It seems straightforward: Taxing sugary beverages makes them more expensive, reducing consumption and leading would-be soda-guzzlers to lead healthier lives. Obesity declines, as do the myriad health conditions associated with a sugar-rich diet. Success! That’s the argument being made in jurisdictions around the world — including here in the U.S. — in favor of taxes […]
The Future Technological Advances of Quantum Computing – It’s Worth the Wait
Quantum computing (QC) offers the possibility of super-fast execution of digital algorithms. QC is not so much a replacement for conventional computers as a replacement for today’s supercomputers. QC is expected to provide great value in commercial computing for applications such as pharmaceuticals design, stock price prediction, password cracking and for decrypting encrypted messages when […]
Do Mandatory Vehicle Inspections Really Make Us Safer?
Most state laws that require regular safety inspections for passenger vehicles were passed more than 75 years ago, at a time when motor vehicle fatalities per mile traveled were about 8 times higher than in the 21st century and vehicles lacked many of the safety features we benefit from today. A growing number of states […]
5G Won’t Ruin Your Weather Forecast
The FCC is continuing to move quickly to free up spectrum for use by next-generation 5G networks that promise to deliver blazing fast speeds and usher in transformative new technologies. Unfortunately, misleading claims by some government officials could delay 5G’s rollout, depriving consumers of an estimated $1.8 trillion in benefits and endangering America’s leadership in […]
Over-Regulating Silicone Could Devastate the Consumer Electronics Market
As “Silicon Valley” has grown into a household term, it’s become easier to take for granted one of the most important family of chemicals used in electronics today: silicones. Silicones’ contributions to and use in the electronics industry are vast. But now, regulatory threats to silicones have emerged abroad. Given their value, it’s dismaying to […]
In Going After Small-Dollar Lenders, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez Would Empower the Real Loan Sharks
If bills were judged only by their titles, it would be hard to find fault in Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s latest proposal, the Loan Shark Prevention Act. But don’t be fooled. The crux of the bill is a 15 percent APR cap on all consumer loans, which would destroy the small-dollar lending […]
Congress Should Reject Proposal to Re-Impose Airline Regulations
A coalition of taxpayer and consumer groups is urging the U.S. Senate to reject a proposal to reimpose federal price control regulations on air travel that have long been proven to hurt consumers and drive up costs for taxpayers. The so-called “FAIR Fees Act,” which is currently part of the Senate’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) […]
Inside Sources: What Should Congress Expect from USPS’ New Business Plan?
The Postal Service often envisions itself as an independent self-sustaining business. However, to reach this point, it must provide Congress with strong assurances that each of its commercial functions are independently viable. To read this op-ed, visit Inside Sources.
Closing the Streaming Loophole Would Benefit Consumers
Illegally downloading copyrighted material is a federal felony but streaming the exact same content over the internet is only a misdemeanor and carries much lighter penalties. Despite the fact that broad access to faster, cheaper internet connections has spurred tremendous growth in the streaming of copyright-infringing content, which now accounts for the majority of piracy […]
The Hill: Mobile 5G carriers need more spectrum — let the C-Band Alliance sell them some
There’s not much time left for the U.S. to take decisive steps toward winning the race to 5G. Approving the CBA proposal is the fastest way to get services developed in the U.S., keep the U.S. on track to be a world leader in 5G, and heighten competition between wireless, cable, and fiber broadband services. […]
