Heritage Events Podcast

Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow in the Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, talks about the debate over giving sanctuary cities federal funding. Also, Ed Haislmaier, a senior research fellow in health policy studies, discusses the latest Obamacare repeal efforts as well as his latest research on freeing states from the Obamacare insurance mandates.

In January 2015, the U.S. and India released the U.S.-India Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. In the intervening time, there have been a great many political, security, and economic developments in both countries. What is the current state of progress on the many topics outlined in the Strategic Vision – regional economic integration, safeguarding maritime security, India’s drive to join APEC, and improving bi- and multi-lateral consultation mechanisms? Join us as our expert panelists examine the way forward for the U.S.-India partnership in the Pacific.

On January 2, 2017, Governor of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rossello came into office and inherited a government in dire need of fiscal prudence, economic development and government reform. His first 100 days in office have produced a steady wave of executive and legislative orders intent on transforming Puerto Rico for generations to come.

Twenty years after Britain handed Hong Kong over to the People’s Republic of China, where do freedoms stand in Hong Kong, the territory whose rule of law and free markets have long been a beacon for China and beyond? Beijing’s recent attacks on the independent judiciary and media spotlight the failings of the “one country, two systems” model and the need to preserve basic rights and freedoms in the territory of 8 million people. What can Washington and the world do to bolster Hong Kong’s autonomy and freedoms? Join us for a report from the “front line” of Hong Kong democracy.

Sixteen years after Congress passed the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and the courts have defined its applicability to al-Qaeda and the Taliban, the United States is still fighting the war against terrorism. This war has grown to include the fight against ISIS. In 2014, President Obama asked Congress for an AUMF to continue this fight, but Republicans and Democrats alike demurred. In the absence of express authorization, President Obama argued that the 2001 AUMF gave him the legal authority to use military force against ISIS.

The first 100 days of a President’s term – the time at which his power and influence are historically deemed to be their greatest – are often looked to as a measure of a President’s ultimate success and future effectiveness while in office. As President Trump approaches this milestone (April 29), The Miller Center and The Heritage Foundation will hold a half-day conference examining two key aspects of his first 100 days – President Trump’s role as Chief Executive and the relationship between The President and Congress.

Craig Shirley, President of Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, is the author of three critically praised bestsellers about Ronald Reagan – "Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign that Changed America"; "Reagan’s Revolution: The Untold Story of the Campaign That Started It All"; and" Last Act: The Final Years and Emerging Legacy of Ronald Reagan". His book "December 1941: 31 Days that Changed America and Saved the World" appeared multiple times on the New York Times bestselling list in December 2011 and January 2012.

Every year, The Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center brings together key Congressional staff members to examine the hot issues and big questions in U.S.-Asia policy, as seen from Capitol Hill. There usually is a lot to talk about and 2017 is no different. What is going to happen with North Korea? In the South China Sea? What is the outlook for relations with traditional allies, such as Japan and South Korea, and with emerging partners, such as India? What direction will the new Administration take Asia policy? Join us for a discussion of these areas and others at stake in America’s relationship with Asia.

Have the State Department and USAID been using taxpayer dollars to fund progressive causes around the world, and thus turning U.S. allies away? Senator Lee, one of six U.S. Senators to ask Secretary Tillerson for a probe, will discuss potential future steps. He will be followed by a panel of experts who will discuss the impact of these policies in Latin America and Ireland, and how the Trump Administration can reform USAID.

Mary Clare Reim, a policy analyst in education policy at the Heritage Foundation, lays out higher education finance reform. Tiffany Bates and Elizabeth Slattery from the Edwin Meese III Legal Center discuss President Trump’s first major victory in getting Justice Neil Gorsuch confirmed to the Supreme Court. And, The Daily Signal Managing Editor Kate Trinko considers the state of journalism on the eve of the White House Correspondents Dinner.

The Conservative Human Rights Revolution: European Identity, Transnational Politics, and the Origins of the European Convention April 24, 2017

One of the most contentious current issues in U.S.–China relations is the South China Sea. Wrapped up in those three words are thorny issues of legality, sovereignty, multi-national territorial claims, economics and environmental degradation. Most concerning, however, is the issue of militarization, and the significant increase of U.S. and Chinese naval and other military power in this crowded area of the Pacific. How should the U.S strategically approach this source of friction, especially in light of other important factors in the relationship? What is China’s possible long term strategy in the region? And what forces can be brought to bear to effect these potentially contradictory visions? Join us as our distinguished experts discuss next steps in dealing with this important regional flashpoint.

Pakistan’s economy is a vital foundation for peace and stability in Pakistan and South Asia. Reforms under the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, including structural reforms and fiscal policies, have boosted economic growth. Efforts for improved regional connectivity and investment also hold promise for Pakistan’s economic development. Still, the country needs to accelerate the pace of growth to be able to harness the demographic dividend and provide jobs to a large young population, and overcome security challenges which pose a threat to the overall economy. Please join us for this special address by Finance Minister Dar on these important issues in Pakistan’s economic outlook.

On April 22, thousands of demonstrators are expected to converge on the National Mall for a “March for Science.” Although the March is officially being described as non-partisan and open to diverse views, many participants are using it as an opportunity to delegitimize scientific and policy disagreements over climate change, evolution, fossil fuels, and other issues. At this event, a panel of experts will explore the real threats to good science in America, including the suppression of dissenting views, and the growing misuse of science as a club in the culture wars.

The 2015 Iran nuclear agreement lifted nuclear-related economic sanctions against Tehran, clearing the way for the sale of American and European commercial aircraft to Iran. Last year, Boeing announced a deal for the sale of 17.6 billion dollars of aircraft to the state-owned Iran Air and Europe’s Airbus sold 100 aircraft to Iran that were worth more than $18 billion. Two weeks ago, Iran’s Aseman Airlines signed a deal to buy 30 Boeing aircraft for approximately 3 billion dollars. A panel of experts will discuss the implications of these deals and how they could complicate U.S. efforts to contain Iran’s expanding influence in the Middle East.