Experts in the News

The American Health Care Act, the new health care plan proposed by the Republican leadership, is facing opposition from members of both parties. Nonresident fellow Elena Marks appears on Houston Newsmakers to discuss the future of health care in the United States and the difficulties involved in developing cost-effective, comprehensive policies. “You can’t have broad access to any kind of health care service that you want and expect that it’s not going to cost a lot of money,” said Marks.

President Donald Trump's proposed budget plan includes significant cuts to the funding of agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the State Department, and the Environmental Protection Agency. James A. Baker, III, former secretary of state and former secretary of the treasury, appeared on CBS This Morning to discuss the proposed cuts and highlighted the paramount importance of balancing the budget. “The bottom line is, you can’t be strong politically or diplomatically or militarily if you’re not strong economically,” said Mr. Baker. Mr. Baker also spoke about the "carbon tax" proposal he is co-sponsoring with other senior Republicans and U.S. policy options toward North Korea.

President Trump has moved to fill only one of 46 key science and technology positions, The Washington Post reports. Neal Lane, fellow in science and technology policy, said the slow pace to appoint scientists is worrying to the scientific community at large.

Vivian Ho, director of the Center for Health and Biosciences, is interviewed about MD Anderson's financial outlook following Ron DePinho's resignation as president of the top-ranked cancer hospital.

The Texas House Committee on International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs recently held hearings related to proposed changes to NAFTA. In testimony before the committee, fellow Russell A. Green warned that cutting off U.S. firms from cross-border supply chains would adversely affect their competitiveness in global markets.