The Heritage Foundation, a US think tank, published a landmark report titled “Landmark Report on Rebuilding and Strengthening U.S. Families” on Thursday, urging the federal government to “save and restore American families.”
The report suggested the establishment of “marriage boot camps” to help couples prepare for marriage, the introduction of a “universal day of rest” based on “blue laws” that restrict alcohol sales, and discouraging online dating, stating that “couples who meet online are less likely to get married.”
Led by Roger Severino, Vice President of Economics and Domestic Policy at the Heritage Foundation, the report emphasized the government’s responsibility to remove barriers that could undermine the foundation of the country. It criticized the federal government for not prioritizing marriage beyond redefining the institution.
The report called for policies that promote and protect the formation of families, not just procreation, and discourage any actions that undermine marriage or delay marriage unnecessarily. It highlighted the need for tax laws that do not penalize marriage or encourage single-parent households and education policies that do not incentivize delaying marriage for unnecessary academic pursuits.
The report urged the government to issue executive orders requiring every federal funding, contract, policy, regulation, research project, and enforcement action to accurately measure their impact on marriage and family, prevent discrimination against family formation, and prioritize measures supporting American families.
Identifying food security and the lack of affordable childcare services as two key issues facing families, the report recommended subsidies for married families and stressed that children are best raised by their biological parents.
While acknowledging the benefits of in vitro fertilization (a medical procedure to help infertile individuals build families), the report opposed adopting such practices outside of marriage.
The report also commended President Trump’s commitment to addressing the root causes of infertility. During his second term, President Trump signed an executive order in his first month aimed at reducing the cost of IVF treatments and soliciting advice on ensuring the accessibility of IVF treatments and significantly reducing out-of-pocket and insurance costs for IVF treatments.
In October, President Trump issued new federal guidelines allowing companies to offer fertility benefits separate from primary health insurance plans and reached an agreement with the German company EMD Serono to lower the price of a commonly used fertility drug.
President Trump drew inspiration from the Heritage Foundation. During the 2024 election, he distanced himself from the Foundation’s “2025 Plan” but some principles from the plan influenced significant initiatives in his second term.
JD Vance, President Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election, praised the Heritage Foundation as the most influential thought engine for Republicans from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump.
Vice President Pence has repeatedly expressed his commitment to making family formation a priority policy and has proposed ideas such as allowing parents to vote on behalf of their children and providing low-interest loans to married couples with children.
(Adapted from the Associated Press report)