Executive Summary In early March, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruling that denied French and Swiss cheesemakers from the exclusive use of the term ‘gruyere,’ a designation requested for only cheese made in the region of Gruyere. Geographical indications have long been a contention point between the … Continue reading
Latest Entries
The Potential Revision of NEPA Could Lead to Millions of Dollars Saved on Federal Projects
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The “Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023” would reform and streamline permitting, reduce litigation, and focus environmental reviews – helping reduce costs for Americans by speeding the development of more energy resources and innovation here at home while helping to lower global emissions. The House … Continue reading
The Windsor Framework: Tackling “Troubles” in post-Brexit Trade in Northern Ireland
Executive Summary On Monday, leaders from the United Kingdom and the European Union announced the Windsor Framework, a trade proposal that would alter the rules of the Northern Ireland Protocol within the Brexit withdrawal agreement. The Framework would establish a two-lane system for goods being exported from Great Britain in which tariffs and trade barriers … Continue reading
Searching for Common Ground between Energy Security and Environmental Justice
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on February 7, 2023, titled Unleashing American Energy, Lowering Energy Costs, and Strengthening Supply Chains. During this hearing, the committee discussed 17 proposed bills. Several bills aim to remediate shortages and high prices by addressing the importance of American energy by creating waivers to … Continue reading
The European Union’s Response to the Inflation Reduction Act
Executive Summary The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduces numerous climate subsidies, including a tax credit up to $7,500 for American consumers who purchase electric vehicles with North American parts and assembly. As a large investor into green energy and electric vehicles in particular, the European Union was upset by the passage of the IRA and its … Continue reading
Is the FCC correctly expanding its role or overreaching for power?
Executive Summary On January 23, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission released a proposed rule that would change data breach laws. While the FCC has long regulated Consumer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI) at the direction of Congress in Section 222 of the Communications Act of 1996, the Commission now seeks to expand its role and increase … Continue reading
Biden Wrongly Backed Trump in Steel Feud with the World Trade Organization
In March 2018, the Trump Administration levied a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports. The tariffs launched an international trade war between the United States and the majority of its closest trade partners. Multiple nations, angered by the tariffs, responded through formal complaints against the United States through the … Continue reading
The Fed hikes again: November 75 basis point increase
I. Introduction + Background The Federal Reserve (Fed) has a dual mandate: keep unemployment down and prices steady. At this moment, in a post-covid environment, with messed up supply chains, inflation has proven to be the focus. The Fed has been tackling inflation as prices have been the highest since the 1970s and don’t seem … Continue reading
Retail Health Clinics: What are they? Who are they for?
Sometimes it may feel like there are very few things everyone can agree on – but one universal truth is that healthcare in the United States is unique and constantly evolving. The system has a dynamic history of morphing delivery mechanisms to fit the capabilities and needs of a changing population, from the emergence of … Continue reading
Repeal the Jones Act
Introduction During a time of declining bipartisanship in Washington, one law continues to enjoy the backing of members in both parties: The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, better known as the Jones Act. The law requires that shipping between U.S. ports is conducted by ships that are U.S.-built and at least 75 percent U.S.-owned. Proponents … Continue reading
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