Cato Podcast

In this discussion, Chris Edwards, a fiscal policy expert at the Cato Institute, dives into the shocking welfare fraud scandals in Minnesota, particularly the $250 million Feeding Our Future scam. He highlights how federal funding weakens oversight and encourages fraud across multiple programs. Chris distinguishes between organized provider fraud and individual fraud, revealing insights about similar issues nationwide. He advocates for decentralizing welfare to states as a means to improve governance and reduce fraud, while also addressing the impact on private charity.

Glen Lyons, founder of Advocates for Consumer Regulated Electricity and former ExxonMobil executive, discusses the urgent need for market-based solutions in the electricity sector. He highlights the challenge posed by massive data centers on grid reliability and the outdated regulatory frameworks. The conversation delves into innovative concepts like off-grid utilities and Senator Cotton's legislation, aiming to free up electricity markets. Lyons emphasizes the potential for reform to enhance supply, protect consumers, and navigate the complexities of modern energy demands.

Brandan P. Buck, a foreign policy research fellow at the Cato Institute, dives deep into the implications of Nicolás Maduro's arrest. He discusses the ambiguity surrounding U.S. military actions and the gray areas that blur the lines between law enforcement and acts of war. The conversation highlights the potential consequences of unilateral executive actions and the risks they pose to congressional authority. They also explore how this operation could redefine international norms and the dangers of normalizing such executive powers without stronger legal constraints.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Anna Chekhovich, a Russian dissident and financial director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, shares her harrowing journey of being debanked in the U.S. after being labeled an extremist by the Kremlin. She outlines the challenges faced by activists in exile, including the use of Bitcoin as a lifeline, the relentless pressure from banks, and the alarming trend of transnational repression. Anna emphasizes how authoritarian regimes weaponize financial systems to silence critics, highlighting a pressing issue for dissidents worldwide.

Norbert Michel, a Senior policy analyst at the Cato Institute, and Jill Castilla, CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, dive into the controversial push for $10 million in FDIC insurance. They reveal that only a tiny fraction of accounts exceed current limits and that customers aren't clamoring for higher coverage. Jill shares banking tools for protecting large deposits, while Norbert highlights the risks of moral hazard and market distortion. They advocate for targeted regulatory reforms over increasing coverage and emphasize the importance of open debate on this critical issue.

Australia's recent social media ban for those under 16 raises crucial questions about free expression and privacy. The hosts dive into how such policies could push kids to unmonitored platforms instead of making them safer. They highlight the risks of vague definitions of 'harmful' content, which could stifle innocent searches. Moreover, the chilling effects on anonymity threaten dissent and exploration, while the idea of age verification brings troubling privacy concerns. Ultimately, they advocate for empowering parents and fostering open discussions to protect children online.

Join Peter Van Doren, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute specializing in energy policy, and Brent Skorup, a legal expert in transportation regulations, as they dissect the unintended consequences of CAFE standards. They explain how these regulations have favored larger vehicles like SUVs at the expense of small cars, raising costs and reducing safety. The discussion highlights the complexities of electric vehicle mandates, market impacts on vehicle prices, and the ongoing policy flip-flops that frustrate automakers. A revealing look into the car industry's regulatory challenges!

Emily Ekins, Vice President and Director of Polling at the Cato Institute, dives into a revealing new survey about Social Security. Despite overwhelming support, Americans hold misconceptions about its structure and finances. Ekins discusses how myths about personal accounts and proportional benefits muddy the waters of public opinion. Generational divides emerge, with retirees resistant to reforms while Gen Z is more open to changes. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a youth-focused education campaign to address these misunderstandings and facilitate meaningful reform.

Join Matt Mitchell, a Senior Fellow at the Fraser Institute, as he explores alarming global trends in freedom measurement. Nine in ten people are experiencing declines in personal, economic, and civil liberties, with populism and pandemic measures causing chaos. Discover how well-being is linked to freedom, and why documenting these changes matters. The U.S. drop to 15th in the Human Freedom Index sparks discussion about market impacts on personal liberties. They also examine the ripple effects of restrictions and the crucial role of economic freedoms in promoting better societies.

Stephen A. Moses, founder of the Center for Long-Term Care Reform, dives deep into Medicaid's long-term care issues. He reveals how asset sheltering by middle-class families shifts costs to taxpayers, driving up spending and compromising quality. Moses explains the flaws in estate recovery rules and the 'two Mercedes' rule that lets wealthier households qualify for Medicaid. He advocates for reforms to tighten eligibility, eliminate home equity exemptions, and introduce block grants to better control costs and improve access for the most vulnerable.