few areas in the budget that will tell us whether the House Republicans are truly serious about solving our budget problems or are merely ideologues unwilling to compromise.
It is imperative that criminal-justice reform evolves as the civil rights issue of the 21st century.
Military action against Iran to get it to shut down its nuclear facilities is not favorable for a vast majority of Americans, who much prefer economic and diplomatic efforts.
The gay and transgender population experiences disproportionately high rates of substance use, which is a significant impediment to the health of this group.
As China becomes more of a global political and economic power, it must end its long-standing noninterventionist foreign policy strategy.
By unleashing and harnessing the economic potential of women, we will see a new and better future.
Many returning veterans will need help and support from safety net programs or job training to transition to civilian life, but that help isn’t guaranteed to be there.
Many Americans believe they will personally succeed in spite of inequality. But there is no doubt that Americans are deeply worried about economic inequality and the state of the middle class.
The Independent Payment Advisory Board is essential to reducing health care costs while improving the quality of care.
There is increasing evidence that the current economic recovery might be considerably stronger were it not for a number of congressional actions taken over the past year.
The real challenge to the U.S.-Russia reset will be if Putin himself brings about its end either by violently cracking down on dissent or by rejecting cooperation with the West as threatening to Russian national interests or his own rule.
Each penny rise in the average quarterly (three months) price of a gallon of gas corresponds to a $200 million increase in quarterly profits of the big five oil companies.
Race baiting to win votes is a disturbing and despicable practice. But it doesn’t begin to reach the level of damage done when racial stereotypes and prejudice influence our public policy decisions.
The conservative leadership of the chamber and their backbench Tea Party firebrands doesn't support the interests of American middle-class families.
Today, African Americans and people of color find themselves facing a growing number of impediments to the ballot box.
Selling oil reserves from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a proven tool for temporary reductions in oil and gasoline prices that can forestall reduced economic growth and help middle-class families.
The economy and the labor market will have to grow much faster for much longer to restore economic security for America’s middle class.
Congress passed an extension Friday to the payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits, and the “doc fix” for the rest of 2012, avoiding the March 1 expiration and a potential hit to middle-class families across the country.
The prospects for economic growth and job creation from increased federal investments in our transportation, water, and energy infrastructure are undeniable and more affordable than most think.
Three broad but important indicators for the American economy indicate that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was a success.
The law lives up to its billing as the nation’s toughest immigration bill and goes well beyond the Arizona law (S.B. 1070) on which it was based.
The FY 2013 budget proposal released yesterday is unlikely to get much traction in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives this election year, but that doesn’t invalidate the many good ideas in it or the overall positive direction it outlines.
U.S. policy on Egypt and the Middle East will need to make major changes.
Yesterday’s announcement of a $25 billion settlement between a consortium of state attorneys general and the nation’s largest banks over alleged misconduct in the processing of mortgage foreclosures provides important assistance for the struggling housing markets.
These “what works” platforms are in their infancy but they represent a promising step toward evidence-based public decision-making in education.
The five largest oil companies yielded lower oil production last year than in 2010. But these companies combined made a record-high $137 billion in profits in 2011.
These web-based educational tools hold the promise of both reducing the cost of higher education and helping learners to complete their degrees by providing access to top quality course materials and instruction.
The recovery is continuing and building momentum. But it needs to accelerate. Strong policy actions can make sure this happens.
As it’s unlikely that one federal policy will reverse the trend of rising college tuition, the Obama administration must attack the cost problem from many different angles.
Rep. John Kline's ESEA proposals would weaken equity provisions in the law designed to ensure historically disadvantaged students get a fair shot at a good education.
The narrative that an “Obama spending spree” caused our deficit problem is utterly false.
The economy will have to grow much faster for much longer to restore economic security for America’s middle class.
Secretary Panetta’s $6 billion reduction for the next fiscal year is a positive first step and a major achievement, but there is a long way to go to reach sustainable levels of defense spending.
