For a while now, a number of voices on the right have been pushing for Republicans to develop more of a substantive policy message heading into the midterms. In fact, the need for a policy agenda is on the cover of the latest issue of National Review.
Axios now reports that House Republicans are floating the idea of a “Commitment to America” to lay out some policy vision. Drafts of documents released by Axios outline broad policy themes on the economy, national security, freedom, and oversight of the Biden administration. The draft documents combine messaging on overall policy vision and concrete policy recommendations.
On immigration, recommendations include restoring the “Remain in Mexico” policy, finishing border barriers, and requiring job applicants to show proof of legal status. Republicans see a new political opportunity in education, so this plan also calls for expanding school choice and empowering parents. Insisting on more antitrust efforts, the “Commitment to America” would replace Section 230 protections for the “largest tech companies” with some policy to be determined. It hits policy points on crime (by withholding federal funds from district attorneys who announce that they will not enforce certain laws) and energy (by encouraging more energy production at home). It aims to cut medical costs by promoting competition and transparency.
Implicit in these draft documents is the vision of a national economy shaped by national interests. For instance, these documents call for more domestic energy production and manufacturing as well as more friend-shoring: concentrating sourcing and supply chains in allied nations. The “Commitment to America” also stays away from specific commitments on areas that have tripped up Republicans in the past, especially entitlement reform.
Political parties out of power can often benefit by running as blank slates — to make an election a referendum on the party in power. However, the blank-slate strategy has its own risks for Republicans in 2022. It could allow Democrats to set the terms for political debates leading up to the midterms. Democrats have also been working hard to transform the 2022 midterms into a choice between them and Trump. Engaging more rigorously on the issues could allow Republicans to turn to more favorable political ground and highlight some of the shortcomings of the Biden administration.