When was the last time you saw an ad opposing drug abuse?

July 12, 2016

Only four days left until Congress heads home for summer recess. Here is your weekly insight: Heritage released a new report today that, among other concerning cultural indicators, found teen drug use has increased. The House had its first hearing on a bill to prevent the government from punishing Americans for their religious beliefs on marriage, and Thursday marks the first anniversary of the Iran nuclear deal. Dig in, we've got all your conservative policy solutions right here. —Michelle Cordero, Managing Editor, Heritage.org

When was the last time you saw an ad opposing drug abuse? Heritage's Index of Culture and Opportunity tracks indicators such as unemployment, marriage, school choice, and other cultural trends that shape the future of American society. One finding in this year's report: From 2005 to 2015 the percentage of 12th-graders reporting drug use increased by 0.5 percent. In an op-ed included, Seth Leibson writes that the change is because "we gave up on the war on drugs." Read more on where America is on and off track.

People of faith deserve protection from discrimination in the marriage debate. This morning, Congress was set to hold its first hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act. Research has found that 65 percent support a bill that prevents the federal government from discriminating against those who support traditional marriage. Read Heritage's report on what the bill does and why it's needed.

This deal has not changed Iran's behavior. One year in and various reports say it looks like Iran violated the nuclear deal by attempting to acquire technology that could be used for its military's nuclear program. This is on top of recent missile testing that could lead to creation of a long-range missile that could deliver a nuclear warhead to the United States and Europe. There is a credible alternative to this dangerous deal; read about it here.

HAPPENING AT HERITAGE

Tuesday at 2 p.m., Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, will discuss problems created by occupational licensing.

Wednesday at noon, Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn (Ret.) and Michael Ledeen will discuss their book, "How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam."

Thursday at noon, former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz will discuss his book, "Obamabomb: The Fraudulent Nuclear Deal With Iran."

POLICY PICTURE

According to the 2016 Index of Military Strength, Iran poses a major potential threat to U.S. bases, interests, and allies in the Middle East by virtue of its ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear ambitions, long-standing support for terrorism, and extensive support for Islamist revolutionary groups. Read more from the threat assessment here.

Have a question? Email us at ManagingEditor@heritage.org.

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