Feb 03, 2020

Good morning! We are thrilled to share that The Heritage Foundation was once again named the think tank with the most significant impact on public policy in the world and No. 1 for best use of the internet! This is the third consecutive time that the University of Pennsylvania’s annual report on think tanks has recognized our top influence on public policy. Heritage will now be prominently listed in next year’s report as a “Center of Excellence.” We thank all of our supporters who contribute to our excellence. This week, we continue to follow the impeachment trial, as many observers expect the Senate to acquit President Trump of impeachment charges. Looking ahead, Heritage will be watching tomorrow’s State of the Union address closely. Find out what issues we hope the president will touch on in his speech. February is Black History Month, and we are putting the spotlight on a true pioneer, retired Army Major Pat Locke. Hear her inspiring story and learn how she is inspiring a new generation to become leaders.

What to Watch for in Trump’s State of the Union
Tomorrow, President Trump will give his State of the Union address from the U.S. Capitol. Immigration, education, trade, China, and peace in the Middle East are some of the issues conservatives should be listening for. The policy-laden speech affords Heritage experts an opportunity to analyze new proposals and lead the way in finding solutions to the issues America faces. Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James will appear on Fox Business with host Charles Payne on Tuesday afternoon, and will then be active on social media throughout the evening. Meanwhile, dozens of Heritage policy experts will provide their rapid response analysis on The Daily Signal during the speech. We suggest you keep tabs on the action by following President James on Facebook or Twitter.

Heritage Ranks No. 1 for Policy Impact, Best Use of Internet
For the third year in a row, The Heritage Foundation is ranked as the No. 1 think tank in the world for “Significant Impact on Public Policy,” according to the latest edition of the University of Pennsylvania’s annual report on think tanks. Heritage also ranked first again in the “Best Use of the Internet” category, the think tank’s second consecutive year at the top of that category. Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James welcomed the results as proof that a well-managed think tank could achieve significant results. "The Heritage Foundation is honored to be ranked for the third year in a row as the No. 1 think tank in the world for our impact on public policy,” said James. "I am deeply proud of our staff for helping us achieve this top ranking from the prestigious Global Go To Think Tank Index Report.” Learn more about the report and read the full list of rankings.

The Inspiring Story of Pat Locke, One of West Point’s First Female Cadets
As we kick off Black History Month, Heritage is pleased to tell the story of a determined and dedicated patriot, retired Army Major Pat Locke. She was one of the first female cadets accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the first black woman to graduate by order of merit. In 2001, she was inducted into the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame. Today, Locke is committed to helping young people pursue educational opportunities and become leaders with integrity. “I’m not a political person,” Locke says. “But I know that this nation needs to sustain its character if we’re going to keep the lead.” Watch Locke’s inspiring story.

Monday at noon, Heritage and the Pacific Legal Foundation are co-hosting a discussion panel to assess the recent ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency, its definition of “waters of the United States,” and how it replaces the Obama-era Clean Water Rule. Featured speakers include Deidre Duncan, a partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, and Tony Francois, a senior attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation. Watch the event live.

Wednesday at 10 a.m., Heritage will host a panel discussion on the United States’ new Strategy for Central Asia. Featured guest speakers include Ambassador Alice Wells from the Department of State; Lisa Curtis, a senior director at the National Security Council; and Gloria Steele, an assistant administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Watch the event live.

Thursday at noon, Heritage will host columnist and author Cal Thomas for a discussion on the fall and rise of geographical superpowers, and the future of the United States as a global superpower. Watch the event live.

Thursday at 4:30 p.m., Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchinson, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, will speak at Heritage on her efforts to strengthen the NATO alliance and why it is essential and vital to the United States. The event is part of the Jesse Helms Lecture Series. Watch the event live.

Here are highlights from media outlets like Fox News and Fox Business featuring Heritage experts. This week, they touched on hot topics like immigration, Huawei, China and the coronavirus, trade and more. Watch the video.