A Record Low for US Population Growth, How Biden Should Approach Afghanistan, and More

December 28, 2020

The 2010-to-2020 U.S. population growth rate could be the lowest in any decade since the first census was conducted in 1790. William Frey discusses the significance of this trend, previews the upcoming congressional reapportionment, and examines the nation’s long-term demographic future.

COVID-19 has highlighted the chronic economic problems facing millions of Americans, and many households will need assistance to get back on their feet post-pandemic. In their policy brief for our Blueprints series, Richard Reeves and Isabel Sawhill propose eliminating income tax for most of the middle class and creating a service-for-scholarships program to restore prosperity for young Americans.

“The level of the American presence and effort in Afghanistan are now sustainable. President-elect Biden does not need to prioritize this issue in his first 100 days in any rush to get out the door.” In their recent op-ed, Brookings President John R. Allen and Michael O’Hanlon explain the reasons why winding down the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan needs to be a slow and deliberate process.

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