Economic Policy News
The Daily Signal provides economic policy news with reporting, analysis, and commentary on markets, growth, and fiscal responsibility.
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- News
Will Biden’s Policies Lead to Job Losses? Here Are Possible Economic Impacts of 4 of Them.
President Joe Biden’s policies, announced in the first days of his administration, potentially could kill millions of jobs, according to estimates from both government and private studies. Since taking office Jan. 20, Biden has announced a slew of policies, including executive actions to immediately take effect and legislative proposals. By his third day in office,…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
House Democrats’ Deja Vu Tax Agenda for ‘Equity’ Would Hurt (Not Help) Economic Opportunity
House Ways and Means Committee Democrats recently released their framework to “make our nation a more just and equitable place.” The goal of lifting more “people onto career ladders” and providing more robust economic opportunities for American families is admirable. But the committee’s framework simply expands tax programs that have for decades failed to meet…Adam Michel -
- Opinion
9 Wasteful Programs From Massive Spending Bill That Can, and Should, Be Reversed
President Donald Trump is right: There’s a lot of ridiculous gimmicks and wasteful projects in the new massive spending bill. And the good news is there’s something that Trump can do about it, even though he recently signed the huge COVID-19 stimulus and omnibus spending bill into law. While signing the bill, the president released…Matthew Dickerson -
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Recovery Slows as Economy Adds 245,000 Jobs
The U.S. economy added 245,000 jobs in November, far below economists’ expectations, while unemployment fell to 6.7%, according to Department of Labor data released Friday. Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 245,000 last month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, and the number of unemployed Americans fell by 400,000 to 10.7 million. The U.S. added 638,000…Thomas Catenacci -
- Opinion
Walter Williams’ Legacy: Fierce Advocate for Liberty and Economic Freedom
The world this week lost a great defender of economic freedom with the passing of the great American economist Walter E. Williams. He was 84. Williams’ legacy will be one of fighting for lasting liberty at every turn against those who would be dictators over their fellow man. As an economics professor at George Mason…Patrick Tyrrell -
- Opinion
The Mayflower Compact and the Roots of Economic Freedom and Private Property
With the Thanksgiving season upon us, a group of scholars is meeting today to discuss the Mayflower Compact, in a webinar series honoring the 400th anniversary of the signing of this quintessential and seminal American document. Hosted by The Heritage Foundation and the Religious Liberty Institute, the concluding webinar examines the impact of the Mayflower…Angela Sailor -
- Opinion
Global Threats Are High. Now Is Not the Time to Shortchange National Defense Budget.
One of the unexpected consequences of COVID-19 is it forced the U.S. government to reexamine how it does its job, including how it spends on national defense. Right now, Congress must give careful attention to the national defense budget, even as it faces increasing pressure to spend on domestic programs and on issues abroad. These…James Di Pane -
- Opinion
Jordanians Head to the Polls Amid Mounting Economic and Health Crisis
A spike in COVID-19 cases and deteriorating economic conditions has cast a shadow over Tuesday’s parliamentary elections in Jordan. These elections are widely seen as a political mechanism to mitigate the growing anger over COVID-19-related hardships, which have recently taken a turn for the worst. Jordan’s strict lockdown measures in the beginning of the pandemic…Nicole Robinson -
- Opinion
Now More Than Ever, What Nigeria Needs Is Economic Freedom
What began as peaceful demonstrations against extrajudicial killings, police brutality, extortion, and torture committed by Nigeria’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad have become more violent in the days following the killing of at least 10 demonstrators on Oct. 20 at a place called Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, Nigeria. That night, police fired live ammunition into the…Patrick Tyrrell -
- News
Economy Surges at Record Rate as GDP Grows 33%
The U.S. economy grew by a record 33.1% in the third quarter of the year as employers continue to restore jobs and the country continues to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The Commerce Department figure released Wednesday reflects the rate of decline in U.S. gross domestic product during the third quarter, from July to September….Thomas Catenacci -
- Opinion
The Defense Budget’s Brewing Storm
“If the reason that you want a 20% cut in the defense budget is because you see the U.S. military as a fundamentally destabilizing force in the world, then I’m not going to be there.” That’s how House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., framed the emerging debate on the defense budget. He was…Frederico Bartels -
- Opinion
The Results Are in: Reopening Fuels Record Economic Expansion
As the economic reopening continues in states and cities across the nation, economic growth last quarter smashed all prior records—growing by 7.4%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. If this blistering pace continued for an entire year, the economy would swell by 33.1%. >>> What’s the best way for America to reopen and…Joel Griffith -
- Opinion
US Leads International Call to Action on Women’s Economic Empowerment
As the global economy continues to rebound from the economic shocks of COVID-19, ensuring women’s economic empowerment is now more important than ever. Women will be key drivers of sustainable economic recovery and contributors to meaningful long-term development. The Trump administration positioned the U.S. to lead on these efforts even prior to the pandemic. Recognizing…Nicole Robinson -
- Opinion
How Colleges’ Spending Practices Often Shortchange or Defy Alumni Donors’ Intent
Even during tough times—perhaps especially then—American generosity abounds. The United States has been the most philanthropic country in the world (per capita) over the past 10 years. In 2019, individual Americans gave an estimated $310 billion to charity, with the country’s foundations donating an additional $76 billion and its corporations contributing more than $21 billion….Cully Stimson -
- Opinion
The Left’s Push to Repeal Tax Cuts Is Likely Already Damaging the Economy
The left’s crusade to raise taxes is likely already hurting the recovery, even if former Vice President Joe Biden and liberals in Congress don’t follow through with their proposed $4 trillion of tax increases. A general indifference in Congress to growing deficits makes things worse. The profits from investments made today will be taxed tomorrow….Adam Michel -
- Opinion
Reforming Regulation to Spur Economic Growth
This article is an excerpt from the “2020 Mandate for Leadership: A Clear Vision for the Next Administration.” It looks back at policy decisions made by the Trump administration over the past four years. You can purchase your copy of “Mandate 2020” here. During the Obama administration, the nation’s regulatory burden increased by an astonishing $122…Diane Katz -
- Opinion
Economy Adds 661,000 Jobs, Strengthening Case for Safely Reopening Society
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday that the unemployment rate fell to 7.9% as the economy gained 661,000 jobs in September, continuing to show signs of recovery and make the case that policymakers must continue to allow more parts of society to safely reopen. Although the unemployment rate beat experts’ predictions of 8.2%, the…Timothy Doescher -
- Opinion
Combating the Tyranny, Waste, and Economic Devastation of ‘Green’ Agenda With Free Enterprise
This article is an excerpt from the “2020 Mandate for Leadership: A Clear Vision for the Next Administration.” It looks back at policy decisions made by the Trump administration over the past four years. You can purchase your copy of “Mandate 2020” here. Since publication of the last Mandate for Leadership, the Trump administration has taken…Nicolas Loris -
- Opinion
Recovery of America’s Economy Surges, Thanks to Capitalism
As Washington has been frozen in debate about whether to pass massive new economic stimulus legislation, something interesting has happened in the real world. In the real world, Americans sent a message to politicians saying they can take of themselves just fine, thank you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report for August just came in,…Star Parker -
- Opinion
New Sultan Could Deepen US-Oman Ties, Strengthen Economic Freedom
Under the leadership of new Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who came to power in January upon the death of his cousin, longtime ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said, U.S.-Omani relations have embarked on a new chapter. Washington has a unique opportunity to build on the good existing relationship and to reaffirm Oman as a trustworthy partner…Anthony B. Kim