If our end goal is a stronger economy, offsetting the payroll tax holiday by denying the child tax credit to immigrant parents of American children would be both cruel and ineffective.
Innovation is an intrinsic aspect of the American identity, and an indispensable tool to ensuring the future success of our economy and middle class.
Government-owned, foreclosed properties could earn a greater return for taxpayers and do more to promote an efficient and resilient housing market if they are taken out of for-sale markets and converted into rental units.
2012 will present even more challenges to advancing a policy in Egypt that balances the complexities of offering support for Egypt’s political and economic transitions while advancing U.S. security interests for stability in the broader region.
This year, once again, we see conservative candidates running for office promising economic reform. But if they win, we can expect more of the same culture war maneuvering when they take office.
Previous Congresses passed legislation that increased access to health care and education, expanded home ownership, protected the savings of average Americans, and ensured the rights of Americans in the workplace and beyond.
A strong middle class is integral to the vitality of the American economy as a whole.
A new CAP report examines specific examples of schools where wraparound services are benefiting teachers in addition to students.
Newly announced economic initiatives build on the two threads that have run through the president’s economic policy since he first took office and began to bridge the abyss of the grim economy he inherited to get to the economy our nation desires.
The United States should follow the model of numerous other countries and continue to advance our offshore wind industry.
Unsustainable spending on prisons is a direct result of the inefficient and ineffective policies implemented in the 1980s and 1990s that overcriminalize behavior and use prison as a one-size-fits-all solution to crime.
U.S. exports are important for restoring our nation’s global economic competitiveness and a prosperous middle class.
The investments that government needs to make are relatively modest and can be paid for by ending wasteful spending in the same energy sector.
The current Republican primary campaign has made clear just how far apart conservatives and Hispanics stand on certain policy issues.
We need to help universities invest in good ideas so these promising new forms of technology can enter the marketplace and help small businesses grow.
As the number of female suicide terrorists rises, it becomes increasingly important to acknowledge and address this threat to American lives and interests.
As the ill effects of climate change progress, they will have serious implications for U.S. national security interests as well as global stability.
Europe and the United States should help foster the creation of just jobs in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Given that unemployment is at a record high, particularly for youth of color, with African American youth at 30 percent and Latino youth at 20 percent, this is precisely the time we should be investing in the Pell Grant program instead of cutting students off at their knees
In the Middle East, sexual violence is often used as a tool of continued repression and a means to hold back political change.
2011 has seen a remarkable shift in U.S. military strategy abroad.
The Better Buildings Initiative will cut our nation's energy use and create jobs.
Policymakers should take action to level the playing field for gay service members in a post-DADT military.
Recent polls illustrate that the vast majority of Americans support smart solutions to immigration reform and reject mass deportation.
A key piece of our economic development infrastructure has to be a robust electricity transmission grid.
It’s unlikely that economic growth will quickly strengthen on its own, so it will require some additional policy support in the near term.
Alabama's new immigration bill, H.B. 56, will worsen the state's fiscal and economic woes.
Conservatives in Congress are standing firm against keeping and extending the temporary payroll tax cut passed last year.
A weakened middle class doesn’t just hurt those who are losing ground. It hurts all of us by stifling our country’s economic growth.
Fiscal expansion and economic multipliers are effective in creating jobs above and beyond those directly created by one firm or one government project.
Inequality isn’t just bad for the 99 percent who’ve been left behind; it is actually responsible for some of the biggest problems facing Americans today—high home foreclosures, high unemployment, and an inability to get ahead.
Despite Americans’ contradictory feelings about the Affordable Care Act, conservative attempts to repeal it are likely to be met with resistance from the public.
Congress needs to take action, overcoming political obstructions to job-creating legislation.
Although we’ve had some victories in the fight against AIDS, we still have a long way to go to bring it under control.
Failure to extend these two critical measures by December 31 will depress U.S. economic output by about 1 percent and raise our risk of slipping back into recession.
