Experts in the News

U.S-Mexico experts Tony Payan and Pam Cruz discussed the biggest challenge in immigration reform today and the practical solutions that would make a difference.  Payan is the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies.

Former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, joined former Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani and other officials at an online event marking the 30th anniversary of the U.S. humanitarian mission that laid the foundation for the formation of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. 

"The influence of Texas will grow, more than that of any other state," said political science fellow Mark Jones. He further stated the Texas GOP will now need to decide how safe or bold to be with the two new seats during the redistricting process.

Is the end of the pandemic near? How are COVID-19 cases looking in Houston and what's the latest on vaccine efficacy? Health economics fellow Vivian Ho answered these questions.

President Biden's focus on capital-gains taxes has highlighted concerns about the role of taxation in economic growth. “A rate increase this large would be expected to slow long-term growth. It’s not going to slow it by a substantial amount but I don’t think it’s insignificant,” said public finance fellow John Diamond. “I don’t think it’s a story of just hey, we’re taxing the rich and no one else gets hurt by this.” Diamond is the Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance.