Recent figures indicate that America is in the midst of an economic recovery, yet challenges remain and troubling data persists, leading to debate about the strength and duration of this recovery. Therefore, in this special episode of ABC’s “This Week,” organized in partnership with the Miller Center, we posed the question: “America’s Economic Recovery: Is It Built to Last?”

Economic competitiveness is a recurring theme in the current economic and political discourse. While some bemoan America’s high corporate tax rate, others praise the incentives provided by a mature and liquid financial system. What is often left out of the discussion is the role of America’s labor force. 

Since the mid-1980s, the costs of higher education in America have steadily shifted from the taxpayer to the student and family. As state funding has dwindled, colleges and universities have sought to fill these gaps through a variety of avenues, including philanthropy and research support, but the area of highest growth has been tuition.

Rising budget deficits have become a principal concern of the American people. Yet the current round of health care negotiations has largely sidestepped one of the most costly elements in health spending: end-of-life patient care.

The rapid growth of China, India, Brazil and other emerging powers has dramatically altered the complexion of the global economy in recent years. At the same time, rising deficits, high trade imbalances, a declining dollar, and a lingering economic downturn have placed America's position within the global economy in peril. One area often cited as critical to the nation's future economic strength is higher education.

This policy conference of recognized experts, co-chaired by former Secretaries of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and Samuel K. Skinner, was convened to facilitate original and necessary thinking about the financing, governance, and management of America’s transportation infrastructure.