Heritage Foundation

Heritage Foundation. The Heritage Foundation is a prominent American conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., founded in 1973. It is widely recognized for its significant role in shaping public policy and advancing a conservative agenda through research, advocacy, and its influential policy blueprint, Mandate for Leadership. The organization has played a key part in advising numerous Republican administrations and lawmakers on issues ranging from economic policy and national security to social policy.

History

The organization was established on February 16, 1973, by policy entrepreneur Paul Weyrich, conservative activist Edwin Feulner, and philanthropist Joseph Coors. Its creation was partly a response to the perceived failure of established institutions like the Brookings Institution to advance conservative ideas during the presidency of Richard Nixon. With early financial backing from figures like Richard Mellon Scaife, it quickly distinguished itself by focusing on timely, actionable policy research for Congressional staff. A landmark moment in its history was the 1980 publication of its comprehensive guide, Mandate for Leadership, which was presented to the incoming administration of Ronald Reagan and is credited with shaping much of its policy agenda. Under the long leadership of Edwin Feulner, it expanded its influence globally, establishing connections with conservative movements worldwide, including Margaret Thatcher's government in the United Kingdom and think tanks in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Policy influence and advocacy

The organization exerts considerable influence through direct advocacy, legislative scoring, and its deep connections within the Republican Party. Its policy analysts regularly testify before Congressional committees, and its annual Index of Economic Freedom, co-published with *The Wall Street Journal*, is a widely cited international ranking. It was instrumental in developing policy proposals for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and has been a steadfast advocate for a robust military, as seen in its support for the Strategic Defense Initiative and increased defense spending. On social issues, it has been a leading voice against the Affordable Care Act and in support of policies aligned with religious liberty, often filing amicus curiae briefs in pivotal Supreme Court cases such as Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc..

Leadership and organization

The think tank has been led by a series of notable conservative figures. Co-founder Edwin Feulner served as president for over three decades, building its institutional strength. He was succeeded by former United States Senator Jim DeMint in 2013, whose tenure emphasized political activism. Following DeMint's departure, Kay C. James, who had previously served in the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, became president. The current president is Kevin Roberts, a former head of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. The organization is governed by a board of trustees that has included influential individuals like Steve Forbes and former Attorney General Edwin Meese. It operates several specialized advocacy arms, including its political action sister organization, Heritage Action for America.

Publications and research

Its research output is vast and disseminated through multiple channels. Its flagship publication remains the Mandate for Leadership series, with new editions released to guide incoming presidential administrations. The daily news outlet, *The Daily Signal*, provides conservative commentary and reporting. Scholars produce numerous policy papers, backgrounders, and reports on topics from health care reform and welfare policy to nuclear deterrence and China–United States relations. Notable recurring publications include the Federal Budget in Pictures and the aforementioned Index of Economic Freedom. Its experts are frequently cited in media outlets like Fox News and *The Washington Times*.

Controversies and criticism

The organization has faced significant controversy and criticism from progressives, academic circles, and even some conservatives. Critics, including the Center for American Progress, often accuse it of prioritizing ideological goals over rigorous, non-partisan research. Its advocacy against climate change policy and the Environmental Protection Agency has drawn scrutiny from scientists and environmental groups. Internal disputes have also surfaced, such as tensions during the presidency of Jim DeMint over the group's shift toward political activism, leading to the departure of several longtime scholars. Its staunch opposition to the Legal Services Corporation and certain aspects of the Voting Rights Act has been a persistent point of contention in political debates.

Category:Conservative think tanks in the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:1973 establishments in Washington, D.C.