Concerns about the putative political and electoral consequences of the Citizens United decision have fostered several proposals to amend the Constitution. Most simply propose giving Congress unchecked new power over spending on political speech, power that will be certainly abused. In a new paper, Cato scholar John Samples argues that the public purposes cited for restricting political spending and speech are not persuasive and do not justify the breadth of power granted under these amendments. “Americans should defend—not amend away—the freedom of speech recognized by the First Amendment,” says Samples.

• “Move to Defend: The Case against the Constitutional Amendments Seeking to Overturn Citizens United,” by John Samples

The OPEC cartel has been the key actor in world crude oil markets for four decades and counting. In a new study published by Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE), authors Andrew Morriss and Roger Meiners conclude that much of the volatility that characterizes world crude oil markets can be laid at the cartel’s doorstep and, as a consequence, “the international market for oil is not a free market.” On April 25, Morriss and Meiners will discuss the policy implications of their findings at Cato with Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President and CEO of FedEx.

• “The Impact of Cartel Behavior on Global Oil Prices and the Challenge to Free Markets,” Cato Event, April 25

The Senate’s bipartisan “Gang of Eight” early Wednesday released its immigration reform bill, the cornerstones of which are increased border security and a path to legal residency for undocumented migrants. Cato has long argued that a key component of politically feasible immigration reform has to be increased numbers of guest workers and legal immigrants. “Only a timely, cheap, and lawful way to enter and work in the United States will stanch unauthorized immigration and grow our economy,” argues Cato scholar Alex Nowrasteh.

• “How to Make Guest Worker Visas Work,” by Alex Nowrasteh
• “Tiered Guest Workers – Preliminary Details & Observations,” by Alex Nowrasteh
• “Heritage Immigration Study Fatally Flawed,” by Alex Nowrasteh
• “Poor Immigrants Use Public Benefits at a Lower Rate than Poor Native-Born Citizens,” by Leighton Ku and Brian Bruen

With the tragedy at Newtown still fresh in Americans’ minds, the Senate this week takes up debate on the new gun control bill. There is room for positive compromise, writes Cato scholar Trevor Burrus—but only if the two major political parties adjust their thinking: “Democrats must stop pursuing ineffective laws, and Republicans must confront the problem of how guns get in the wrong hands.”

• “Gun Debate Won’t End until There Is Respect on Both Sides,” by Trevor Burrus
• “Schumer-Toomey Gun Bill Deserves a Committee Hearing,” by David B. Kopel
• “Reflections on Gun Control by a Second Amendment Advocate,” by Robert A. Levy