SPPI’s research, commentary, and leadership continue to shape the national conversation on financial regulation, consumer protection, and public-lands governance. Over the past several weeks, major outlets across the country, from national policy platforms to leading regional newspapers, have cited or engaged with our work. Below is a recap of the latest coverage.
DC Journal, Vance Ginn
In a December 23, 2025 column for DC Journal, economist Vance Ginn argues that the CFPB’s Section 1033 “open banking” rule represents serious regulatory overreach that threatens market innovation, privacy, and contractual freedom. Ginn cites SPPI’s latest analysis, which demonstrates that the United States’ financial data ecosystem is already functioning effectively through private agreements and market mechanisms without federal coercion. He notes that SPPI’s work shows how the CFPB’s mandate would distort liability frameworks, impose price controls, and ultimately weaken consumer trust rather than strengthen it.
Read more: It’s Time to End the CFPB and Bury Section 1033 With It.
Denver Post, Aldo Svaldi
Writing for The Denver Post on December 11, 2025, business columnist Aldo Svaldi examines claims from the Center for Responsible Lending that Colorado borrowers still have multiple credit options despite the state’s tight rate caps. The report concludes that borrowers often maintain multiple credit lines and that financial strain is more closely tied to rising living costs than to access limits. The article also acknowledges the policy debate SPPI continues to lead nationally, whether price controls truly protect consumers or unintentionally create greater financial risk for vulnerable households.
Read more: Colorado borrowers have plenty of loan options even with rate limits, study shows.
Idaho Statesman, Editorial Board
In a December 18, 2025 editorial, the Idaho Statesman urges Idaho’s U.S. senators to oppose former Congressman Steve Pearce’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management. The editorial echoes arguments elevated by SPPI President Patrick M. Brenner in his Washington Post op-ed, noting Pearce’s record of supporting public-lands sell-offs and warning that his leadership could accelerate policies harmful to Western communities and balanced land stewardship.
Read more: Idaho’s senators should spike Pearce’s nomination to lead BLM.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Editorial Board
The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel editorial board also weighed in on the Pearce nomination on December 13, 2025, citing SPPI President Patrick M. Brenner and his Washington Post op-ed extensively. The editorial highlights Brenner’s conservative critique of Pearce’s factional leadership style, warning that the Bureau of Land Management requires competence, diplomacy, and the ability to balance diverse stakeholder interests: qualities Pearce has not demonstrated in past leadership roles.
Read more: Hick is right to oppose BLM nonimee early.
Competitive Enterprise Institute, John Berlau
In a December 18, 2025 analysis for the Competitive Enterprise Institute, John Berlau examines federal and congressional efforts to address “debanking,” the politically driven denial of financial services to lawful customers. Berlau cites SPPI’s recent research noting that ordinary Americans, including small business owners, religious organizations, and immigrant entrepreneurs, face increasing risk of losing access to financial services under today’s regulatory environment. He credits SPPI with helping illuminate how regulatory coercion and reporting mandates contribute to financial exclusion rather than fairness.
Read more: Government shouldn’t engage in debanking or forced banking.
Source New Mexico, Susanna Space
In a September 29, 2025 investigation for Source New Mexico, Susanna Space reports on the state’s surge in opioid overdoses, particularly in northern New Mexico. She examines the lack of transparency surrounding how more than $850 million in opioid settlement funds are being managed. The article cites SPPI President Patrick M. Brenner, who stresses the need for stronger safeguards, public accountability, and clearer communication to ensure the funds are used for prevention, treatment, and recovery rather than diverted elsewhere. Brenner warns that without transparency and public engagement, New Mexico risks missing what could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address the opioid crisis meaningfully.
Read more: As overdoses surge in Northern New Mexico, state spending on opioid crisis remains hidden.
