Beltway News: Immigration To Add 75 Million People In Future, Researchers Say

Using current Census Bureau data, two researchers now predict that the nation's population will be transformed in the future — and immigration is the catalyst.

"Net immigration will add 75 million to the population, accounting for 95 percent of the increase by 2060. Despite such transformative growth, this high level of immigration will do little to increase the size of the working-age population or the ratio of potential workers to those of retirement age," say Steven Camarota, director of research for the Center for Immigration Studies, and demographer Karen Zeigler.

"The debate over immigration should not be whether it makes for a much larger population — it does. The debate over immigration should also not be whether it has a large impact on increasing the working-age share of the population or the ratio of workers to retirees — it does not. The key question for the public and policymakers is what costs and benefits come with having a much larger population and a more densely settled country," the researchers wrote.

"Some foresee a deteriorating quality of life with a larger population, including its impact on such things as pollution, congestion, loss of open spaces, and sprawl. Others may feel that a much larger population will create more opportunities for businesses, workers, and consumers. These projections do not resolve those questions. What the projections do tell us is where we are headed as a country in terms of the size and density of our population. The question for the nation is: Do we wish to go there?" they said.

Dealing with the Green New Deal

Democrats with an eye on the White House don't seem concerned if they appear to be leaning socialist.

"We've seen Democrat after Democrat who's announcing for 2020 embrace the Green New Deal. They have made it a centerpiece of many of their announcements. Let's get them on the record. Let's make it very clear. Democrats are for moving toward socialism and a total government takeover of every aspect of our economy, and telling Americans what they can do," Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tells Fox News.

"Republicans are for capitalism, allowing entrepreneurship and innovation, and for our country to grow and jobs to come back and wages to rise. So those are the two stark choices we are putting forward. Let them take the vote. Let's see where they stand. Put your money where your mouth is," said Mrs. McDaniel.

"It's funny, according to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the world is about to end in 12 years, so we should take the vote right now. We need to get this done," she added.

One for Ollie

National Rifle Association President Oliver L. North will be the 2019 recipient of the Semper Fidelis Award from The Marine Corps University Foundation — an honor that has gone in past years to the late President George H.W. Bush and former President George W. Bush, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and actor Clint Eastwood — among many.

The honor singles out leaders whose "personal and professional excellence embodies those qualities of leadership and character uniquely associated with the United States Marine Corps" — and has been presented since 1985.

"For almost two and a half centuries, the United States Marine Corps has produced millions of brave men and women who have fought courageously from the shores of Fort Nassau to the streets of Fallujah and the shadows of the Hindu Kush. The Marine Corps University Foundation's noble mission is to help shape better Marines, indeed better warriors. I am humbled and honored to be recognized by this distinguished body," says Mr. North, himself a retired U.S. Marine lieutenant colonel.

The awards ceremony and black-tie dinner will take place next month in Northern Virginia.

One for the seniors

The Trump administration is righting yet another wrong.

"We've found that in our Medicare program for senior citizens, for the drugs that doctors administer in their offices to patients, we're paying 180 percent of what the Europeans, the Canadians, and the Japanese are paying for the exact same drugs," Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar says in a new video, citing the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

"PhRMA is making all their profit here in the United States, and then they're giving these sweetheart deals in the other countries," said Mr. Azar, noting that President Trump is determined to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs.

"Already, the president's efforts to put patients in control have resulted in the single largest decline in drug prices in 46 years. The FDA approved a record number of generic drugs in 2017 and 2018 as alternatives to expensive brand-name medicines. All told, these approvals have saved customers a staggering $26 billion," Mr. Azar noted.

"The next chapter in the fight against high drug prices is increasing transparency and ending the practice of global free-riding. Hospitals, insurance companies, and drug companies should be required to disclose real prices to patients to drive costs down. And Americans must get a share of whatever discounts other wealthy countries receive," he said.

The Valentine Trump bump

Americans will spend a record-setting $20.7 billion on Valentine's Day this year, and many, many millions will be spent on one demographic in particular, according to the National Retail Federation.

Americans will drop $886 million on Valentine gifts and treats for their pets — up by $519 million since the organization first began investigating the habit. A fifth of the nation will buy something for their furred, feathered or finned family members, spending about $7 on average — about the same as they'd spend on a co-worker.

"Valentine's Day means different things for different people," said Phil Rist of Prosper Insights and Analytics, which conducted the research for the retail group.

Poll du jour

• 77 percent of U.S. voters would not vote for a politician who had committed a felony; 82 percent of Republicans, 72 percent of independents and 76 percent of Democrats agree.

• 61 percent would not vote for a politician who had been accused of sexual harassment or assault; 55 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of independents and 71 percent of Democrats agree.

• 51 percent would not vote for a politician who had worn blackface; 42 percent of Republicans, 48 percent of independents and 62 percent of Democrats agree.

• 39 percent would not vote for a politician who had cheated on his or her spouse; 35 percent of Republicans, 38 percent of independents and 45 percent of Democrats agree.

Source: A Politico/Morning Consult poll of 1,191 registered U.S. voters conducted Feb. 7-10

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