Name: US Policy Outlook
Start: 1777381200
End: 1777410900

On April 28, in collaboration with Consejo Mexicano de Asuntos Internacionales (COMEXI) and México, ¿cómo vamos?, the Baker Institute for Public Policy hosted the annual “US Policy Outlook” conference. Held in Mexico, this event provided an in-depth analysis of the current domestic and international political landscape from a Washington perspective, with special attention to the 2026 midterm elections and other key developments. Its purpose was to foster dialogue on today’s key challenges and how to identify and seize emerging opportunities, primarily aimed at Mexican companies and investors with operations in the United States, as well as government officials. The program featured four panels on critical issues relevant to companies and investors, along with dedicated networking opportunities throughout the day.

The forum followed the Chatham House Rule, enabling open discussion without attribution. Attendance is by invitation only, ensuring a high-level audience conducive to constructive dialogue and exchange. For any questions, please contact JP Gomez at [email protected].

Agenda

8:00 am	Registration and Networking
8:30 am	Welcome Remarks Tony Payan, Ph.D. Claudio X. Gonzalez Fellow in U.S.-Mexico Studies, Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies, Director, Claudio X. González Center for the U.S. and Mexico, Baker Institute for Public Policy Sofía Ramírez Aguilar CEO, México, ¿cómo vamos? Héctor Cárdenas Suárez, Ph.D. President, COMEXI; Professor of Practice, Goldman School of Public, UC Berkeley; CEO, Ergo Group
8:45 am	Fireside Chat Moderated by: Héctor Cárdenas Suárez, Ph.D., President, COMEXI; Professor of Practice, Goldman School of Public, UC Berkeley;CEO, Ergo Group Shannon K. O'Neil Senior Vice President of Studies and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair
9:20 am	Q&A Session
9:40 am	Networking Break
10:00 am	Panel I — US Political Landscape and Midterm Elections This panel will examine key shifts in U.S. domestic politics, including the impact of the 2026 midterm elections, congressional realignment, and potential succession within the MAGA movement. It will also analyze the role of the U.S. Supreme Court and the implications of the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy. Moderated by: Tony Payan, Ph.D., Director, Claudio X. González Center for the U.S. and Mexico, Baker Institute for Public Policy Brandon Rottinghaus, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Houston Mark Jones, Ph.D. Fellow, Political Science, Baker Institute Leslie Schwindt-Bayer, Ph.D. Professor, Political Science, Rice University
10:50 am	Q&A Session
11:10 am	Networking Break
11:30 am	Fireside Chat Moderated by: Sofía Ramírez Aguilar, CEO, México, ¿cómo vamos? Kevin Brady Former U.S. Congressman, Former Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Former USMCA Negotiator
12:05 pm	Panel II — Navigating the Future of the USMCA This panel will address the defining issues of the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship, with emphasis on water management, migration, security cooperation, and their impact on the shared agenda. Moderated by: Richard Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer, Alloy Capital John Diamond, Ph.D. Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance; Director, Center for Tax and Budget Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Adjunct Professor of Economics, Rice University; CEO, Tax Policy Advisers, LLC Joyce Beebe, Ph.D. Fellow in Public Finance, Baker Institute for Public Policy David Gantz Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics, Baker Institute for Public Policy Skip York, Ph.D. Non-Resident Fellow, Center for Energy Studies, Baker Institute for Public Policy Alejandro Luna Partner, International Trade & Customs, Santamarina + Steta
12:55 pm	Q&A Session
1:15 pm	Networking Lunch
1:35 pm	Panel III — The Role of the United States in the Reconfiguration of the Global Political System This panel will explore the U.S.’ role in reshaping the global order, the implications of the upcoming review and revision of the USMCA, the U.S. redifining global engagement, and emerging forms of multilateralism. Moderated by: Amy Glover, CEO & Co-Founder, Agil(e) Steven W. Lewis, Ph.D. C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow, Baker Institute for Public Policy Brenda Estefan International Relations Specialist Arturo Sarukhan Former Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S. Jim Krane, Ph.D. Diana Tamari Sabbagh Fellow in Middle East Energy Studies, Center for Energy Studies Lead, Energy and Geopolitics in the Middle East, Baker Institute
2:25 pm	Q&A Session
2:45 pm	Networking Break
3:00 pm	Panel IV — Texas–Mexico: The Core of North America’s Industrial and Energy Integration Panelists will examine the role of the relationship between Texas and Mexico in binational dynamics, particularly regarding supply chain resilience, energy and economic security, bilateral trade, and interdependence. The discussion will analyze Texas’ role within the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship beyond the USMCA renegotiation process. Moderated by: Sofía Ramírez, General Director, México ¿Cómo Vamos? Jorge Guzman LaTam Head of Communications and External Affairs, bp Phil Lovegren Former U.S. Financial Attaché to Mexico and Central America in the U.S. Treasury Department Jasper Jung Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Global Public Policy, General Motors Tania Ortiz Mena President, Sempra Infraestructura
3:50 pm	Q&A Session
4:10 pm	Closing Remarks