Blog
The week in regulations: Safe explosives and baker’s yeast
President Trump proposed an export ban on diesel fuel. Mortgage rates topped 7 percent. Agencies issued new regulations ranging from bank mergers to window…
Blog
This week in health care policy: September 21–25, 2026
Innovation watch FDA approves the first treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome. On September 17, the FDA approved Ultragenyx’s Fayuvi, a one-time…
Blog
Free the Economy podcast: Gen Z capitalism with Sam Raus
In this week’s episode we cover how data centers power our lives, how modern technology is fueling family togetherness, and the…
Open Market Blog
Buy Now, Pay Later doesn’t mean pay more, owe more, and panic more
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) has become a familiar way to pay for everything from discretionary purchases to everyday expenses. BNPL lets consumers divide…
Diagnosing unemployment
The unemployment rate is a symptom, not a diagnosis. When it rises or falls, it shows that something is changing in the labor market,…
Free the Economy podcast: Real-world economics with Paul Mueller
In this week’s episode we cover spiraling health care costs, reforming state-level regulations, and how to keep asset managers accountable…
News
Coalition opposes Trump plan to pass deceptively-named Railway Safety Act
Today, a coalition of free market and conservative groups sent a letter to key Senate committee leaders opposing the Trump administration’s proposal to…
Report analyzes and offers reforms to the current US-proxy advisory system
Today, the Competitive Enterprise Institute released a new report that analyzes and critiques the current US proxy-advisory system and offers strong reforms that…
Diesel export ban idea won’t fix high prices: CEI analysis
Some lawmakers and candidates are calling for a federal ban on exporting diesel fuel as a means to bring fuel prices down. Sen.
Special Projects
Dear Mr. President: The Letters of Julia Sand
Discover how one citizen motivated the President of the United States to throw supporters of the spoils system out of his sphere of influence and lead Congress to pass Civil Service Reform, ultimately bringing an end to the corrupt bureaucratic system that had made him. Coming April 2025.
Modernizing the EPA
Modernizing the EPA: A Blueprint for Congress is a major CEI project to reform the EPA and ensure that the agency regulates like it is 2025, not 1975. The first part of the Project is our book that lays out specific and concrete recommendations for legislators on how to modernize the agency. The next step is turning these ideas into legislative change. We hope you will join us in this effort.
Eye on FTC
The Federal Trade Commission is harming consumers and threatening innovation. CEI's new 'Eye on FTC' project spotlights the agencies overreach to help inform legislators, and, ultimately, to restore the agency’s core mission of protecting consumer welfare.
The Case for Small and Big Business in America
There’s growing sentiment in Washington that the size of a business alone might be a sign of danger—whether to its smaller competitors or consumers. This has pushed Congress and federal agencies to use antitrust policy to prevent mergers and acquisitions. However, this approach overlooks consumers and leaves unclear what qualifies as “too big.” Our latest video explains why our economy thrives and consumers benefit from both small and big businesses.
The Unconstitutionality Index
For decades, CEI has analyzed the expanding reach of unelected bureaucrats. Now, the Unconstitutionality Index—a concept pioneered by CEI scholar Wayne Crews—is shaping conversations at the highest levels of government.
Our Issue Areas
Op-Eds
National Review
The Affordability Crisis Hits Air-Conditioning
Do you think groceries, gasoline, medications, utility bills, and other necessities are too expensive? Consider yourself very lucky if you don’t have to buy…
National Review
From Munitions Shortage to Ebola, Dodd–Frank Minerals Measure Makes Things Worse
A scan of news headlines warns readers of two seemingly unrelated dangers around the globe. One is a potential shortage of missiles, interceptors, and…
The Wall Street Journal
Don’t Expand Payroll Taxes for Social Security
In his column “Republicans’ Pre-Emptive Social Security Surrender” (Political Economics, Sept. 18), Joseph C. Sternberg makes a persuasive argument against expanding…
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