Research Library

By extending or enhancing the base-broadening provisions of the 2017 tax act, the new administration could increase U.S. tax revenues — promoting fiscal responsibility — while also contributing to a fair and efficient tax system.

On the episode of the Baker Briefing podcast, former U.S. Deputy Trade Representative C.J. Mahoney and fellow David A. Gantz join Tony Payan to explore the major challenges in North American trade ahead of the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Now is the time to enact corporate income tax reform that moves the U.S. toward a more neutral business tax system. Here’s why expensing and changes in interest deductions plus strengthening provisions designed to reduce income shifting should be part of any reform package.

The U.S. is facing an ongoing labor shortage that is hampering its economic growth and contributing to inflationary pressures. Allowing more foreign-born workers into the U.S. in an orderly and legal manner is an effective way to ease this shortage.

Nearshoring — the outsourcing of production to another country — would increase manufacturing and further economic development across U.S.-Mexico border areas, but it also raises significant questions about environmental impacts and, ultimately, environmental justice. Both governments should begin drafting and implementing effective transboundary policies that incentivize companies to protect local communities and fragile border ecosystems from a manufacturing surge, writes research scholar Ivonne Cruz.

To ensure U.S. technological and economic competitiveness, America’s new administration must work with Congress to enact appropriations for basic research, STEM education, and workforce development at a level consistent with the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act’s authorizations.

Subjective U.S. research security policies are threatening critical partnerships between global scientists, especially between the U.S. and China. New policies based on empirical evidence are needed to protect American science while maintaining the nation’s global economic and technological competitiveness.

As Mexico becomes a desirable site for nearshoring, damaging environmental and social impacts on the border region may be exacerbated under the economic growth. A new report by research scholar Ivonne Cruz dissects the relationship between nearshoring’s ecological and socioeconomic risks and offers trade policy recommendations to support sustainable economic development, mitigate potential hazards, and safeguard local communities.

Oil will remain an important driver of America’s economic health for years to come. Any new oil policies implemented by the new administration should recognize the proven efficiency of the current oil market in adapting to change and ensure that secure, affordable oil is available even amid efforts to reduce long-term dependence on it, writes fellow Mark Finley.

Health care providers now screen patients for social determinants of health, also known as non-medical drivers of health, and many rely on referrals to community-based organizations (CBOs) to address those needs. Strengthening CBOs and enhancing collaboration with health care organizations is essential. In a new brief, nonresident fellow Dr. Sheela Gavvala and co-authors offer policy recommendations to close the loop and ensure patients receive the care they need within a cohesive system.