The SES’s projected ethnic, racial, and gender composition in the coming years will fail to reflect the ever-growing diversity of the American people unless the administration takes steps to turn this around.
The newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, will be able to balance the scale and give customers much needed financial protections in dealing with banks.
Allowing unemployment benefits to expire would have serious implications for the unemployed, as well as every one of us who still has a job.
Dynamic scoring is a poor tool for estimating the cost of proposed legislation.
The 2012 election will likely be tighter than the 2008 election, perhaps more like 2004 or even the highly contested 2000 election.
Alabama's anti-immigrant law, H.B. 56, is becoming a train wreck for the state in every way imaginable.
Further cuts to discretionary spending threaten to undermine the national health infrastructure that protects the health of all Americans and that is critical to closing the disparities that affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population.
Resolving the multiple conflicts at the heart of the decades of war in Afghanistan and the broader region requires a better diplomatic and political game plan than the one currently in place.
The current U.S. regulatory regime is making it demonstrably more difficult for aid groups to operate on the ground overseas.
Conservatives on the Supreme Court must ignore the temptation to place politics over fidelity to the Constitution by striking down the Affordable Care Act.
The United States should pay attention to immigrants’ future achievement because we will greatly depend on their human resources in coming decades.
Last week's vote against the president's Rebuild America Jobs Act could prove perilous given the extent of erosion across every element of our infrastructure. The vote also means that hundreds of thousands of jobs will not be created over the next six years.
A recent review of empirical studies also shows that students of color do better on a variety of academic outcomes if they’re taught by teachers of color.
Treasury should extend the existing authority of the New Issue Bond Program so that it remains available through at least the end of 2012.
Three actions in the past two weeks show how President Obama and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar are working from the ground up to build this administration’s conservation legacy.
The Mississippi Personhood Amendment, Ballot Measure 26, if approved, will upend women’s health, established law, medical judgment, religious liberty, and common sense.
Shoring up Europe’s banks and avoiding an unstructured Greek default will be the first and dominant order of business in Cannes. But global leaders can and should go further.
Excessive leverage—too much household debt—remains the scourge of our economy. Helping American workers and their families deleverage can occur through three channels.
The damage done to Al Qaeda by the Obama administration represents America’s greatest national security success in decades.
Policy needs to focus on creating more and better jobs quicker than has been the case in the economic expansion so far.
Our GDP growth rate indicates we are not in a double-dip recession but is insufficient to reduce the 9.1 percent unemployment rate and remains below our historical GDP growth rate average.
A growing number of unemployed Americans today are the victims of actions taken by the current Congress aimed deliberately at eliminating jobs.
A clear achievement of the Occupy movement is an inclusive religious and spiritual push for economic justice.
Our laws and discourse largely ignore the roughly 2 million children being raised by LGBT parents.
The United States should take note of China’s ambitions and step up our own smart grid efforts.
A brief look at some of the actual rules and regulations that conservatives say are “destroying jobs” reveals how bankrupt this argument really is.
Successful new and emerging social-innovation financing models are an encouraging sign for agency leaders, community advocates, and financiers alike.
The results of a recent CAP poll demonstrate that the costs associated with equal health care benefits are insignificant for most small businesses.
By the year 2050 there will no longer be any clear racial or ethnic majority because the most rapidly growing number of residents in our nation today are the children of Hispanic and Asian American immigrants.
Congress should pass a clean defense authorization bill, focusing on military issues, to ensure that our troops and their families get the support they need.
The House bill’s budget for HHS would actually worsen the nation’s long-term fiscal health by defunding and delaying implementation of health reform.
Getting so-called real estate-owned, or REO properties—usually vacant houses now owned by lenders who foreclosed upon the former owners—off the glutted for-sale market would help the broader economy.
There’s no question that the bottom 99 percent have something to complain about and that the Occupy Wall Street movement is giving voice to their valid grievances.
The stakes are too high for our students and our economic growth to tinker around the edges of education reform.
