Michael McKenna
Columns by Michael McKenna
The Inflation Reduction Act tax credits are at risk
Way back in 2022, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that the Inflation Reduction Act would increase the federal deficit by $366 billion over the next 10 years. Published May 11, 2025
Congressional overreach: Greene’s hearing on private fencing match pointless
I believe just about everyone is either a male or a female in every cell of their body, and concerning the primary sexual organs with which they were born. Published May 6, 2025
Trump’s reindustrialization depends on protecting energy giants like Phillips 66
It is safe to say that reindustrializing America is at the center of President Trump's agenda. Published May 4, 2025
Simple truths for complex times: Advice to the next generation
A few days ago, I talked with professor Henry Barbour's public policy class at the University of Mississippi. Published April 30, 2025
Independent agencies: Important for stability, business planning or obstructionists to presidents?
The independent regulatory agencies are among the most troublesome weeds that grow in the federal government. Published April 27, 2025
A valedictory for Pope Francis
One of the best customs that happens in the wake of the death of a pope is that he is no longer referred to by his papal name but rather by his baptismal name. Published April 23, 2025
250 years after Lexington and Concord, do we still fight for freedom?
John Brown, Samuel Hadley, Caleb Harrington, Jonathan Harrington, Robert Munroe, Isaac Muzzey, Asahel Porter and Jonas Parker were the first American casualties in the American Revolution. Published April 20, 2025
Enduring impact of an obscure Jewish carpenter on modern civilization
This weekend, the world's 2 1/2 billion Christians will celebrate the torture, execution and resurrection of an obscure Jewish carpenter. Published April 16, 2025
Trump might be faring better if he had flooded Congress with bills instead of signing orders
In the wake of an election, it is always tempting to conclude that the winning side will advance from victory to victory and all its efforts will result in unalloyed achievements of its policies. Published April 13, 2025
What do Americans say about Trump’s tariffs?
A lot of people are concerned about the president's tariffpalooza. Published April 9, 2025
Significant reform of Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act essential
The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act was presented as an attempt to promote energy independence and diversify the electricity sector. Published April 6, 2025
Time for Trump to turn to tax reform
A few days ago, it was reported that some folks on Team Trump were considering increasing the top federal tax rate to 39.6%, like it was in the Obama years, from 37%, as set in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Published April 2, 2025
We need Canada’s crude oil to help America’s energy supremacy
Although the flavor of the month includes bashing Canada when possible, it is important to remember that our neighbors are essential to creating and sustaining American energy supremacy. Published March 30, 2025
The IMF is trying to kneecap American energy companies
The IMF has told a group of West African nations that loans and foreign aid may be compromised unless they take steps to bolster the amount of foreign currency they have in reserve. Published March 26, 2025
The problem with Notre Dame Cathedral
A few weeks ago, a Francophile friend of mine asked what I thought of the grand reopening of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Paris. Published March 23, 2025
Musk may leave America only broken
A friend of mine -- let's call him Dave -- has been with the federal government for about 30 years and manages the permitting section of a relatively large independent regulatory agency. Published March 19, 2025
St. Patrick’s Day: The Irish story of sacrifice and survival
On Sept. 14, 1607, the Earl of Tyrone and the Earl of Tyrconnell departed Rathmullan in Ireland, heading to Europe. Published March 16, 2025
Washington’s water heater blunder: Why Congress’ fix could burn American manufacturers
Right after Christmas, Team Biden set new efficiency standards for gas tankless water heaters and effectively eliminated the lowest-priced versions of these water heaters. Published March 12, 2025
Trump should focus on tax reform
My friends at the Committee to Unleash Prosperity recently launched the Tax Cut Victory Alliance, which led me to wonder what happened to tax reform. Published March 9, 2025
Congress needs to stop California from banning vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel
An unfortunate quirk of the federal Clean Air Act is that it allows the Environmental Protection Agency to issue waivers to California. Published March 5, 2025
