Heritage Explains

A new report from the government on the Social Security “trust fund” revealed that it won't be able to pay full benefits by 2035. So how much of the money that you have paid in Social Security taxes (and remember we all do) will you actually see later in life? If you are already receiving benefits, how much do you stand to lose? What can Congress do to fix this and why haven’t they yet? This week, Heritage's Rachel Grezler, explains. SHOW NOTES: https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/04/23/what-social-securitys-shortfall-means-for-you/

During the recent NRA Convention in Indianapolis, President Trump gave formal notice that the US will withdraw its signature from the UN Arms Trade Treaty, which attempts to limit the sale of firearms and ammunition abroad. This week, Dr. Ted Bromund explains why this is a big win for our sovereignty as well as our Second Amendment rights. Show Notes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedbromund/2019/04/30/reflections-on-president-trumps-unsigning-of-the-arms-trade-treaty/#1845ee0753a6 https://www.heritage.org/arms-control/commentary/trump-just-ditched-un-arms-treaty-and-he-was-right-do-it

The situation at the border is a hot mess. This week, we explain some of the ideas that President Trump has offered when it comes to the crisis at the Southern border. We also offer policy prescriptions on how to move the country and Congress forward on immigration reform. Helping us break it down is Dr. James Jay Carafano, a leading expert in national security and foreign policy challenges, and vice president of Heritage's Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy and the E. W. Richardson Fellow. The Border is a Hot Mess, What's Trump to Do? https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/james-carafano-the-border-is-a-hot-mess-whats-trump-to-do-here-are-his-options An Agenda for American Immigration Reform https://www.heritage.org/immigration/report/agenda-american-immigration-reform

Several leading voices on the left have joined together to call for the abolishment of the Electoral College, and replace it with a national popular vote. This week, Dr. John York debunks their arguments, and explains why the Electoral College is still the best system for electing our Presidents. Links: https://www.heritage.org/the-constitution/commentary/no-sen-warren-presidential-candidates-wouldnt-campaign-mississippi-if https://www.heritage.org/election-integrity/report/destroying-the-electoral-college-the-anti-federalist-national-popular

Fact, the amount of your tax refund has nothing to do with how big your tax cut was. But if you’ve watched the news lately you wouldn’t know that. This week, Heritage expert Adam Michel explains what your refund check really is, why it has nothing to do with President Trump’s tax cuts, and the specific ways in which our tax laws truly did change for the better.

Liberals in Congress are pushing The Equality Act, but this isn’t the first time. If passed, the bill would allow the LGBT community to be considered a “protected class” under federal law. So what’s the problem with that? This week, we sit down with Emilie Kao to discuss why the latest version of The Equality Act is no act of equality. Show Notes: “Equality Act Would Create Inequality for Woman” https://www.heritage.org/gender/commentary/equality-act-would-create-inequality-women “H.R. 5 Is No Act of Equality” https://www.heritage.org/gender/report/hr-5-no-act-equality LBJ Signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 https://youtu.be/Bygv9u1G6Xo

"Some examples are in order. Have asthma? You’re probably ineligible to join the military. A depressive disorder? Sorry, no. Torn rotator cuff in your shoulder? Nope. Come back perhaps when it heals or is repaired." This week, Lieutenant General Thomas Spoehr, director of Heritage's Center for National Defense, explains what's actually in the Pentagon's new policy and why gender dysphoria must remain a bar to military service. Show Notes: https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/why-gender-dysphoria-must-remain-bar-military-service

When the news broke that famous actors and several other wealthy individuals had been charged with conspiracy to illicitly gain admission for their children to attend prestigious universities, late night TV had a ball poking fun, and many people took to social media to voice their outrage. While this story is great for news headlines, the real story is what this says about our education system in America. This week media mogul Armstrong Williams and Heritage Foundation Policy Analyst Mary Clare Amselem weigh in. Show Notes: Armstrong Williams – Hit the Pause Button on College Admissions Outrage https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/03/14/hit-the-pause-button-on-college-admissions-outrage/ Mary Clare Amselem – FBI Exposes Wealthy Parents Rigging College for Kids. But It Was Always Rigged https://www.dailysignal.com/2019/03/12/fbi-exposes-wealthy-parents-rigging-college-for-kids-but-it-was-always-rigged/

In the wake of policy proposals from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, it seems that more and more Americans are unaware of not just the importance of earning a wage but the dignity and value in work. How did we get to this point and how can we fix it? This week, Heritage's Vijay Menon, a research assistant for Domestic Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation, explains. Show Notes: Listen to our episode on how the marriage penalty Is hurting low income communitieshttps://www.heritage.org/welfare/heritage-explains/how-the-marriage-penalty-hurting-low-income-communities

Due to the graphic medical descriptions featured in this episode, we ask that you consider your surroundings and take caution before listening to this episode. After over a decade of pro-life victories at the state level, liberals are now pushing back by advocating abortions on demand at all stages of the pregnancy. This week, we take an in-depth look at late-term abortion procedures, and Melanie Israel talks about what conservatives must do in order to ensure that life continues to win. Our friends at Live Action contributed to the content portion of this product, so please head to their website to learn more. https://www.abortionprocedures.com

During the 1960’s and 70’s there was a mass removal of the seriously mentally ill from inpatient facilities. The process is referred to as America's “deinstitutionalization.” So what led to this movement? Where did those who truly needed inpatient care go, and what have been some of the consequences? Heritage expert Amy Swearer explains.

As we come to the end of Black History Month, OJ Oleka, Kentucky's Deputy State Treasurer and Chief of Staff, tells the inspiring story about how conservative policies are reshaping the landscape for minorities in his state and how these ideas can be a model for the rest of the US.

What’s in this resolution? How much would it cost? Would it actually work? And is that even the intention of the left? This week, Nick Loris, an economist and Heritage’s Herbert and Joyce Morgan Fellow in Energy and Environmental Policy explains.

Under the devastating socialist dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelans have no food, medicine, or opportunity. But recently, hope has sprung, and Venezuela's people have a chance to oust Maduro and his regime for good. Ana Quintana joins us to discuss the state of play within the country, and the proper role the U.S. and the international community should have.

Did you know that if you live in an economically free society you are more likely to be healthier, happier, more educated, live longer, and take better care of the environment? This week we explain what economic freedom is and why President Trump’s policies are helping us bounce back.