Policymakers should not pretend that tackling the exchange rate issue will be a panacea for our economic growth, jobs, and competitiveness challenges.
The Great Recession and the currently tepid economic recovery swelled the ranks of American households confronting hunger and food insecurity by 30 percent.
One of the ways technology will transform higher education is through personalization—giving students more power to understand and craft the education experience they want for themselves.
The National Ocean Council should be given the necessary support to implement the National Ocean Policy for the benefit of American jobs, economic growth, and security.
While Anwar al-Awlaki's death is a clear win for the U.S.-led air campaign against AQAP, that’s the most Awlaki’s death can accomplish.
Poor women and women of color continue to bear the brunt of the Hyde Amendment.
Although comprehensive immigration reform is not among the deficit reduction options on the table, the super committee should still consider it.
Donna Cooper on how rebuilding America’s crumbling roads and bridges is one of the most effective ways to put Americans back to work.
Treading water on the Israeli-Palestinian front presents considerable risks for U.S. interests in the region.
The president’s plan actually contains significantly less revenue than every major bipartisan deficit reduction plan.
Europe’s deepening sovereign debt crisis could well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in the United States, tipping our economy from recovery to decline.
The economic records of the Clinton and Bush presidencies are so clear and so stark that they serve as painful reminders to supply siders everywhere that their ideas have been tested and that they have failed in spectacular fashion.
Conservation also has enormous economic value, supporting a specific economy in recreation, restoration, and renewable energy development, all of which support numerous jobs.
Under the president's deficit plan, the U.S. tax code would be more fair, better for the middle class, and less strewn with loopholes that distort business and consumer decision making.
Better business analytics will not, on their own, solve our higher education funding problems, but they would certainly help address some of the most dysfunctional aspects of higher education finance.
What would happen if the Tea Party succeeds in its effort to reimagine the Constitution as an antigovernment manifesto?
The jobs bill will create nearly 2 million new U.S. jobs by doing what presidents and legislatures across the political spectrum have routinely done in times of labor market weakness.
Yesterday’s Census data underscore the urgent need for Congress to pass the American Jobs Act, which would jump-start the economy and put millions of Americans back to work.
The decisions students make based on their financial aid award packages can saddle them with debt that will follow them the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s so important to improve the format of financial aid letters.
The face and nature of terrorism looks starkly different than it did on September 11, 2001, and our counterterrorism strategy will need to evolve along with the threat.
Infrastructure investments deliver the goods for job creation and business growth.
All students in the United States deserve access to not only a quality education, but also one that takes place in an environment that is safe and respects their basic human dignity.
Federal education spending needs to be protected in the congressional super committee negotiations this fall.
What the deficit reduction plan achieves for our country—for the strength of our economy, job creation, and our society—is what really matters.
The new House Majority “jobs agenda” will not create jobs. Instead, it will hurt workers, the middle class, and the economy.
With the 2012 election little more than a year away, DHS's new deportation policy has the potential to gather strength as a political issue in the coming year as well as provide a coherent strategy for managing the removal of unauthorized immigrants.
The people who believe that America’s diversity is the strength of our republic have an obligation to speak up and out in its defense.
If Congress is unable to agree on ways to solve the deficit problem over the next 10 years—if there is a deadlock and nothing passes—then our federal budget deficit will all but disappear.
Striking a balance between job growth, long-term productivity gains, and deficit reduction is a tall order but not an impossible challenge.
When President Barack Obama announces his jobs plan in September, it should be a plan that matches the scale of the problem. With millions unemployed and job creation sluggish, this is not the time to be timid.
Using vinegar to clean up behind your pet is good for the animal and the environment.
Following repeal of DOMA, the Department of Education would be able to issue regulations and subregulatory guidance that allow the FAFSA and financial aid institutions to fully recognize families headed by same-sex couples.
CAP's five recommendations for U.S. policymakers to take in Afghanistan.
In the coming months Congress should seriously work toward defining the next era of TANF and shift its focus toward the singular mission to end poverty.