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Dec 02, 2019

Good morning! We hope you and your loved ones had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday. As we return to work this week, Heritage makes the case that the impeachment inquiry is incomplete and inadequate without requiring the testimony of the so-called whistleblower who complained about President Trump. We explain why the American people have a right to see the testimony and weigh its credibility for themselves. We are also paying close attention to London, where NATO leaders will gather for a meeting. Heritage experts lay out the key issues that the United States should focus on. Here in Washington, President Trump has appointed more appeals court judges than any other president at this point in his presidency. Heritage legal expert Thomas Jipping points out how this is all the more impressive due to unprecedented opposition from the Senate minority. Lastly, there is still time to make a tax-free gift from your IRA to Heritage before the end of the year. We break it down into three easy steps.


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Heritage Experts: The ‘Whistleblower’ Should Testify
In the latest Heritage analysis of the impeachment inquiry, Thomas Jipping, deputy director of Heritage’s Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, and legal fellow GianCarlo Canaparo, argue that the person who filed a complaint about President Donald Trump’s call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky should be required to testify before the House Intelligence Committee. “The American people need to know as much as possible about what the president is accused of,” write Jipping and Canaparo. “Yet the impeachment inquiry against Trump has been marked by secret proceedings, rules favoring one party over the other, and explosive accusations by people who may not even have firsthand knowledge. These are not the marks of a legitimate process. Indeed, they actively undercut the people’s trust.” Find out why the so-called whistleblower’s testimony is integral to the impeachment inquiry.


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Here’s What the U.S. Should Focus on at NATO Meeting
Leaders of NATO countries convene in London for a two-day meeting this week. The gathering will be an opportunity for the United States to focus on deterring Russia’s aggression, urge other NATO nations to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense, encourage an “open-door policy” in order to enlarge the NATO alliance, and to show commitment to Ukraine and Georgia. “It is essential that the United States continue to be an active participant in the alliance’s future. U.S. leadership is crucial,” write Heritage experts Luke Coffey and Daniel Kochis in a new report. Nile Gardiner, director of Heritage’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, will be on the scene covering the summit. He will return to the United Kingdom for the general election on Dec. 12. Learn more about how the United States can demonstrate leadership at the NATO meeting.


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Trump Sets Record for Appeals Court Appointments
President Donald Trump’s foes in the Senate have done their best to prevent the president from filling federal judicial vacancies. Despite this, Trump has appointed 48 appeals court judges, more than any president at this point in his presidency. “The average number of votes against confirmation of Trump’s judicial nominees is 38 times higher than the average for his 11 predecessors. Trump’s 164 confirmed judicial nominees have received as many votes against confirmation as the previous 2,284 confirmed judicial nominees combined,” writes Thomas Jipping, deputy director of Heritage’s Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies. Read more about the massive effort to block judicial nominations.


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Special Opportunity to Make a Tax-Free IRA Gift to Heritage
In case you missed it, Congress passed legislation several years ago that allows those 70 or older to make a tax-free charitable gift of up to $100,000 annually from their IRA. You now have a unique opportunity to advance freedom and send less of your retirement savings to Washington. To ensure your gift counts for 2019, you'll have to act fast. The process is quick and easy, and The Heritage Foundation has friendly staff to assist you. Learn more about how to make a tax-free IRA gift to Heritage.*



HAPPENING AT HERITAGE
Heritage recently presented Charles Mitchell, president and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation, with the 2019 Robin and Jocelyn Distinguished Intern Alumni Award. This prestigious award recognizes former Heritage interns who have gone on to successful careers in government, academia, public policy, and the private sector. Learn more about Charles Mitchell.


UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday at noon, Heritage will host an event to discuss the tiers of judicial scrutiny. This event will feature panelists Joel Alicea, attorney at Cooper & Kirk, PLLC; John Ohlendorf, attorney at Cooper & Kirk, PLLC; and Jud Campbell, associate professor of law at the University of Richmond School of Law. Watch the event live.

Wednesday at noon, Heritage will host an event to discuss the Trump impeachment inquiry. This event will feature Andrew McCarthy, a senior fellow at the National Review Institute; and Alan Dershowitz, Felix Frankfurter professor of law and emeritus at Harvard Law School. Watch the event live.

Thursday at 9 a.m., Heritage will host an all-day event to promote antipoverty policy change in and equip leaders to effectively serve their communities. Learn more about the speakers and watch the event live.



HERITAGE PODCASTS
In a special Thanksgiving episode of “Heritage Explains,” host Michelle Cordero tells the story of the woman who started Thanksgiving. Listen to the podcast.
On “Millennial Myths,” host Tiffany Roberts talks to Emilie Kao, director of Heritage’s DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society, to debunk myths about teaching public school children about gender identity and sexual orientation. Listen to the podcast.


HERITAGE IN THE NEWS
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Here are media highlights from MSNBC and Fox News featuring Heritage experts. This week, they touched on hot topics like the impeachment hearings, Iran, China and Hong Kong. Watch the video.



POLICY PICTURE
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Do you agree with Edison? Email us at [email protected].



*Not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professional.


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