Ripon Forum


Vol. 54, No. 4

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In this edition

“There are some things you don’t want to be right about.” That was Mac Thornberry’s response when he was asked following the 9/11 terrorist attacks how it felt to have introduced a bill to establish a Homeland Security Agency six months before…

The Fight Against COVID-19 and the Lessons of 1918

A Conversation with John Barry about his 2005 book regarding the Great Influenza pandemic 102 years ago and the lessons that can be learned today.

Better Connecting Rural America

If we can communicate with humans on the moon, surely we can find a way to deliver reliable broadband here on Planet Earth.

When a Pandemic and an Epidemic Collide

Since the pandemic began, more than 40 states have reported increases in substance- related deaths.

EXIT INTERVIEW

From the Republican Revolution of 1994 to the global pandemic of 2020, the Texas Republican 26 and retiring lawmaker reflects on some of the more notable developments over his 26 year congressional career.

MEETING THE THREAT

According to the Nebraska Senator, dangerous activity by Russia and China underscores the importance of enacting the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

Transatlantic Relations in Flux

We are at an inflection point after three post-Cold War decades, and the choices confronting the U.S. when it comes to its relations with Europe will shape transatlantic relations going forward.

Seven Years into China’s Belt and Road

American officials have criticized the program as “debt trap diplomacy.” While it is hard to find evidence of debt trap diplomacy, there are real concerns about debt sustainability.

Outcompeting China: A Roadmap for the U.S.

Rather than decoupling the two largest economies in the world, there is a smarter approach to confronting legitimate problems posed by China’s economic model.

The Importance of India and the Growing Chinese Threat

Amid rising tensions with China, the relationship between the U.S. and India has been transformed from one of estranged democracies to engaged democracies.

U.S. Foreign Policy After the Pandemic

While conflict prevention has long been a focus of foreign assistance, the intersection of conflict prevention with other global challenges should be at the forefront of America’s response.

Ripon Profile of Ann Wagner

Ann Wagner discusses the issues facing America’s suburbs and how she’s working to address them.

Ripon Profile of Ann Wagner

Name: Ann Wagner

Occupation: Mom, Grandma, & Member of Congress representing Missouri’s 2nd District

First job and lesson(s) learned from it: One of my first jobs was working in a little carpet store my parents ran called “Carpetime” in Manchester, Missouri. It was there I first learned the values of good customer service and how hard work can help grow a business from the ground up.

Book(s) you’ve read that you’re recommending to friends: I just finished Where the Crawdads Sing and I’m telling everyone about it. It’s a fast read and such a great story.

You serve as Chair of the Suburban Caucus. What are some of the top legislative priorities of the group? We just released our second set of endorsed legislation where we focused on affordable and accessible healthcare, education, childcare, and nursing homes, to name just a few. It included my telehealth legislative package which would permanently expand the telehealth options that have been so successful in addressing the challenges brought on by COVID-19. Especially in times of crisis, it is so important that patients can see their doctor on their own terms when it is most convenient for them. We are also advocating for legislation to maintain coverage for those with preexisting conditions and give premium assistance to those who have been laid off so people can stay on their health insurance during the pandemic. Our world is facing unprecedented difficulties, and no one should lose their health care through no fault of their own. The package will also include protections for nursing home residents and promote televisitation so vulnerable people can better communicate with their families.

The way in which we educate students has also been dramatically altered this year, so we are working to advance legislation to help parents cover increased expenses as students learn from home. Many families are struggling already during the pandemic, and higher education costs should not be an additional burden on working families. We are also focused on helping our schools and daycare centers open safely so families can confidently send their kids back into the classroom and minimize education disruptions

Why are the suburbs so important to Republican electoral prospects this fall? Suburbs have grown as families continue to see greater opportunities outside of cities, whether it is to start a business or have better flexibility in raising their kids. So many middle-class families have decided the suburbs are the best place to put down roots and raise a family, but many are also under the false impression that Republicans aren’t working for them. With suburban regions around the nation continuing to grow, they represent a larger constituency than in years past.

It is our responsibility to prove to these families that we are working to help them take advantage of the diverse opportunities America offers and build a better future for their children and future generations. That’s why the Suburban Caucus is so important; it gives us the chance to highlight Republican initiatives designed to grow our economy, create jobs, and address the unique challenges suburban moms and dads face, especially during this pandemic.