The Reagan Presidency

May 21, 2013
Bipartisan Policy Center

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and Maryland Public Television held a screening of select clips from the American Public Television miniseries, The Reagan Presidency.

Following the presentation, the distinguished panel revisited Ronald Reagan's presidency, from his sweeping domestic agenda to the end of the Cold War, exploring what made Reagan "The Great Communicator." The panelists examined the qualities that allowed Reagan to successfully execute his broad agenda and leave office with a lasting legacy.

The Bottom Line: Exploring the Costs and Benefits of Immigration Reform

May 29, 2013
Bipartisan Policy Center

As Congress continues to look at possible ways to reform our immigration system, one of the key points of contention surrounding these efforts is the cost of reform to the American taxpayers. Although CBO has only recently announced that it will begin its work to assess the current “Gang of Eight” bill, many organizations have begun a healthy debate over the bill’s impact on the long-term and short-term federal budget as well as its wider impact on the economy. Join BPC for a conversation on both the costs and economic benefits of immigration reform.

Calorie Cutback: Progress Report on 2010 Commitment to Reduce Calories in the Marketplace

May 30, 2013
Bipartisan Policy Center

In May of 2010, at a White House event, 16 food and beverage companies stepped forward and made a commitment to reduce calories in the marketplace by 1.5 trillion by 2015, with an interim goal of a one trillion reduction by the end of 2012. This was the first commitment made to the First Lady’s Partnership for a Healthier America.

The Geopolitical Impacts of the U.S. Tight Oil Boom: Implications for OPEC and the U.S. Strategic Posture

Jun. 12, 2013
The Hyatt Regency (Regency C/D)

Recent reports by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and others have estimated that the United States, given its newfound tight oil wealth, will surpass Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest oil producer by the end of this decade. Growth in North American production could shift the balance of energy power from the Middle East to the West, with implications for the power of OPEC, and the competitiveness of historic suppliers. The propagation of tight oil technology could bring down the price of oil and offer opportunities for changing energy security relationships in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Optimism about North American self-sufficiency has also raised questions about the need or willingness of the United States to sustain its security engagement in the Middle East and Africa.

Housing Finance Reform: Is Inertia Gaining Momentum?

Jun. 17, 2013
Bipartisan Policy Center

Despite broad agreement on the need for reform of our nation’s housing finance system, after nearly five years Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain in conservatorship with no clear path forward. Join us for a discussion of why the status quo is unsustainable and bipartisan legislative action is needed to restore a sound and sustainable system of housing finance.

National Conversation on American Unity

Jul. 23, 2013
National Constitution Center (F.M. Kirby Auditorium)

The Commission on Political Reform is convening its second in a series of National Conversations on American Unity at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The focus of the event will be on public service, including removing barriers to participation in elective politics, creating new avenues for public service, and how the polarization of politics is discouraging young people from engaging in the civic conversation.