The baby boom generation was destined to be powerful culturally, economically and politically because of its disproportionate numbers—and because of its own high self-regard.

At this AEI event, housing policy experts will discuss the condition of the housing market and evaluate policy proposals. Mark Fleming, chief economist at CoreLogic, will describe the current status and outlook of the US housing market. Christopher J. Mayer of Columbia University will present the refinance proposal that he and R. Glenn Hubbard of AEI and Columbia University first offered in 2009. AEI’s Phillip Swagel, assistant secretary for economics at the Treasury Department during the financial crisis, will assess the Hubbard/Mayer proposal and other policy options and Steve Liseman from CNBC will comment on the broader macroeconomic impact of these policies and expectations from Wall Street.

The debate in Washington about reducing America's deficit is gathering steam and there are increasing calls to make deep cuts in the defense budget.

The costs of disability programs are rising at an unsustainable pace. In all likelihood this will produce calls for program reforms. More systematic solutions should be considered, like experience rating SSDI payroll taxes.

How are Americans reacting to the federal government's expanded role in the economy and in the provision of health care?

For domestic political reasons unrelated to trade, the US will be in no position to lead on international trade issues for some years. As the US is still the "indispensable nation" for WTO talks, this means 2011 is the last good opportunity for many years.

Background

About a third of the world’s population, concentrated in poorer regions of the world, may be infected with TB, which generally lies dormant until the carrier’s immunity is impaired by another disease (often HIV infection). Without treatment, about half of the patients with active TB will die. According to WHO...