In response to the 2008 crash of the housing market, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 created the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) to serve as government conservator of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks; and injected $188 billion in taxpayer funds to bailout the agencies collectively known as … Continue reading
On September 16, University of Texas Austin released a study showing that shale gas production releases fewer methane emissions than previously thought. If true, the study’s findings could swing the debate over hydraulic fracturing—a technique used to extract gas from shale formations—in favor of the natural gas industry. In the last five years, developments in … Continue reading
Nearly everyone, regardless of personal political beliefs, will agree that President Obama’s stance(s) on Syria has been perplexing. Syria’s conflict began back in March 2011 as a popular uprising during the Arab Spring. As the conflict transformed into a civil war, rumblings grew for international intervention. On August 20, 2012, Obama stated that his red … Continue reading
In the past weeks U.S. Representative Steve King, a Republican from Iowa’s 4th district, has emerged as the leader of the anti-immigration reform coalition in the House. Cantaloupes and drug mules aside, King has become the face of conservative opposition to any proposed reform that includes a pathway to citizenship, or even legal status. King’s … Continue reading
The medical device industry currently consists of 8,000+ manufacturers and employs over 400,000 Americans. Over the last seven months, the industry has been subjected to a 2.3% excise tax on all medical device sales – not only profits. The tax has been a primary funding mechanism for the health care overhaul so far. The medical device industry … Continue reading
We all know what bad publicity and bad public opinion has done to athletes and celebrities – they loose sponsorships, popularity and sometimes even their jobs. Just ask Paula Dean or Tiger Woods what bad publicity as done to them and their careers. These public figures had a blemish and it negatively affected the ability … Continue reading
The recent announcement that the White House will delay enforcement of the employer mandate until 2015 has stirred a polemic argument among the American public about the reality and stability of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – and this isn’t the first roadblock the new legislation has faced, nor will it be the last. Since … Continue reading
Long-term care is a real concern facing America today. Individuals live longer and are facing more chronic illnesses requiring constant care. Yet untrained and unpaid family members provide most long-term care for their loved ones. A recent article published Reuters revealed that four out of ten adults are caring for an elderly family member. It … Continue reading
The implications of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for small businesses and employment status have long been the subject of media and partisan scrutiny. Analyses of these implications are becoming increasingly relevant, as the measures of the ACA will be fully implemented by January 2014. The shortcomings of the pre-Obamacare health insurance market are well … Continue reading
On Tuesday, the United States, Afghanistan, and the Taliban agreed to participate in peace talks in Doha, Qatar. But by Wednesday the Afghan government had pulled out of the talks and the American government remained confused and stung by the broken promise of discussion. The already rocky-road to peace represents what is to come, and how … Continue reading
Policy Interns 
You must be logged in to post a comment.